IAA Premiere: New Opel Corsa Meets Rare Opel Corsa GT

• Predecessor: rare first-generation Opel Corsa GT on Opel stand
• Time-travel: 1987 “young-timer” drives 2,700 km from Portugal to IAA
• World premiere: sixth-generation Opel Corsa in the spotlight at Frankfurt show
• In the tradition: from sporty Opel Corsa GT to battery-electric Opel Corsa-e Rally

New Opel Corsa meets rare Opel Corsa GT

Opel is celebrating three world premieres at this year’s IAA Frankfurt International Motor Show (public days September 12-22). New Opel Astra with high efficiency engines, Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 with e-All-Wheel Drive (WLTP fuel consumption, weighted, combined: 1.6 l/100 km, 37 g/km CO2; NEDC: 1.6 l/100 km, 36 g/km CO2) and the new sixth-generation Corsa in three versions. The best-selling small car (more than 13.6 million units) is going electric and with the Corsa-e Rally – also making its debut at the IAA – even forms the basis of an emissions-free competition car. At the IAA the new Opel Corsa will be joined by a special guest – a rare 1987 Opel Corsa GT in yellow, a testament to 37 years of fun and success. The not-so-old-timer was driven from its last home in Portugal to the Opel Classic Workshop in Rüsselsheim. From there it will drive to the IAA in Frankfurt, where it will contribute tradition and further excitement to the launch of the new Opel Corsa.

Opel the reliable: 2,700km from Porto to Rüsselsheim via Zaragoza

It took a while for Opel Classic to find a scarce first-generation Opel Corsa GT. This particular example, originally registered in Spain, was languishing, forgotten, in a garage in Portugal. Drive to Frankfurt for the small, unassuming Gran Turismo starts from a carpark at the harbour of Porto.

Opel offered the GT from April 1985 until autumn 1987. It was the successor of the Opel Corsa SR, with a 70hp 1.3-litre carburettor engine. Extra power and the subtle spoilers made the GT the sportsman of the first Corsa generation – until the more extrovert GSi arrived in 1988. A five-speed manual gearbox tamed the thirst and the rpm on longer trips.

Even today, keeping up with the traffic in the Opel Corsa GT is surprisingly quiet and effortless. There is no unnecessary firmness in the chassis, no slack in the steering and no superfluous information in the instrument panel: apart from the usual dials, only a rev counter and an oil pressure gauge. Fuel consumption matches the official figures of the time – more than six litres per 100 km is hardly ever burned. 750 kg kerb weight is a big help here, and also allows a power-to-weight ratio of 10.71 kg per horsepower.

On the way from Portugal to Rüsselsheim, GT drops in at Zaragoza, where it was built in 1987. The car is even allowed to visit the production plant. As the yellow Opel Corsa stops at the assembly line, lots of employees come over as if to greet a long lost friend.

Journey east goes past Barcelona, across France and from Basel along the Rhine. A total of 2,700km for a 32-year-old Opel Corsa that was ripped out of peaceful retirement in Portugal – without any repairs for the long road trip. As the GT pulls up in Rüsselsheim, the Opel Classic team is waiting eagerly.

Project “IAA 2019”: From plucky pensioner to show star

The warm sunshine in Spain and Portugal has been good for the Opel Corsa GT. A life without salty roads means no rust, no rot. Yellow oldie is still in good condition. TÜV agrees and after the check-up for German registration the inspectors put their precious sticker on the licence plate. But now comes the much higher hurdle: the experts from Opel Classic give the new arrival a thorough examination. Several pairs of beady eyes discover numerous more or less serious imperfections – dents in the roof, non-original badging, scratched glass, worn out seat cushions. Even the horn sounds wrong! In the end the car is taken apart completely.

Opel Classic team get together with their colleagues from the Service Workshop. “Project IAA 2019” is formed, under the leadership of Thorsten Götz and Dieter Eder. Piece by piece they rebuild the Corsa puzzle. First the reconditioned engine, followed by the suspension, shock absorbers and springs. Freshly painted body gets new trim and the correct GT badges. Then come the original light-alloy wheels. Finally the windows are installed, thanks to a friendly Opel dealer who has them in stock, of course.

Opel Corsa GT is now ready for its second life that will begin in grand style – at the 68th IAA Frankfurt International Motor Show. Visitors can admire the freshly restored Opel Corsa GT on the Opel stand D31 in hall 11.0. World premiere of the sixth-generation Opel Corsa is bound to benefit.

Opel Grandland X rolls off the line in Eisenach

• Investments in Eisenach: Modernization of the location and localization of the Groupe PSA EMP2 platform 
• Clear future prospects: Long-standing Opel Grandland X production 
• Further step in the electrification of the Opel brand: From the beginning of 2020, Opel Grandland X will also be produced as a hybrid

Today marks the beginning of a new era for the Groupe PSA plant in Eisenach: Production of the compact SUV Opel Grandland X in Thuringia has officially started. Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller and Yann Vincent, Groupe PSA Vice President Manufacturing & Supply Chain, opened the extensively rebuilt assembly line at the site on Wednesday in the presence of Thuringia's Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow.

"Today is a great day for all our employees here in Eisenach, for the entire region and for Opel customers. With the production of the Opel Grandland X we open a new chapter for the location. Because the car is not only in a growing vehicle segment at the start, but will be produced as a hybrid version here from next year and thus contributes to the electrification of Opel. Popularity of the Opel Grandland X has increased steadily in recent years and we are sure that this model will create a sustainable future for the plant, "said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller.

Thuringia's Prime Minister Ramelow welcomed the clear future prospects for the employees: "We are pleased that the company has invested in the location. Factory belongs to Eisenach like the Wartburg and is an important economic factor - far beyond the region. "

Opel Grandland X: Assembly in Eisenach plant

Conversion work at the Eisenach plant, which localized the Groupe PSA EMP2 platform, started in May of this year. In the past few months, almost no stone was left on the other. Among other things, the "wedding" - the connection of chassis and body to a single unit - has been completely modernized, and a more efficient and environmentally friendly painting process has been introduced.

Opel Grandland X: Assembly in Eisenach plant

Yann Vincent thanked the staff in Eisenach for their efforts in the extensive conversion and training phase: "Team has shown a high level of commitment and prepared Eisenach for the future. I am convinced that all employees will produce the Opel Grandland X for our customers in outstanding quality. Groupe PSA brings the latest technology to the Eisenach plant with the Opel Grandland X and the EMP2 multi-energy platform."

First Opel Grandland X from Eisenach production - Topas Blue with 1.6-liter turbo-gasoline direct injection and 133 kW / 180 hp (fuel consumption: urban 7.2-7.1 l / 100 km, out of 5.0-4, 9 l / 100 km, combined 5.8-5.7 l / 100 km, 132-130 g / km CO2 , fuel consumption according to WLTP: combined 8.0-7.1 l / 100 km, 181-161 g / km CO2 ) - handed over to Michael Lohscheller, Yann Vincent, Eisenach Lord Mayor Katja Wolf and Opel brand ambassador Eva Padberg to the Museum Automobile World Eisenach, where the vehicle will soon take a place of honor.

Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller and Opel brand ambassador Eva Padberg

Since its launch, the Opel Grandland X has sold more than 160,000 copies. And the trend is pointing upwards. This trend will intensify, because the Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 will not only be the first electrified Opel "made in Germany". Compact SUV from Eisenach will also be the spearhead of Opel's comeback in the Russian market this year, flanked by the new Opel Vivaro and the new Opel Zafira Life.

World Premiere IAA: Opel First Carmaker to Present Electric Rally Car

• ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup: world’s first rally brand cup for electric cars
• For customer sport: New battery electric rally car based on Opel Corsa-e
• Good cooperation: Opel and ADAC continue their successful partnership
• Tradition: Opel has won seven European and one world rally championship

New Opel Corsa-e: Electric Rally Car

Opel is the first automobile manufacturer in the world to offer a battery-electric vehicle for customer rally sport. Electric competition car is based on the Opel Corsa-e, which is already available to order, and will make its world premiere at the IAA Frankfurt International Motor Show (public days September 12-22). In 2020 Opel and the ADAC will start the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup, the first rally brand cup for electric cars in the world.

With the new series, Opel and the ADAC are continuing their successful partnership. In the past years, the ADAC Opel Rallye Cup has been the perfect entry ticket to rallying for around 100 young drivers from 18 countries. Fastest also displayed their talents internationally in the ADAC Opel Junior Rallye team. Opel juniors won the European championship four times in succession (2015 to 2018) with the Opel ADAM R2. New Opel Corsa-e now replaces Opel ADAM on the rally stages. New competition car produces 100 kW (136 hp) and develops 260 Nm of torque from a standstill.

“Opel Corsa-e is the electric car for everyone – fully suited to everyday use and absolutely affordable, attributes that equally apply to motor sport. New Opel Corsa is also fun to drive and particularly dynamic. Using the production car as the basis, we are the first carmaker in the world to have developed an electric rally car” said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller.

Hermann Tomczyk, President ADAC Sport, added: “With the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup we are bringing electric drive for the first time to mainstream sport and especially to young-driver support. The innovative concept and the cooperation with Groupe PSA opens new possibilities for us, especially in the support of young drivers. I am certain that the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup will point the way ahead for motor sport far beyond the borders of Germany.”

Initially the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup will take place during rounds of the German Rally Championship and other selected events. Series is scheduled to begin in summer 2020. At least ten qualifying rounds through 2021 will form a so-called “Super Season”. A pyramid of support for young drivers is part of the concept, which also foresees a new edition of the successful ADAC Opel Rallye Academy, established in 2016, as the first level. At the time, more than 1,000 youngsters showed their interest in the unique “rally casting”, which led straight to the ADAC Opel Rallye Cup for the most talented participants. This successful concept will be continued and expanded into the top international echelon of the sport.

In the next step after graduating from the academy and the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup, the best young drivers will progress to the European Junior Rally Championship with the new Opel Corsa R2. Integration of Opel in Groupe PSA offers additional possibilities for top talents: sister-brand Peugeot competes with powerful FIA R5 machines and Citroën even with world rally cars – excellent opportunities for rising to the very highest level of international rally sport.

“Opel has traditionally strong connections with rallying” said Lohscheller. “We can look back with pride on numerous successes, including seven European championship titles as well as the World Rally Championship in 1982 with Walter Röhrl and Christian Geistdörfer in the Opel Ascona 400. Now we are moving forward with electric drive and fans will be amazed by the performance of our e-cup rally car”.

Development of the Opel Corsa-e Rally in Rüsselsheim continues at a rapid pace. Fifteen cars are planned for the 2020/2021 ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup. Price for customer cars from Opel Motorsport will be significantly less than €50,000 (net).

Electric motor: Synchronous

Power: 100 kW (136 hp)

Torque: 260 Nm

Battery: Lithium-ion, 50 kWh

Transmission: Front-wheel drive with Torsen differential

Suspension: Rally suspension

McPherson strut with uniball joints front

Wheels: 7 x 17; ET20

Steering: Electric power steering

Brakes: 4-piston brake calipers, Interior ventilated 332x28 mm front discs, 264x12 mm rear discs Hydraulic brake pressure adjustable at rear, especially adapted for recuperation, adapted brake management and recuperation, hydraulic “fly-off” handbrake

Chassis: Lightweight body-in-white with integrated roll-cage, underbody protection for engine and transmission, electric fire extinguisher, dry battery (standard in engine compartment), quick-release fasteners for bonnet and tailgate

Electrical system: ESP, traction control (TC) and ABS deactivated, motorsport display with data-logger, newly developed high-voltage (HV) safety warning system

Optional: Tripmaster & additional lighting

Dimensions: Length: 4,060 mm

Width: 1,770 mm (5.0 mm wider than production)

Height: 1,440 mm (5.0 mm higher than production

Wheelbase: 2,540 mm (2.0 mm longer than production)

Five Power Units Under 100g CO2: New Opel Astra Available to Order

• Efficient petrol units: three 1.2 litre three-cylinder turbo engines with 99 g/km CO2
• Frugal diesels: two 1.5 litre three-cylinder units with manual gearbox and 94 g/km CO2
• New generation engines: all powertrains already meet future Euro 6d standard
• Top aerodynamics: lowest drag coefficients reduce consumption
• Leading innovations: optimised front camera and digital instruments
• Public premiere: at the IAA in Frankfurt from September 12-22 in hall 11.0

New Opel Astra

New Opel Astra celebrates its public premiere at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (public days September 12-22). The five-door limousine (from €19,990, all prices RRP incl. VAT in Germany) and the Sports Tourer (from €20,990) are now available to order and come in the trim lines Edition, GS Line, Elegance, Ultimate and as the “120 Years” special model. This new Opel Astra is the most efficient ever with up to 21 per cent lower CO2 emissions than the predecessor. Five of the seven powertrain combinations on offer even undercut the magical 100 gram mark for CO2 emissions per kilometre driven (according to NEDC). With a completely new generation of engines and transmissions, the Opel Astra sets standards for low emissions, putting it at the top of the compact class.

Opel Astra’s ultra-modern three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines ensure lively driving performance and guarantee top driving comfort with minimum noise generation. A counter-rotating balance shaft in the block of the three-cylinder engines offsets vibrations. Base power units have a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. A new stepless automatic (continuously variable) transmission and a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic also contribute to lower fuel consumption and higher comfort.

New Opel Astra Sports Tourer 

Meticulous development in the wind tunnel also made a significant contribution to the reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. At 0.26 Cd,  Sports Tourer belongs to the estate cars with the lowest drag coefficient in the world, while the five-door leads the hatchback class at 0.26 Cd. As a result, the new Opel Astra is one of the most aerodynamic compact cars on the market.

Opel Astra’s agile chassis has been further developed. New shock absorbers increase comfort. Optional dynamic chassis features stiffer dampers, a more direct steering and a Watts link at the rear axle.

New Opel Astra: Optional dynamic chassis features stiffer dampers, a more direct steering and Watts link at the rear axle

Thanks to state-of-the-art emissions reduction technologies such as Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) and diesel Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), all the Astra’s new powertrains already meet the future Euro 6d emission standard. New all-aluminium engines are equipped as standard with fuel-saving stop/start technology. New Opel Astra also comes with many other top technologies, from the new front and rear view camera to the digital speedometer and the next generation of infotainment. e-Call emergency call system is also on board. A wireless charger in the centre console for smartphones is optionally available.

Efficiency champions: up to 21 percent lower CO2 emissions

New turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, which are as economical as they are lively, are primarily responsible for the exemplary efficiency.

Compact, three-cylinder, turbo petrol units are available with 1.2 and 1.4-litre displacements. With power outputs extending from 81 kW (110 hp) to 107 kW (145 hp) and maximum torque from 195 to 236 Newton metres, they achieve an excellent balance between performance and efficiency (NEDC1 fuel consumption: urban 6.4-5.2 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.2-3.8 l/100 km, combined 5.0-4.3 l/100 km, 116-99 g/km CO2; WLTP combined: 6.2-5.2, 142-119 g/km CO2; preliminary figures). New Opel Astra 1.2 Direct Injection Turbo is combined with a six-speed manual gearbox while Opel Astra 1.4 Direct Injection Turbo is available with stepless automatic transmission. Integration of the water-cooled exhaust manifold in the cylinder head contributes to quick engine warm-up, which lowers emissions after a cold start. All petrol engines feature variable valve timing and are up to six kilogrammes lighter than the previous three-cylinder units. 1.2 Turbo petrol engine with 96 kW (130 hp) emits around 21 percent less CO2 than the comparable predecessor model. Typical for Opel is the excellent transient throttle response of the petrol engines – at 1,500 rpm, 90 per cent of the maximum torque is already available within 1.5 seconds of flooring the accelerator.

New Opel Astra: 9-Speed-AT HydraMatic

High efficiency: less than 100 g/km CO2 from new Opel Astra Turbo-diesel

New Opel Astra’s 1.5-litre diesel engines have the same positive characteristics. Reduced-friction, light-alloy engines feature a balance shaft and variable-geometry turbochargers. Common rail fuel injection system operates at up to 2,000 bar. High-tech three-cylinder units offer 77 kW (105 hp) to 90 kW (122 hp) and depending on power output 260 to 300 Nm of maximum torque (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 6.0-4.0 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.0-3.2 l/100 km, combined 4.7-3.6 l/100 km, 125-94 g/km CO2; WLTP2 combined: 5.6-4-4, 147-117 g/km CO2; preliminary figures).

Optimum exhaust after-treatment of the Opel Astra 1.5 diesel is delivered by the state-of-the-art emissions reduction system consisting of a passive oxidation catalyst, AdBlue injector, SCR catalyst and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

Fully digital: New front and rear view camera, digital speedometer

Opel Astra already offers a portfolio of state-of-the-art technologies and assistance systems that is unrivalled in this vehicle class – first and foremost the adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix light. New Opel Astra is also available with optional extra energy-efficient LED headlamps that each consume only 13 watts in normal use. Extensive offer also includes systems such as adaptive cruise control, following distance indication, forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition and lane keep assist, to name but a few. Also available are AGR-certified (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) ergonomic seats – in fabric, Alcantara or premium leather trim – with ventilation and massage function. New Opel Astra is also highly digitalised with a new optional high-tech front camera as well as rear view camera.

New Opel Astra: Interior with AGR-certified (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) Ergonomic seats 

New front camera is smaller and more powerful than before, thanks to a faster processor. It now not only detects vehicles, but also pedestrians – an important safety bonus. Digital rear view camera available in conjunction with the new Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment system is also more powerful. View of the traffic behind the vehicle on the monitor is more distinct and precise; the contrasts are more visible in the dark.

Opel Astra customers enjoy top connectivity with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible systems Multimedia Radio, Multimedia Navi and Multimedia Navi Pro. They belong to the newest infotainment generation – smarter, faster and more intuitive. The top-of-the-line Multimedia Navi Pro – as in the Opel Insignia flagship – has an eight-inch colour touchscreen with a display choice in “Tour” or “Sport” mode. Multimedia Navi Pro can be individualised and also be operated by voice control. Connected Navigation services with real-time traffic information and online map updates make the journey more relaxed. Navigation display itself appears with redesigned symbols in a fresher, more modern look. Same applies to the instrument cluster: drivers in the new Opel Astra are the first to have a digital speedometer.

New Opel Astra - Digital speedometer

Driving pleasure: Wireless charging and Bose Sound System

Comfort is a top priority in the new Opel Astra. A practical feature when travelling: compatible smartphones can now also be charged inductively via wireless charging. All you have to do is insert your smartphone into the opening provided in the centre console.

New Opel Astra transforms into a concert hall with the optional Bose high-end sound system. A total of seven loudspeakers including a RichBass subwoofer under the boot ensure optimum listening pleasure. The driver and passengers are surrounded by a rich sound – regardless of where they are in the vehicle. In addition, up to eight different sound profiles can be stored via the digital amplifier – depending on the taste and preference of the music lover.

Last but not least, new Opel Astra introduces another comfort feature that makes driving in the cold season more pleasant and safer: heated windscreen. Fine, almost invisible wires in the windscreen ensure that Opel Astra drivers quickly have a clear view of the road on frosty days and that the windscreen no longer fogs up.

In great demand with the new Opel Asta Sports Tourer and still on offer: sensor-controlled tailgate that automatically opens and closes as soon as the driver moves his foot under the rear bumper with the key in his pocket.

New Opel Astra again sets standards in its class with these top technologies as well as with exemplary fuel consumption and CO2 values for both diesel and petrol engines.

Kings of Aerodynamics: New Opel Astra Shares Calibra’s Crown

• Most aerodynamic: New Opel Astra hatchback and Sports Tourer lead their class
• Active full-face shutter: front grille opens and closes according to driving conditions
• Smooth airflow: aerodynamically optimized underbody for even lower drag
• IAA star: New Opel Astra makes world premiere at Frankfurt International Motor Show

New Opel Astra, which will make its world premiere at the IAA Frankfurt International Motor Show (public days September 12-22), has joined the legendary Opel Calibra and the Opel Insignia as the most aerodynamic automobiles the German carmaker has ever produced. With a drag coefficient of 0.26 for the Opel Astra hatchback as well as the Sports Tourer estate, the new compact Opel belongs to the most aerodynamic cars in its class. Drag has a major influence on fuel consumption. Aerodynamic efficiency is therefore key to reducing CO2 emissions.

Opel Calibra

As the king of aerodynamics, Opel Calibra has worn the crown for almost 30 years. With a drag factor of 0.26 Cd, the sleek coupé makes no secret of its wind-cheating talents; but the new Astra’s equally low drag has been reached by the optimization of details that are less obvious to the naked eye. Current model, which made its world premiere at the IAA in 2015 and was elected European Car Of The Year the following year, already has a low drag coefficient of 0.29. When it came to the development of the new Astra, the engineers in Rüsselsheim refused to rest on their laurels. Instead they gave themselves an ambitious new goal – class-leading aerodynamics for both the hatchback and the Sports Tourer estate versions of the compact bestseller.

New Opel Astra  Sports Tourer 

Using the Stuttgart University wind tunnel operated by the Research Institute of Automotive Engineering and Vehicle Engines, the development team concentrated on optimising the current Astra’s already excellent aerodynamics for the new model.

An automobile produces 40 to 50 per cent of its total aerodynamic drag in and around the underbody, the wheels and the wheel arches. Opel engineers therefore focussed much of their attention on these areas. They also formed a special cross-functional task force to develop a new full-face active shutter.

New Astra’s full-face active shutter further improves fuel efficiency by closing the top as well as the bottom of the grille. By combining thermal, electrical and aerodynamic considerations, intelligent control strategies for opening and closing the upper and lower portions of the grille – even independently from each other – can enable highly efficient driving under a variety of real-life conditions. For example, a ten per cent cut in drag results in a fuel consumption reduction of around two per cent in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), or up to five per cent when driving at 130 km/h.

Reduction in drag achieved by the full-face active shutter alone lowers CO2 emissions of the new Astra by up to 2.0 g/km.

Full-face active shutter: Thermal as well as aerodynamic benefits

The full-face shutter also delivers thermal advantages by delaying cooling down after switching off the engine, or by accelerating the engine warm-up after a cold start, which especially in winter provides significant benefits in fuel consumption and cabin heating comfort.

Despite the apparent simplicity and logic of the solution, the full-face active shutter represents a significant challenge for designers and engineers: they need to consider numerous factors, including not only styling, packaging, and pedestrian protection, but also insurance ratings, engine and transmission types, their corresponding thermal management and, of course, cooling requirements.

Underbody airflow-improvements include a cover under the engine and transmission, panels at the front of the floor, an enlarged fuel tank heat-shield that doubles as an air deflector, ride-height lowered by up to 10mm, depending on the model variant, and aerodynamically shaped control arms at the rear axle.

In total, the aerodynamic optimization of the new Opel Astra saves 4.5g of CO2 per kilometre in the WLTP cycle. In the context of increasingly strict CO2 standards, this is a hugely important saving: as of 2021, an average CO2 emissions target of 95 grams CO2 per kilometre for the new car fleet will apply in the European Union.

IAA star 1989: World premiere for aerodynamics champion Opel Calibra

New Opel Astra makes its world premiere at the IAA exactly thirty years after the Opel Calibra. Following the start of production in 1990, the two-door coupé from Rüsselsheim ruled for ten years as the most aerodynamic production car in the world, with a drag coefficient of only 0.26. Opel Calibra owed its reign to its long, low profile and a host of aerodynamic tweaks, such as optimum height of the front spoiler and the inward tapering of the rear end. Rocker mouldings between the front and rear wheels further reduced drag by preventing the air flowing underneath the car from spilling outward.

Aerodynamics champion: Opel Calibra

Opel Calibra was the most successful sports coupé of the 1990s, more than 238,600 units were produced between 1989 and 1997. The Calibra was available with a total of five power outputs, ranging from the 85 kW (115 hp) 2.0 litre to the 150 kW (204 hp) turbo. Highlight of the Calibra’s career in motor sport was victory in the 1996 International Touring Car championship.

ITC champion Manuel Reuter in Opel Calibra on the Hockenheimring track, May 1996. 

Opel Combo Life: More Power and Refinement for Powertrain Portfolio

• Strong: Euro 6d petrol engine with 96 kW (130hp) and 230 Nm maximum torque
• Comfortable: smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic gearbox for diesel and petrol units
• Safe: extensive portfolio of state-of-the-art assistance systems on board as standard

Opel Combo Life

Family friend and everyday hero Opel Combo Life is now even more versatile and attractive. All-purpose leisure activity vehicle is now available with a new top-of-the-line petrol engine combined with eight-speed automatic transmission and Start/Stop. The 96 kW (130 hp) 1.2 Direct Injection Turbo (NEDC ^[1] fuel consumption: urban 6.3-6.1 l/100km, extra-urban 5.1-4.9 l/100km, combined 5.6-5.3 l/100km, 127-121 g/km CO2) already meets the Euro 6d emission standard and joins the existing powertrain portfolio of petrol and diesel engines (NEDC ^[1] fuel consumption: urban 6.6-4.5 l/100km, extra-urban 5.1-4.0 l/100km, combined 5.7-4.2 l/100km, 130-110 g/km CO2). Prices for the Opel Combo Life with this engine in the Edition trim start at €27,200 (RRP incl. VAT in Germany).

In addition to the top-of-the-line petrol engine and the eight-speed automatic transmission, standard features such as the six-stage adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and armrest, heated leather steering wheel with steering wheel remote control, power windows in front and air conditioning increase comfort. For top connectivity, the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible multimedia radio with eight-inch colour touchscreen is on board.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible multimedia radio with eight-inch colour touchscreen

Furthermore, state-of-the-art driver assistance systems make driving even more relaxed. Extensive standard equipment includes systems such as automatic cruise control and speed limiter, front collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, hill-start assist, lane keep assist as well as traffic sign recognition and driver drowsiness alert.

230 Nm maximum torque, 186 km/h top speed – already Euro 6d compliant

1.2 Direct Injection Turbo - Euro 6d petrol engine with 96 kW (130hp) and 230 Nm maximum torque

With 96 kW (130 hp), the new 1.2 Direct Injection Turbo is the top-of-the-line power unit in the Opel Combo Life petrol engine portfolio. Lively three-cylinder engine already complies with the Euro 6d emission standard. It delivers 230 Nm of maximum torque at only 1,750 rpm and comes combined exclusively with the ultra-modern eight-speed automatic transmission. Together with the direct injection turbo engine, this not only enables particularly smooth gear changes, but also helps to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions. In order to reduce particulate emissions as much as possible, the engine features a close-coupled Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) for optimum regeneration (i.e. oxidisation of the particles that accumulate in the filter). In this engine-transmission combination, the Opel Combo Life reaches a maximum speed of 186 km/h and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 12.3 seconds.

All-round winner: Current Opel Combo generation

But it is not only exemplary driving performance that makes the current Opel Combo generation so attractive. It was developed according to passenger car standards from the start – and not as a commercial vehicle to which features were added retrospectively to also appeal to families. Professionals and workers using the Combo Cargo panel van therefore benefit from the same safety, technology and comfort features as families and recreational athletes riding in the passenger car version. It is no surprise that the passenger car Opel Combo Life was voted "AUTOBEST Best Buy Car of Europe 2019" and the commercial vehicle variant Opel Combo Cargo "International Van of the Year 2019". They offer more car for the money, plus the highest level of safety and comfort in their respective segments. In addition, the Opel Combo offers drivers and passengers plenty of space and high flexibility – all with top comfort. Opel Combo Life is available with five or seven seats and in two lengths (4.40 m and 4.75 m as the XL model variant). 

Opel Combo Life is available with five or seven seats and in two lengths (4.40 m and 4.75 m as the XL model variant). 

Shorter five-seat version already offers at least 597 litres ^[2] of boot space (long wheelbase: 850 litres ^[2]). The multifunctional everyday hero displays true transporter qualities with the rear seats folded down. Then luggage volume of the standard version more than triples to 2,1263 litres while the long version of the  Opel Combo Life can carry up to 2,6933 litres.

[1] Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures mentioned are determined according to the new World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure WLTP (Regulation EU 2017/948), and the relevant values are translated back into NEDC to allow the comparability with other vehicles. Please contact your dealer for the latest information. The values do not take into account in particular use and driving conditions, equipment or options and may vary depending on the format of tires. 

[2] To top of rear seatbacks according to ISO 3832.

[3] To roof with rear seatbacks folded down according to ISO 3832.