Opel shows compact class at the 9th Bodensee Klassik

• After 60 years on an anniversary tour: Opel Kadett A in the rally field
• Sonorous names: "Kulläng" Rallye-Kadett, Kadett GT/E and Kadett GSi from ex-Chancellor Schmidt also at the start
• Prominent crew: actress Gesine Cukrowski and Olympic champion André Lange in Opel vintage cars
• State-of-the-art support: Rally organizers drive all-new Opel Astra

Opel shows at this year's Bodensee Klassik compact class! For the 9th edition of the varied classic rally, legendary Opel Kadett models of different generations will be at the start from May 5th to 7th . At the same time, with the new Astra , which is celebrating its dealer premiere on Opel Day on May 7th, Opel is demonstrating how the manufacturer continues to bring innovations to the compact segment, making them affordable for everyone. Actress Gesine Cukrowski and four-time Olympic bobsleigh champion André Lange are also convinced of this. Closely associated with the brand for many years, they take part as prominent Opel drivers in the Rallye Kadett of former rally ace Anders Kulläng at the vintage car outing in the Lake Constance region.

Tour: New routes with proven scenic beauty

Thrilling, varied and beautiful – these are the characteristics that have characterized the Bodensee Klassik and its routes since the start in 2012. And that also applies to the most recent edition. It starts on Thursday afternoon, May 5th, with the “Prologue Bodenseeblick”. Start and finish this time is the city center of Friedrichshafen. On Friday, May 6th, the field of participants will embark on the "Swabian Alb Tour". Historical and scenic highlights will be Salem Castle and the beautiful hinterland of Lake Constance in the direction of Sigmaringen. After the third stage, which takes place on Saturday, May 7th, via the Oberjoch in the "Ostallgäu" to Kempten and Wangen, the rally drivers and their co-drivers will have covered a total of around 550 kilometers when they return to Friedrichshafen and will be enriched by unforgettable experiences .

Opel rally classics: Kadett legends from generation A to E

Opel Kadett A

This is ensured in particular by the classics, in which the participants master the individual stages. Opel shows here what real compact class means! The oldest Opel at the start is the Kadett A , which rolled off the assembly line for the first time 60 years ago. Post-war Kadett was a prime example of lightweight construction at the time, weighing 670 kilograms. One-litre, short-stroke engine impressed the contemporary testers with its spontaneous power delivery, good torque and elasticity. After a short time it became clear that the success of the Kadett A exceeded all expectations and the compact Opel was rightly advertised with the slogan "A car without problems". By the time production ended in August 1965, the Kadett A had sold a total of 649,512 buyers.

Opel Kadett B Rallye

Actress Gesine Cukrowski and the four-time bobsleigh Olympic champion André Lange are completing the Bodensee Klassik in a very special example of the Kadett B generation. You will pilot the Rallye Kadett , driven by Swedish rally ace Anders Kulläng and his co-driver Bruno Berglund in the 1970s. Equipped with the engine of the "big brother" Rekord Sprint, a special rear axle, roll cage and additional instruments, it is a perfect basis, not only for motorsport use.

Opel Kadett C GT/E

Opel Kadett GT /E from 1977 and a Kadett GSi from 1991 ensure further Opel brilliance on the classic tour Make motorsport particularly easy. The competition vehicle, which was consistently trimmed for sporty use, still inspires enthusiasts today with its equipment from the two-liter engine with electronic fuel injection to the ZF five-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential to the sporty tuned and reinforced chassis. Eye-catching white and yellow paintwork was standard.

"Last, but not least", a "state-supporting" example of the last Opel Kadett generation completes the starting field: Metallic-black painted Opel Kadett GSi with 85 kW/115 hp was purchased in 1991 by none other than former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt, who had owned the car for five years long used together with his wife Loki for private trips. Opel Kadett GSi was able to reach the then prestigious mark of 200 km/h top speed not least because of its aerodynamic qualities with a trailblazing drag coefficient of 0.30.

Opel Kadett E GSi

On-site vehicles: Rally organizers on the move in the all-new Opel Astra

Just as brilliant as the Kadett models of the different decades, latest generation of the Opel Astra also drives up as a support vehicle at the Bodensee Klassik. Organizers can experience the newcomer as a limousine on site.Sixth, completely newly developed generation of the compact class bestseller is not only a real design gem with the Opel Vizor, fully digital Pure Panel and top technologies such as the latest version of the adaptive, non-glare IntelliLux LED Pixel light, it is also electrified for the first time available - and in the future in three variants. All-new Opel Astra can already be ordered as a plug-in hybrid, which will be supplemented by a second performance level in the course of the year. From 2023, the purely battery-electric Opel Astra-e will complete the range.

All-New Opel Astra Hybrid

At the same time, the new Astra once again stands for making technologies and innovations affordable for everyone. Every version comes with numerous state-of-the-art assistance systems as standard. These include systems such as the front collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and drowsiness detection, as well as the park pilot for the front and rear or a 180-degree reversing camera.

!NEW! Automated manual transmissions: Automatic comfort for everyone

• Automated manual gearboxes are affordable-alternative to automatic transmissions
• Lower fuel consumption than manual five-speed gearboxes
• Easytronic 3.0 available in Opel KARL, ADAM, Corsa and new Astra

Attractive: Easytronic 3.0 automated manual gearbox is an affordable alternative to a conventional automatic transmission for the Opel ADAM, Corsa and KARL.

Smaller cars are popular in big cities where traffic is dense and parking spaces tight. However, the enthusiasm of even the biggest small-car fans can wane after spending hours in traffic jams. After all that decoupling and shifting between first and second gears, they frequently wish for the luxury of an automatic transmission.

Automatic transmissions that select the right gear ratio without any driver intervention are very comfortable and very easy to use. However, they are often too expensive for most drivers of smaller cars. The difference in price between cars with manual or automatic transmission can be thousands of euros.

Fortunately, drivers of small cars don’t need to give up completely on a little luxury. An automated manual transmission, based on a manual gearbox with an automated gear-shifting system, is an affordable, efficient alternative to a conventional automatic transmission for small or compact cars.

Easy to operate, economical on the wallet: Thanks to the automatic shift function, Opel Easytronic 3.0 is more comfortable than a manual gearbox and also enables lower fuel consumption.

Although automated manual transmissions cannot reach the highest comfort levels of full automatics, they do offer considerably easier operation than manual gearboxes because of their automatic shift-actuation. Automated manual transmissions also enable lower fuel consumption.

Smooth operator: The wide spread of five gears on the Opel Easytronic 3.0 transmission reduces engine speeds for pleasant acoustics.

The latest generation of automated manual transmissions, such as the Easytronic 3.0 from the German automobile manufacturer, Opel, are particularly advanced, providing not only enhanced shifting comfort and drivability but also optimized functions such as “creep” and “launch”.

Compared with previous automated manual transmissions, Easytronic 3.0 impresses with smoother gear shifts and reduced reaction times. In addition to automatic mode, Easytronic 3.0 also offers manual gear shifting via simple movement of the gearshift lever.

Silky smooth: The latest generation of Easytronic impresses with reduced reaction times enabling quicker and smoother gear shifts.

The wide spread of the five gear ratios reduces engine speeds for pleasant noise levels, especially at higher speeds. “Creep” mode for slow-speed maneuvers is similar to that of an automatic transmission, and the special start/stop function enables rapid starts and acceleration.

For optimum fuel economy Easytronic 3.0 automatically selects the most fuel-efficient gear and is combined with Start/Stop technology that reduces fuel consumption even further especially in urban areas. In combination with Easytronic 3.0 the new Opel Astra 1.0 Turbo ecoFLEX is one of the most fuel efficient gasoline cars in its class, consuming just 4.2 liters per 100 km (96 grams CO2/km) in the NEDC combined cycle.

Opel offers the Easytronic 3.0 automated manual transmission in the KARL, ADAM and Corsa family of small cars, as well as the all-new Astra, the 2016 European Car of the Year.

!NEW! Opel 1.0 Direct Injection Turbo Engine awarded Powertrain of the Year in South Africa

Opel’s three-cylinder ecoFLEX engine has been singled out by South African motoring magazine – CAR – as the best of its ilk.

Opel 1.0 ecoFLEX  Direct Injection Turbo 

In their March issue, which features the editors’ annual Best Buy choices, they selected the turbopetrol one-litre - which does duty in both the Opel ADAM and Corsa ranges - as their Powertrain of the Year. They lauded it for its “gutsy performance and frugal consumption,” and went on to describe it as “a prime example of engine downsizing.”

They also praised it for being refined and characterful.

The 1.0 litre ecoFLEX was introduced to the South African market in the Opel ADAM at the end of 2014 and rapidly went on to become a firm favourite in the marketplace thanks to its exceptional refinement, low-end torque and efficiency. When the fifth-generation Corsa was launched locally early last year, the triple – also in 85 kW/170 Nm guise – became available in Opel’s supermini.

Confirming its status as a benchmark engine is that derivatives from both nameplates, powered by identical ecoFLEX powerplants, were under the bonnets of Opel’s two finalists, the ADAM and Corsa, in the South Africa Guild of Motoring Journalists’ Wesbank Car of the Year competition.

ADAM was the first Opel to receive this new, direct injection engine, developed at the manufacturer’s International Technical Development Centre (ITDC) in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

Opel ADAM with 1.0 ecoFLEX  Direct Injection Turbo 

Combined cycle fuel consumption is a mere 5.1-litres per 100 kilometres, with CO2 emissions of just 119 g/km. In the Opel Corsa application the headline numbers are 5.0 litres and 117 g/km respectively.

Opel Corsa with 1.0 ecoFLEX  Direct Injection Turbo 

These outstanding numbers are especially impressive given the generous power output and high torque. Maximum torque is already available at just 1 800 rpm and remains at 170 Nm until 4 500 rpm.

Compact dimensions and low mass are achieved with features that include an all-in-one cylinder head and exhaust manifold, and a tiny, low-inertia turbocharger. It even boasts a switchable water pump, which is disengaged when the engine coolant is cold in order to accelerate warm-up, contributing further to the low fuel consumption. Other efficiency enablers include direct fuel injection, variable valve timing and weight-saving all-aluminium construction.

A host of features have all but eliminated noise, vibration and harshness, with the result that the 1.0 ecoFLEX is not only more refined than other three-cylinder engines, it’s also quieter than many four-cylinder units.

Happy Halloween: Opel ADAM Deals Hungry Pumpkins a Blow

With a touch of Schadenfreude: Opel’s successful, stylish and fast lifestyle ADAM turns the pumpkin into a toothless tiger.

The Halloween pumpkins try to munch our car,

But our little ADAM really is a star.

With funky colors or a swing top roof,

It shows the pumpkins it’s no car for a goof.

The scary pumpkins look on in disbelief,

As our funky little ADAM shows them who’s the chief.

One pumpkin tries to block his escape route,

But our ADAM shows him he is anything but cute.

The impression left on the pumpkin’s face,

Proves that the ADAM really is an ace.

Happy Halloween with ADAM Family !

No other model family is as colorful and individual as the Opel ADAM. The ADAM is just as much a stylish city speedster as a cool lifestyle mini and is thus the individualization champion. Countless combination options both on the in and outside, a masculine or more subtle appearance, as an ADAM ROCKS with open air feeling or as an ADAM S or an ADAM ROCKS S with a touch of racing driver feeling make it the bestseller in the trendy A segment for lifestyle minis. Since its launch, around 170,000 customers have found their individual ADAM. Powerful, modern engines with outputs ranging up to 110 kW/150 hp guarantee driving pleasure. 

Furthermore, the ADAM shows that it is an innovation leader repeatedly with its reasonably priced and multiple award-winning IntelliLink infotainment system with 7-inch touchscreen and its personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar that also makes it a powerful 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot. So much continuous pioneering does not go unnoticed. The Opel ADAM has already won the Auto Trophy and the Best Cars Award, is a multiple red dot design award winner and a multiple value champion in the small car segment. The Opel ADAM also show its price consciousness when it comes to the entry-level price: The unconventional lifestyle mini is available from a mere €11,950 (RRP including VAT in Germany).

New Milestone in Figueruelas: 12 Million Opel Vehicles Produced

• A fifth generation Opel Corsa is the milestone car
• Figueruelas, cornerstone of the Aragón economy
• Milestone coincides with GM’s celebrations of 500 million manufactured cars

Proud employees: Red Opel Corsa is the 12 millionth car produced in Zaragoza.

A new milestone has been set in the General Motors España plant in Figueruelas: The 12 millionth unit rolled of the production line, a fifth generation Opel Corsa Color Edition. The Corsa, Opel’s perennial bestseller, mainly targets a young audience and to date 10 million units have been manufactured in the Zaragoza plant in its almost 33 years of age making it a key player in reaching this production milestone.

Celebrating 12 million cars from Zaragoza: Antonio Cobo, Managing Director of GM Spain, and Francisco Esteban Gil, production employee from the press shop.

“Today is a day for celebrations, but also of gratitude. I would like to say 12 million thanks here today. One for each of the Corsa, Kadett, Astra, Tigra, Combo, Meriva and Mokka, that, during the last three decades, have promoted quality made in Spain not only throughout Europe but also beyond. I would also like to say thank you to each of the customers that put their trust in us,” said Antonio Cobo, Managing Director of GM España.

Antonio Cobo, Managing Director of GM Spain, gave a speech at the event in Zaragoza.

The attractive fifth generation Opel Corsa offers a modern appearance and a refined driving experience, with a new chassis and an optimized steering, combining German engineering with emotional design, superior connectivity and an unrivalled price/performance ratio. The new generation of gasoline engines and the thoroughly improved turbo diesel engines, ensure a new level of comfort along with lively performance combined with minimum consumption and reduced emissions.

The car that represents the 12 millionth unit is a five-door Opel Corsa Color Edition, equipped with an efficient new three cylinder 1.0 Turbo engine with 115 Hp. The magma red Corsa with a black roof is intended for the German market and comes with extensive connectivity features. The IntelliLink infotainment system brings the world smartphones to the car. Furthermore, the Corsa can look to the latest advances in active safety and driver assistance systems.

The anniversary car rolled off the production line this morning, driven by employee number 12,000: Francisco Esteban Gil Cañete. Cañete, an hourly production employee from the press shop has been with the company since 1989.

Since its inauguration in 1982, the GM España factory in Figueruelas has been a cornerstone of the economy in Aragón. Its economic value – the number of employees and automotive supply industry park that has been created in the direct vicinity – are vital for the region. Both General Motors and Opel have placed a lot of faith in the Spanish plant in terms of continuous investments that currently exceed euro 4.5 billion, nearly half of the total investment coming in the last ten years.

Its impact on the creation of direct and indirect employment is immense. In addition to the more than 5,000 employees of GM España, a further 28,000 people are employed by the almost 300 suppliers located in Aragón.

The Figueruelas plant is an essential part of the Opel strategy to return to profitability and of the new product offensive that will see the introduction of 27 new models and 17 new engines by 2018.

This new milestone reached by the Aragón plant coincides with the celebration of the 500 million cars produced by the Opel parent company, General Motors, of which more than 68 million have been Opels and 3.7 million of these having been sold in Spain. In total, General Motors has sold nearly 4 million automobiles of many of its brands in Spain.

!NEW! Fifth-generation Opel Corsa arrives in South Africa

·  All new fifth-generation Opel Corsa set to continue strong 32-year history

·  Corsa redefines segment with innovative technology

· Comfortable, strong and economical: New chassis and powertrain technology raise standards

The all new fifth generation Opel Corsa will reach Opel dealerships in South Africa in March. The local introduction comes just four months after the Corsa’s international premier at last year’s Paris Motor Show.

All new fifth generation Opel Corsa will reach Opel dealerships in South Africa in March.

The Opel Corsa has established itself as a perennial bestseller through four model generations spanning 32 years, with over 12.4 million units sold globally. Together with the Astra, it is Opel’s most popular model, accounting for over a quarter of the company’s sales every year. The new fifth generation Corsa is set to build on its reputation as an all-rounder by offering segment-leading levels of comfort, precision and efficiency.

Initially, the new Corsa will be made available with Opel’s state-of-the-art three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbocharged ecoFLEX engine with three trim levels: Cosmo, Enjoy, and Essentia.

“We have shifted the goal posts with a totally convincing and desirable small car that makes driving easier and more fun. The new Corsa has class leading connectivity, convenience and comfort as well as driving satisfaction,” says Opel Brand Manager at General Motors South Africa, Christopher Cradock.

“Affordability and value-for-money have always been Corsa hallmarks and with the new vehicle, these are set to continue. We have ensured that all derivatives in the new Corsa range adopt a no-compromise approach to those most important vehicle aspects, along with the availability of ‘option packs’ to enhance the vehicle to the owner’s taste and satisfaction.”

With its inspiring design, innovative technology and engaging drive, the new Corsa will appeal to single men and women, professionals with young families, and young-at-heart drivers who love great cars and want something that will set them apart from the crowd.

Sculptural artistry meets German engineering

The exterior design of the new Corsa is all about dramatic surfaces with crisp sculptured lines. As with the ADAM, the design of the new Corsa is ruled by Opel’s latest design philosophy of ‘sculptural artistry meets German engineering’. This design language can be seen in the complex curvature of all the surfaces, reinforced by quality details such as the Opel signature ‘wing’ LED daytime running lights and silver vision bulbs in the indicator lights to avoid an irritating yellow tint when unlit.

Opel signature ‘wing’ LED daytime running lights and Silver Vision bulbs in the indicator lights to avoid an irritating yellow tint when unlit.

From the front, the new Corsa is immediately recognisable as a member of the new Opel family. The bold face is characterised by the ‘wing’ shaped headlights which incorporate the daytime running lights and the low, sporty trapezoidal grille, with its dynamic chrome bar supporting the Opel emblem. The front fog lights are embedded in two low, outward-lying but graphically-connected air inlets with model-specific chrome trim, giving the new Corsa an even wider appearance.

From the side, the belt line extends upwards to create an energetic connection with the roof spoiler. The sculpted flanks feature Opel’s dynamic ‘blade’ side body signature.

At the rear, wide horizontally-split tail lights help to visually widen the car and flow through to the rear shoulders, contributing to the vehicle’s athletic stance. The tail lights also incorporate the ‘wing’ motif when illuminated, with the lower bumper visually connected to the body side ‘blade’ by design lines which flow into the license plate pocket. The rear roofline in particular has undergone specific aerodynamic tweaking for optimised efficiency and stability.

Interior with high-class materials and workmanship

Sculptural harmonious surfaces and graceful flowing lines are key elements in the design of the new Corsa’s interior. The sculptural wing-shaped instrument panel (IP) top-pad combines a subtle blend of taut surfaces and flowing transitions bordered by elegant décor. The décor spans the full length of the instrument panel emphasising the width and spaciousness of the interior.

Premium, high quality materials like those used for the soft IP top-pad, or the décor elements dressed in rich satin chrome, are all worthy of vehicles from much higher segments. Each material used in the new Corsa is carefully chosen to support the premium character of the interior, clearly reflecting a level of quality and craftsmanship born of German engineering.

The three-dimensionally-sculpted steering wheel with the small and efficiently-packaged airbag cover is designed to not only look great, but with ergonomics at the forefront. The switches are integrated into the overall design with extreme precision and framed by a tasteful, satin chrome bezel.

The round, chrono-styled instruments and satin chrome framed switches convey an aura of sporty precision.

Eye-catching: The new Corsa comes with a totally new interior that enhances the perception of high quality and spaciousness, including best-connected IntelliLink infotainment technology and ultra-modern driver assistance systems

The three configurations - Essentia, Enjoy and Cosmo – along with various décor, give the customer an individual and flexible choice. In addition to sophisticated 3D embossed fabrics, a two-tone accent colour which matches the seats wraps from the lower IP into the door trim, visually widening the cabin and creating an ambience more typical of upmarket cars.

The new Corsa also introduces an industry-first seat fabric printing technology. This unique technology enables an unprecedented level of trim flexibility, as well as endless creative opportunities. Once again this level of detail shows Opel to be an innovative pioneer.

The high quality of design execution, materials and workmanship can be found throughout the entire interior. In the dynamic, deeply-sculpted front door panels, pleasantly soft materials are combined with useful solutions such as a compartment for 1.5-litre bottles. The centre console also includes convenient details such as three cup holders. In front of the gear lever, there is an innovative, flexible cup holder.

In addition to the high quality of the cabin, Opel also made it a major objective of the new design to refine the aerodynamics of the vehicle in order to reduce interior noise. Special sealing on the B-pillar, door handles, side- and rear windows along with an optimised bonnet edge reduce wind noise significantly by 2.3 dB.

All in all, the new Corsa boasts a new level of quality, material and workmanship that is usually expected in cars from higher segments. Thereby, Opel substantiates its quality standard of also offering small cars with a premium touch at affordable prices.

New chassis and suspension

Chassis engineers in charge of developing the fifth-generation Opel Corsa set themselves the objective of delighting future customers with a driving experience comparable to the one provided by larger, more expensive cars in terms of comfort and precision. They lowered the centre of gravity of the new Corsa by 5 millimetres and completely redesigned its chassis and steering systems.

New chassis and steering systems

The new Corsa’s chassis does not inherit a single component from the outgoing model. Every conceivable setscrew was turned in order to achieve a better driving experience with new levels of comfort, precision and enjoyment. At the same time, engineers concentrated on finding the optimal balance between enjoyable dynamics and predictable, safe road holding.

New chassis and steering systems: For driving experience comparable to larger, more expensive cars in terms of comfort and precision

In addition to its 5 mm-lower centre of gravity, the Corsa receives a new, stiffer, redesigned chassis. The front MacPherson suspension has a new geometry with new front knuckles which improve the vehicle’s roll behaviour, steering response and understeer behaviour. A new, reinforced sub-frame increases torsional rigidity, while dual strut mounts provide improved responsiveness on uneven surfaces.

Furthermore, the new spring rates and damper characteristics in the front reduce the pitching moment during sharp braking manoeuvres. This results in the Corsa remaining controllable in case of emergency braking, even for inexperienced drivers. The rear axle torsion bar has been redesigned as well, and an enhanced stabiliser has been added to reduce tilting for better cornering compliance and stability.

New steering system with numerous innovations

In order to improve directional stability, the Opel engineers changed the mounting points of the rack-and-pinion steering shaft and optimised its geometry. A newly-constructed mounting for the steering column saves space which is filled with additional padding material and increases driver safety in case of a collision. Furthermore, the steering column possesses special impact absorbers.

The development of a completely new electrical architecture for the fifth generation Corsa enables a more sophisticated level of interaction between its various systems. Optimised software for the electrical and speed-dependent power steering adds additional possibilities. For instance, all new Corsa models are equipped with a new standard ‘City Mode’ steering setting which allows reduced steering effort at low speeds for easing manoeuvres. City Mode is activated at the press of a button, located on the centre console.

Another innovative feature is the active cornering component of the Corsa’s steering which aids the driver in crosswinds and on convex roads. Amongst others, the software is fed with the data from Opel’s ninth-generation Electronic Stability Program (ESP Plus). This system takes care of no less than eleven different functions, including for example, new Hill Start Assist.

The fifth-generation Corsa can also be specified with Opel’s Advanced Parking Assistant 2 (APA2) in Enjoy and Cosmo trim. This system recognises parallel and perpendicular parking spaces and takes over the steering, meaning that the driver only has to control the pedals and gears.

Well-rounded: Brakes and wheels
The base model new Corsa, is fitted with 15-inch wheels and 215-width tyres with ventilated front and solid rear discs which can easily cope with high stress. Pedal feel is distinguished by an exactly-defined pressure point and excellent controllability. The braking system is assisted by electronic aids which permanently receive information from the ABS/ESP sensors. For example, the systems recognise whether the braking manoeuvre is being performed while cornering and distributes the braking force to all four wheels depending on the load.

A car’s life in high speed: fifth-generation Opel Corsa at the test centre

The engineers at Opel’s Test Centre in Dudenhofen have tested the new generation Corsa extensively over thousands of kilometres before allowing it to be presented to customers. The Opel Development Team pushed the new Corsa to its limits during the tests: the development prototypes had to master 40 000 kilometres on the torture track, the high speed circuit and in hilly terrain, equivalent to 160 000 kilometres on ‘normal’ roads. Within only 24 weeks, these development prototypes were put through burdens that a production car would normally only encounter during its entire life cycle.

The new Corsa was asked to prove its resilience time and time again on the torture track. The track delivers exactly what its name promises: more than 900 metres of potholes, humps, the ‘washboard’, a cobbled section and a pavé track. It is a really tough test for the chassis, which will most probably never go through such torture in real life – but the Corsa mastered it comfortably. To put the steering, transmission and brakes to the test, the new Corsa also successfully completed the hill track thousands of times.

On Dudenhofen’s 40-degree banked circuit without lateral forces, engineers can test the stability at high speed. Another circuit which is used during the testing procedure has rising and falling gradients, ranging from 8- to 30 percent, with different road surfaces and a serpentine section including hairpin turns – similar to conditions found in alpine mountains.

The endurance test, which all new Opel models are put through, was decisive for the new generation Corsa. The longest track at the test centre offers many different road surfaces including asphalt and cobblestones, bumps and numerous curves. Here engineers test if the performance and quality they fine-tuned and approved in the development vehicles have been successfully transferred to the production vehicles. This final quality control ensures that any minute disturbances or doubts are eradicated, thus guaranteeing that the new Corsa reaches the customers perfectly aligned with the stringent performance and quality targets set at the beginning of its development.

Frugal, silent, strong: ultra-modern powertrain

The new Corsa benefits from Opel’s biggest powertrain offensive in the company’s history which includes three new-generation engine families and will see 17 new engines introduced by 2018.

The new Corsa receives Opel’s state-of-the-art 1.0 litre ecoFLEX Direct Injection Turbo engine. First introduced in the recently-launched Opel ADAM, it also is the highlight of the fifth-generation Corsa. The engine offers outstandingly sophisticated driving refinement and responsiveness together with frugal fuel consumption – proving that high driving comfort and pleasure can be combined with excellent efficiency.

Developed from a blank sheet of paper, this engine is the first of a new family of small petrol three- and four-cylinder units which will be progressively introduced in the Opel range. A three-cylinder architecture has been selected to reach new levels of fuel efficiency for petrol-powered cars. As some customers hesitate to opt for three-cylinder engines due to their rather high level of noise and vibration, the 200 engineers who developed Opel’s new generation unit in Rüsselsheim over the last three-and-a-half years put comfort at the top of their development priority list.

New Opel 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo 

As a result, Opel’s three-cylinder is the quietest three-cylinder unit ever built. Numerous sound engineering measures contribute to the engine’s benchmark refinement, as 40 components and sub-groups have been acoustically-optimised from the beginning of development – such as the cylinder block as well as the structurally isolated fuel injection system and crankshaft.

In addition, a sump-mounted counter-rotating balance shaft further reduces noise and vibration – a universally unique feature for a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine.

The second development priority of the new-generation 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine was to deliver excellent responsiveness – not only the quietness but also the pleasure provided will surprise customers. The 85 kW engine excels in delivering strong low-end torque with extreme efficiency, pumping out 170 Nm from just 1 800 rpm.

New Opel Corsa with 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo 

The engine’s responsiveness is particularly evident during acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h, a decisive speed range for overtaking, when this compact powerhouse belies its size by delivering strong power from low rpm. The Corsa makes this transition in just 10.4 seconds.

Start/stop technology is fitted as standard to boost fuel economy, with the Corsa consuming just 5.0-litres per 100 km over the combined cycle, equating to only 119 g/km CO2 emissions.

State-of-the-art technologies in Opel’s new generation three-cylinder engine include high-pressure direct fuel injection, an ultra-compact turbocharging system and continuously variable valve timing (both intake and exhaust sides). Lightweight, all-aluminium construction, with a cylinder head-integrated exhaust manifold, contributes to low weight: the 1.0 ecoFLEX Direct Injection Turbo tips the scales at just 106 kg. The engine is mated to an all-new, compact six-speed manual gearbox.

New Opel Transmission M1X

The new six-speed manual gearbox, developed under the code M1X, is distinguished by its improved efficiency and outstanding shift quality. Opel engineers have achieved greater operating efficiency through optimally-stepped gear ratios and a low-friction design for internal components. Weighing less than 40 kg, this is one of the lightest manual gearboxes on the market.

Driver Assists play leading safety role

The new Corsa not only offers a new driving experience with improved comfort and precision thanks to its new chassis and steering systems – it also makes driving easier and safer with advanced assistance systems. Particularly in hectic city driving conditions, they help the driver in a variety of ways.

At the touch of a button, the standard-fitment City Mode increases power assistance at lower speeds, which is particularly useful when manoeuvring in congested urban areas.

Many of the new Corsa’s driver assistance systems are unrivalled in its class. These include bi-xenon headlamps on selected models with static cornering lights and LED daytime running lights. The static cornering lights are triggered when the indicators are activated or when reverse gear is selected, providing added illumination of corners and obstacles.

Bi-xenon headlamps owith static cornering lights and LED daytime running lights

This impressive system, that so far has only been available in vehicles in higher segments, offers improved lighting range, brightness and colour intensity – a decisive plus for visibility and safety. In addition, it offers lower power consumption and a much longer service life. Forming part of the ‘Sight and Light Pack’, the bi-xenon headlights are mated to an auto-dimming interior mirror, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlight control.

Opel’s new-generation Advanced Park Assist 2 (APA2), available as an option on Enjoy and Cosmo derivatives, identifies suitable parking spaces under 30 km/h and automatically parks the vehicle, without the driver touching the wheel. The ultrasonic sensor-based system, which uses front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, measures parallel or perpendicular parking spots, calculates the vehicle’s trajectory and automatically steers the Corsa into a space. The driver just controls acceleration, deceleration and gear selection.

APA2 partners with Side Blind Spot Alert, which also uses the ultrasonic sensors to warn the driver of an imminent collision when changing lanes. The sensors have a range of three metres to the left and right of the car, enabling them to detect objects or other vehicles in the driver’s blind spot. Whenever another vehicle comes within range of the sensors, a warning LED illuminates in the relevant exterior door mirror. Impressively, the system is active up to 140 km/h.

New Opel Corsa, Side Blind Spot Alert 

All new Corsa models feature a raft of standard safety equipment as well, ensuring nothing is left to chance. These include ABS with EBD and BAS, adaptive brake lights and automatic hazard warning lights, disc brakes all-round, the latest Electronic Stability Programme (ESP Plus), six airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, a pedal release system, ISOFIX child seat anchor points, pretensioned seat belts, a seat belt reminder and an anti-theft alarm and immobiliser.

ESP Plus includes a number of advanced assistance systems:

- Straight Line Stability Control recognises and tendency towards instability under braking and adjusts brake pressure accordingly

- Cornering Brake Control improves stability during cornering by reducing brake pressure of individual wheels

- Drag Torque Control prevents loss of grip due to engine brake torque on slippery roads

- Active Rollover Protection reacts in cases of high speeds and sharp curves, whereby ESP Plus slows the vehicle down to prevent rolling over, for example when a loaded roof carrier is fitted

- Hydraulic Brake Fade Assist automatically raises braking pressure to compensate potential brake fade

- Hill Start Assist prevents downhill movement of the vehicle when pulling off on an uphill slops without using the handbrake

More connectivity and convenience for meaningful innovation

Opel’s award-winning IntelliLink infotainment system, which brings the connected world of smartphones and apps into the car, is available as an option on Enjoy and Essentia models, and standard on Cosmo. IntelliLink is fully compatible with the latest Android and Apple iOS-based smartphones.

IntelliLink has a standard seven-inch colour touchscreen and its home page provides access to five major functions: phone, audio, gallery, settings and apps. Audio streaming via Bluetooth and USB also includes Gracenote music management and identification technology.

New Opel Corsa IntelliLink: BringGo Navigation App 

BringGo is IntelliLink’s navigation app. It can be easily downloaded from the phone’s app store and, once downloaded, the map data remains installed on the user’s smartphone, which means Corsa owners do not need an ongoing smartphone broadband connection to use the BringGo navigation system. BringGo solely uses the smartphone’s GPS to locate the Corsa. BringGo also provides functionality for live traffic updates, accident information, Points of Interest (POIs) and Google search.

The Stitcher app is a useful global podcast internet radio service which lets users listen to programmes live, or after they have been broadcast. Once Stitcher is downloaded to the smartphone, Corsa owners can access more than 10 000 podcasts on demand, including radio shows and live stations from around the world, via the Corsa’s IntelliLink touchscreen.

New Opel Corsa IntelliLink: With access to global network of 70 000 radio stations, the TuneIn app has the power to offer entertainment to suit the tastes of every listener.

With access to a global network of 70 000 radio stations, the TuneIn app has the power to offer entertainment to suit the tastes of every listener. The integration of Apple iOS devices within IntelliLink also enables Siri Eyes Free voice control. This makes it possible for drivers to make calls, play music, send and receive messages and emails with received messages read out aloud, and access calendar functions like set alarms, check reminders or respond to meeting requests all with their eyes on the road and hand on the wheel.

Spoiled for choice - Three model range

The new Opel Corsa 1.0T Essentia kicks off the new 5-door range, featuring the new ecoFLEX engine and six-speed manual gearbox. Standard equipment includes start/stop engine control, a gear shift indicator, halogen daytime running lights, City Mode steering, electric windows up front, electric mirror adjustment, tinted glass, a folding key, 15-inch steel wheels, GEMSTONE black cloth upholstery, Gunpowder Grey décor, single-piece folding rear seats and a storage compartment beneath the front passenger seat.

Two option packs are available for the new Corsa Essentia. Option Pack 1 includes air conditioning, a 6-speaker radio/CD audio system which includes Bluetooth, USB and aux compatibility, and steering wheel audio controls. Option Pack 2 includes 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning and IntelliLink.

The new Corsa 1.0T Enjoy raises the Essentia’s bar with the addition of standard-fitment items like the audio system and steering wheel audio controls, an on-board trip computer, an accented gear knob and steering wheel, 60/40-split folding rear seats, LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps, air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels and colour-coded door handles.

Option Pack 1 on the Corsa Enjoy includes IntelliLink while Option Pack 2 includes IntelliLink, APA2, Side Blind Spot Alert and front and rear parking sensors.

Topping the range is the new Corsa 1.0T Cosmo. Still featuring the new six-speed manual transmission as with all other models, the Cosmo really ups the ante with luxurious extras, all fitted as standard.

These include cruise control with a speed limiter (active from speeds above 25 km/h), bi-xenon headlights with cornering light control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights, a leather steering wheel, IntelliLink, chrome detailing, GRAPHIK black upholstery with Morrocana vinyl bolsters, RHUTHENIUM décor, silver highlights on the instrument cluster, interior ambient lighting, flexible cup holders and two seat-back pockets.

APA2, Side Blind Spot Alert and the front and rear parking sensors are all available in Option Pack 1 on the Corsa Cosmo.

Affordable new German excellence

All new Opel Corsa derivatives will be sold as standard with Opel’s 5-year/ 120 000 km warranty and a 3-year/ 60 000 km service plan.

Pricing:

Corsa 1.0T Essentia                          R 185 500

Corsa 1.0T Enjoy                              R 216 200

Corsa 1.0T Cosmo                            R 236 300

Option Packages:

Corsa Essentia Option Pack 1: Radio with Bluetooth & USB, AC                 R 12,200

Corsa Essentia Option Pack 2: IntelliLink, AC, 15” alloy wheels      R 15,600

Corsa Enjoy Option Pack 1: IntelliLink                                             R 4,000

Corsa Enjoy Option Pack 2: IntelliLink, Advanced Park Assist 2                 R 8,000

Corsa Cosmo Option Pack 1: Advanced Park Assist 2                                R 5,000

!NEW! Opel ADAM 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo: Maximum Performance with Minimal Fuel Consumption

• New 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo now available for Opel ADAM and Opel ADAM ROCKS
• Prices start at 16,150 euros for well-equipped Opel ADAM JAM (RRP incl. VAT in Germany)

Pocket powerhouse: New 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo now available for Opel ADAM 

Opel is in the middle of the largest engine offensive in its history: between 2014 and 2018, 17 new engines will be introduced. A top highlight is the ultra-modern, 1.0‑liter three-cylinder gasoline unit complete with turbocharging and the very finest manners – giving a clean, smooth and quiet operation. This direct-injection engine makes its debut in the Opel ADAM and ADAM ROCKS with a newly developed, six-speed manual transmission and sets new standards for three-cylinder engine refinement. It is not only economical and climate-friendly, but also silky smooth to drive, with noise and vibration characteristics superior to many four-cylinder engines.

Strong power at low rpm: Opel ADAM’s new 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo offers substantially improved driving performance.

This pocket powerhouse comes in two configurations, giving 66 kW/90 hp or 85 kW/115 hp. Both deliver strong, low-end torque of 170 Nm from just 1,800 rpm across a wide engine speed plateau. As a result, it enables better acceleration at low rpm than larger engines with similar horsepower, together with much lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Compared to Opel’s current 1.4 liter naturally-aspirated unit (74 kW/100 hp), the ADAM’s new 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo offers substantially improved driving performance. Particularly during acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h, an exceptionally important speed range for overtaking, the turbo delivers strong power at low rpm. With 90 hp the 1.0 turbo covers this sprint in 13.2 seconds, while the 115 hp version requires just 10.9 seconds.

Despite its fiery performance, the 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo consumes just 4.2 (90 hp) and 4.9 liters (115 hp) of fuel per 100 km in the combined cycle. Braking-energy recuperation and low-rolling-resistance tires (15 and 16-inch on the Opel ADAM) further contribute to saving fuel. This new three-cylinder unit already complies with the future Euro 6 emission standards.

Driving performance in the new Opel ADAM ROCKS with the 1.0 turbo unit is on a par with the regular ADAM: maximum speed is 180 (90 hp) and 196 (115 hp) km/h, while acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes just 11.9 and 9.9 seconds respectively.

Driving performance in the new Opel ADAM ROCKS with the 1.0 Direct Injection Turbo unit is on a par with the regular ADAM: maximum speed is 180 (90 hp) and 196 (115 hp) km/h, while acceleration from zero to 100 km/h takes just 11.9 and 9.9 seconds respectively. Despite its 15 mm higher ground clearance and wider wheel-arches, ADAM ROCKS’ combined fuel consumption is only slightly higher at 4.5 and 5.1 l/100 km – in the 115 hp version this is a plus of merely four percent.

State-of-the-art technologies include high-pressure direct fuel injection, an ultra-compact turbocharging system, continuously variable valve timing and a lightweight aluminum construction with a cylinder head-integrated exhaust manifold. Numerous ‘sound engineering’ measures which contribute to the engine’s benchmark refinement include an acoustically-developed cylinder block; a sump-mounted balancer shaft – universally unique for a three-cylinder engine; structural isolation of the fuel injection system and crankshaft; drive chains with inverted teeth and engine covers designed for acoustic attenuation.

New engine include high-pressure direct fuel injection, an ultra-compact turbocharging system, continuously variable valve timing and a lightweight aluminum construction with a cylinder head-integrated exhaust manifold. 

Prices for the new 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo start at 16,150 euros for the 90 hp version in ADAM JAM. And with 115 hp, the ADAM costs a mere 300 euros more. The differential is exactly the same for the new adventure-loving ADAM ROCKS, which costs just 18,490 euros (90 hp) or 18,790 euros (115 hp) (all prices RRP incl. VAT in Germany). It offers higher ground clearance and loads of off-road appeal, in addition to a leather steering wheel, air conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels, CD-radio with seven speakers, USB port and a hands-free kit, as well as an electric Swing Top canvas roof – all fitted as standard.

!NEW! Opel ADAM ROCKS at Dudenhofen Test Center: Adventure Calls

• Over hill and down dale: Urban mini-crossover rocks through the torture track
• In fast motion: 24-week test in Dudenhofen as tough as a whole car life
• Attractive entry-level price: ADAM ROCKS for 15,990 euros soon available to order

Only flying is better: ADAM ROCKS shows how fast it can go on the newly-expanded high-speed circuit at the Opel Test Center Dudenhofen

Recently it captivated visitors to the Auto Mobil International (AMI) show in Leipzig, and now in just a few days it will be available to order: the Opel ADAM ROCKS is ready to roll! Open-air driving fun is an essential part of the ADAM ROCKS repertoire with a Swing Top canvas roof fitted as standard, all for 15,990 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany). But before customers can enjoy this stylish mini-crossover in the city and beyond, Opel engineers have once again put it through its paces at the Opel Test Center in Dudenhofen.

With its muscular proportions, encapsulated by bold side-sill plates and distinctive body cladding, the ROCKS likes to show what it can do beyond the urban landscape. Key to its purposeful stance is a 15 mm increase in body ride height, giving greater ground clearance and a wide, robust appearance. Numerous components have been modified or re-tuned to guarantee (almost) limitless driving fun. These include dampers, springs, the front and rear suspension geometry, steering and the electronic stability control program (ESC).

Opel ADAM ROCKS at the Opel Test Center Dudenhofen

To prove the effectiveness of all these changes, it was time to ‘hit the track’, of course with expert guidance. The Opel engineering team took the ADAM ROCKS to its limits at the Test Center. Be it on the torture track, the high-speed circuit or the hill track – the ADAM ROCKS had to cover around 40,000 km at Dudenhofen. This tough test is equivalent to covering 160,000 km on particularly demanding real roads. Vehicles at the Opel Test Center are exposed to levels of stress and strain in just 24 weeks that correspond to an entire vehicle life experience under normal road conditions.

Alpine mountain-like conditions: to put the steering, transmission and brakes to the test, the all-new Opel ADAM ROCKS also successfully completes the hill track with rising and falling gradients ranging from eight to 30 percent

For example the torture track: here the auto industry’s first urban three-door mini-crossover proved its durability. That’s because the track delivers exactly what its name promises: more than 900 meters of potholes, humps, the “washboard“, a cobbled section and a pavé track. It’s a really tough test for the chassis, which will most probably never go through such torture in real life. But it was not a problem for the ROCKS. After all, the small Opel ADAM ROCKS’ design and durability were inspired by the exploits of agile ‘Parkour’ athletes, who use the city landscape as their playground and easily overcome every obstacle.

Over hill and down dale: the urban mini-crossover Opel ADAM ROCKS rocks through the torture track at the Opel Test Center in Dudenhofen

On the newly-expanded high-speed circuit, the saying is: “Only flying is better”. Thanks to its 40 degree banking, speeds of up to 250 km/h can be achieved without lateral forces. This enables Opel engineers to test their calculated target values, such as top speed, while being able to relax and release the steering wheel once in a while. To put the steering, transmission and brakes to the test, Opel ADAM ROCKS also successfully completed the hill track. This undulating, man-made circuit has rising and falling gradients, ranging from eight to 30 percent, with different road surfaces and a serpentine section including hairpin turns – similar to conditions found in alpine mountains. It was another stage that the newest Opel family member effortlessly rocked through. Opel’s agile urban athlete really showed off its strengths, particularly in curves. The newly-tuned steering underpins ADAM ROCKS’ agility, impressing with its direct responsiveness and sporty driving style.

Quality assurance right before start of sales

On Dudenhofen’s comfort and noise measurement track across various road surfaces, engineers tested their development work to ensure it is transferred to real-life experience. As a result, Opel ADAM ROCKS meets the requirements of the ECE-R51.02 pass-by noise type approval regulations. The main factors affecting pass-by sound are powertrain noise emissions, especially those from the exhaust system. The test track used for the Opel ADAM ROCKS was exactly 23.74 meters long. In accordance with the standard procedure, engineers drive onto the track in second and third gear, both at 50 km/h, and then accelerate under full throttle. To the left and right of the track, directional microphones are posted which capture the pass-by noise. The average limit value for pass-by noise in second and third gear is 74 dB(A) – and the small crossover mastered this without a problem.

But that’s not all. A decisive test which the series production version of the Opel ADAM ROCKS had to undergo was the endurance track. The longest track at the test center offers many different road surfaces including asphalt and cobblestones, bumps and numerous curves. Here engineers test if the performance and quality they fine-tuned and approved in the development vehicles has been successfully transferred to the volume production vehicles. “This gives us another possibility for additional quality assurance right up to the start of sales,” says Rainer Bachen, Lead Development Engineer at Opel. “For example, if we determine in Dudenhofen that the steering feels different, or bothersome noises can be heard inside the vehicle, we can immediately take appropriate measures and get the quality back on track before delivery to our customers.”

During the development phase of Opel ADAM ROCKS, everything for the prototype making in the development center is carried out by hand. In contrast, speed and volume count in series production, so that series production quality also has to undergo final testing. That is why the team brings the Opel ADAM ROCKS into the workshop after the various test runs and examines the vehicle and its individual components. “We want to be absolutely sure that our series production cars drive exactly like we tuned our prototypes during development. In the process, safety, quality and endurance are top priority for us,” says Bachen. So when the endurance test is completed, engineers again check all the fastening elements which were bolted together by series equipment, disassembling the ROCKS down to its single components to assess every single part. After this careful inspection, the result was an unqualified “Thumbs up!”. So there is nothing standing in the way of having pure driving fun at the wheel of the Opel ADAM ROCKS – even over hill and dale – from September.