Opel Grandland X “120 Years”: Seating Comfort has Long Tradition

120 Years of Opel Automobile Production

• Anniversary model: Bestselling Opel Grandland X special model with leading technologies and comfort
• Learning curve: From box seat to ergonomic seat with massage function in 120 years
• Experts’ approval: Seats in Opel models certified by Campaign for Healthier Backs
• Second-row comfort: Heated rear seats in Opel Insignia, Astra and Grandland X SUV

Opel Grandland X “120 Years”

Opel has been developing and producing automobiles since 1899. “Democratise top technologies and make them accessible to everyone” has been the motto since day one. Driven by this commitment, the automaker is celebrating “120 Years of Opel Automobile Production” this year. Through the decades, Opel has introduced numerous technical advancements and made them accessible to the general public. These include efficient engines and superior chassis, as well as state-of-the-art assistance systems. At the same time, Opel has always made the comfort of drivers and passengers a top priority. After all, motorists want one thing above all else: a comfortable and relaxed journey. Seats play a key role; they are the interface between man and machine. Accordingly, Opel also focused on seat development at an early stage, as seats with a perfect ergonomic shape increase not only comfort, but also safety. Both aspects have been at the top of the German carmaker’s agenda since the introduction of the first automobiles – after all, the 1899 Opel “Patentmotorwagen” already had leather seats.

The list of seating-milestones in 120 years of Opel engineering ranges from the introduction of longitudinal adjustment in 1931 and the legendary reclining seats in the Opel Kapitän, to height adjustment in the Opel Monza and Senator in the late 1970s and the Flex7 seating system in the first Opel Zafira exactly 20 years ago. Then in 2003 the first ergonomic seat certified by Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (Campaign for Healthier Backs) made its Opel premiere in the mid-size Signum. Today, models like the Opel Astra, Opel Insignia and Opel Grandland X can be ordered with the award-winning, continuously developed ergonomic active seats.

Opel Grandland X - Ergonomic active seats

A prime example of top technologies and first-class comfort for everyone is the Opel Grandland X “120 Years” (fuel consumption with 1.2 Direct Injection Turbo, 96kW/130hp, six-speed manual transmission and Start/Stop according to NEDC1: urban 6.1 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.9-4.8 l/100 km, combined 5.3-5.2 l/100 km, 121-120 g/km CO2; fuel consumption according to WLTP2: combined 7.1-6.5 l/100 km, 161-147 g/km CO2) available from €29,200 (RRP incl. VAT in Germany). The anniversary model variant not only has assistance systems such as Cruise Control with intelligent speed limiter, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Hill Start Assist, Rear View Camera and Park Pilot for front and rear as standard on board. Numerous comfort features also ensure a relaxed ride. These include the multi-adjustable comfort driver and passenger seats as well as multi-stage seat heating for the front seats, heatable leather steering wheel and Solar Protect heat protection glazing in the rear. With just a glance at the exterior, the door sills with OPEL lettering, 17-inch light-alloy wheels in 5 double-spoke design and the “120 Years” logo immediately identify the Grandland X anniversary model. Comfort can be increased even further with the optional ergonomic active front seats – also in leather and with seat ventilation – and seat heating for the two outer seats in the second row. Opel thus offers first-class seating comfort for all passengers.

Early comfort: “Lutzmann” with soft leather seat bench

At the end of the 19th century, people could not even dream of such technologically sophisticated seats – the focus then was on engine-power, comfort played a subordinate role. The cars still resembled carriages, as did the seats. For instance the Opel Patentmotorwagen “System Lutzmann” of 1899: not just the entire car, but also the seats with their bolt-upright position were reminiscent of a carriage. Of course, there were no possibilities to adjust the seats yet. So instead, Opel focused on another detail that was a big comfort plus at the time: the bench seat was already luxuriously upholstered with leather.

Thirty years later in 1929, the seat in the Opel 4/20 “Moonlight Roadster” was still a rigidly fixed bench. However, it was positioned considerably lower and allowed passengers to stretch their legs out in front of them, similar to today. In the four-door model and limousine the front seats could be folded down. The next development step quickly followed with the Opel 1.8 Litre: the front seats could now be adjusted longitudinally. Brochures at the time stated: “The adjustable front seats are like club chairs: deep and cosy, with comfortable backrests.” The 1.2 Litre Regent had another standout feature: “Wide, comfortable, inviting front and rear seats. The large boot is accessed by simply folding the rear backrest forward.” So comfort combined with practical benefits was already on the agenda in 1931.

“Car seats like this were already on quite a few wish lists”: Opel Kapitän, GT and Monza

From the early 1950s the seats of the Opel Olympia were fixed to a metal frame and also longitudinally adjustable. To facilitate entry for rear passengers, the front seat backrests could be folded forward. In 1956, the Opel Kapitän L took things a step further with extra seating comfort. “The occupant of each individually adjustable front seat can recline the backrest seamlessly all the way to a horizontal position, simply by pulling a lever and leaning back,” said the description. The so-called “relax” or “reclining” seat was born. “A slight pull is all it takes to ‘customise’ the seat position.” The rails the seats slid on were mounted on an incline. This meant that the height of the seat position changed according to the longitudinal adjustment. Already back then, the significance of seats for safety was highlighted: “Especially when cornering, you really feel how these seats have the right shape and how much support they provide. The result is a pleasant and secure driving feeling that you never want to miss again.”

In 1968 the Opel GT went into series production. This legendary model sparkled with its bold sporty styling – both exterior and interior. Passengers made themselves comfortable in seats with a sporty shape. Extended seat cushions and a significantly improved shoulder section showed the direction of development. From the late 1960s, Opel gradually equipped various models with optional headrests – such as the Kadett B, Rekord C, Commodore A and Olympia A. The next important development step came in 1978: in line with the credo “Comfort is a function of technology”“, Opel introduced the height-adjustable seat in various trim variants of the Monza A and Senator A. “To guarantee every driver – regardless of height or size – their optimum personal seat position and visibility, the driver’s seat can be seamlessly adjusted in terms of longitudinal position, backrest tilt (…) and in the Senator CD even seat height”, was the description of adjustment possibilities in the Opel brochure.

Flexibility redefined: Flex7 seating system in the Opel Zafira

In the 1990s, the seats in the Opel Omega B were electrically adjustable as an option. The reinforced rear seat backrests and side airbags made an important contribution to passive safety; elaborate crash tests with a payload were conducted for the first time. Depending on the trim version, all three rear seats came with three-point seatbelts and headrests.

Opel presented a global innovation in 1999 with the introduction of the Zafira compact van featuring its on-board Flex7 seating system. For the first time, a compact seven-seat people-carrier could be transformed, in no time at all, into a two-seat transporter with a large loading area – without having to remove the seats and cumbersomely store them outside the vehicle. 

Thanks to a clever mechanism, both the individual seats in the third row could be folded down flush with the floor of the boot. Then the seat cushions and backrests of the second row could be folded down, pushed up against the first row seats and secured there. This transformed the family van for seven into a load-carrier with up to 1,700 litres of transport volume (VDA – German Automotive Industry Association – standard). 

With this concept, Opel raised flexibility to the next level and continued further developing it up to the lounge seating system with transversally adjustable outer seats in the middle row in the Zafira Tourer.

Good for the back: AGR-certified ergonomic seats from 2003

Relaxed travelling not only increases the well-being and safety of passengers, it is also an important health factor. The “right” seat is not only comfortable, it also supports the occupant’s back. Opel has a pioneering role amongst volume manufacturers in this area. 

The company was the first automaker to offer back-friendly seats in the mid-size class in 2003, with the first AGR seal of approval for the Opel Signum. The experts for healthy seating awarded the 18-way electrically adjustable, multi-contour driver‘s seat in the Opel Vectra/Opel Signum their seal of approval.

From this moment on, the ergonomically superior seats set off on their road to success. 

In 2008, the standard comfort seats in the Opel Insignia offered generous adjustment setting ranges – 65 mm (electric) for height and 270 mm longitudinally – achieving absolute best marks here. The premium driver’s seat was AGR certified. 

And in 2012 the Opel Meriva was the first series production car to receive the coveted AGR seal of approval for its overall ergonomic concept: FlexDoors with an opening angle of 84 degrees, FlexSpace system, AGR­ certified ergonomic seats and the FlexFix bicycle carrier.

Opel also made the especially back-friendly seats available in the compact class. For the first time, the AGR-certified premium ergonomic seats in the Astra generation introduced in 2015 were not just multi-adjustable in height, longitude and tilt (including side bolster adjustment) they were also optionally available with further comfort features such as massage, ventilation and memory function. 

In addition to the current Astra and Insignia variants, drivers and front-seat passengers in the top Opel Grandland X SUV can also look forward to exemplary seating comfort. 

But they are not alone. All three models also feature second-row seating comfort, as optional seat heating is available for both front and outer rear seats.

Performance sports seats developed by Opel for the Insignia GSi driving machine (fuel consumption Opel Insignia GSi with 2.0 BiTurbo Diesel and 154kW/210hp according to NEDC1: urban 9.6 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.6 l/100 km, combined 7.1 l/100 km, 187-186 g/km CO2; fuel consumption according to WLTP2: combined 7.8-7.4 l/100 km, 204-193 g/km CO2) currently represents the ultimate in sportiness and ergonomics. AGR-certified Opel performance sport seat combines outstanding lateral support with top long-distance comfort and offers all the comfort features from the Insignia model line. The integral seat in the GSi also comes with ventilation, heating, a massage function (driver’s seat) and adjustable side bolsters. These features are complemented by the high backrest with integrated headrest. The longitudinal position, height, cushion tilt and backrest angle of the seat that looks like a king cobra ready to strike can all be adjusted electrically. The air cushions of the four-way lumbar support along with the variable side bolsters are also activated electrically. Developed by Opel experts for healthy seating, the performance seat is unique in its combination of sporty lateral support and comfort features.

1] WLTP measurements converted to NEDC values for comparison

[2] WLTP combined figures (for information only, not to be confused with official NEDC values)

Ready, Steady, Go: Order Books Open for New Opel Insignia GSi

• Top-class sports feeling: Be an Opel Insignia GSi pilot from prices starting at €45,595
• Powerful engines: Choice of BiTurbo diesel or turbocharged petrol unit
• Like clockwork: FlexRide chassis and all-wheel drive with torque vectoring
• Exciting appearance: Bumpers, side sills and rear spoiler in GSi design
• Top comfort with touring car flair: Newly developed, AGR-certified integral seat
• Tailored flagship: Opel Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer available as GSi

The Opel Insignia GSi celebrated its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. And now everybody who wants to experience the car for themselves can do so with the opening of the order books for Opel’s dynamic flagship. Prices for the GSi start at €45,595 (all prices RRP including VAT in Germany) for the Grand Sport variant. The car promises maximum driving pleasure on all roads. Families eager to experience the sporty feeling together can look to the spacious GSi Sports Tourer variant for prices starting at €46,595. It offers an equally rewarding driving experience plus additional space and practicality.

“The Insignia GSi already impressed with its uncompromising styling at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Our customers can feel that certain something as soon as they get behind the sport steering wheel,” said Peter Küspert, Managing Director Sales and Marketing, Opel Automobile GmbH. “This is the time to change. Because as of now, all sport drivers can now order their Insignia GSi. They will receive a sports machine for connoisseurs – sharp, precise and efficient.”

The entry-level Opel Insignia GSi Grand Sport is already equipped with the 154 kW/210 hp 2.0 litre BiTurbo diesel that delivers a hearty 480 Nm of torque at 1,500 rpm (Official fuel consumption GSi 2.0 BiTurbo in accordance with the New European Driving Cycle: urban 8.9 l/100 km, extra-urban 6.1 l/100 km, combined 7.3 l/100 km, official specific combined CO₂ emissions 192 g/km).

People who prefer a powerful turbocharged petrol unit for the Opel  Insignia GSi can choose the 191 kW/260 hp 2.0 litre engine (Official fuel consumption in accordance with the New European Driving Cycle: urban 11.2 l/100 km, extra-urban 7.1 l/100 km, combined 8.6 l/100 km, official specific combined CO₂ emissions 197 g/km) for prices starting at €47,800. The 2.0 turbo delivers maximum torque of 400 Nm from 2,500 to 4,000 rpm. It propels the Insignia GSi Grand Sport from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and gives it a top speed of 250 km/h.

In addition, both powertrain versions come with an especially dynamic set-up of the FlexRide chassis, adaptive all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, especially grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres along with a new eight-speed automatic transmission which also enables manual shifting via the paddles on the steering wheel.

It really gets stuck in …

The all-new GSi chassis is the base for maximum driving pleasure and effective power output: Shorter springs lower the GSi by 10 millimetres and special sports shock absorbers reduce body movements to a minimum. You can feel exactly where the Opel Insignia GSi received its fine-tuning in every corner and in every movement – on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring, the toughest racetrack in the world.
 

The mechatronic FlexRide chassis adapts shock absorbers and steering in fractions of a second; the control unit also changes the calibration of the accelerator pedal and the shift points of the eight-speed automatic. The driver can choose between Standard, Tour and Sport modes. Subject to the chosen mode, steering and throttle-response is then even more direct. Exclusive to the GSi is the Competition mode, which is activated via the ESP button. A double-press allows skilful drivers more yaw and switches off traction control. Insignia GSi pilots who truly want to control everything themselves can also change gears via the steering wheel paddles.

Elsewhere, the Twinster all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring – unique in the segment – is the ideal match for the sports chassis. The conventional differential on the rear axle is replaced by two clutches, which can accelerate each rear wheel individually in fractions of a second. Depending on the driving situation, this results in the Insignia GSi following the line its driver wants to take. Furthermore, Brembo brakes ensure outstanding braking performance even at high speeds.

… and immediately gives a race-driver feeling

These ingredients create a highly active driving experience which is matched by the Insignia GSi’s sporty looks. Large chrome air intakes at the front, GSi bumpers and side sills along with the optional prominent rear spoiler for the Grand Sport clearly show: here comes a real sports machine. Furthermore, drivers can enjoy the standard AGR-certified ergonomic seats or alternatively choose the optional integral leather performance seat developed especially for the GSi. It comes with the customary comfort features such as ventilation, heating, massage function and adjustable side support along with a high back rest with integrated head rest. The standard aluminium sport pedals provide additional sporty flair. With these features the Opel Insignia GSi delivers unparalleled driving pleasure both as a Grand Sport and as a Sports Tourer.

New Opel Insignia GSi Conquers the Nürburgring Nordschleife

• Best time: Up to twelve seconds per lap quicker than previous Opel Insignia OPC
• In the best hands: Volker Strycek and team put finishing touches to GSi at the Ring
• Best ingredients: Lightweight construction, mechatronic FlexRide chassis, all-wheel drive

Familiar territory: New Opel Insignia GSi shows what it is made of on the legendary Nordschleife of the Nürburgring.

The new Opel Insignia GSi is a precision instrument. Ten millimetres closer to the road than a normal Insignia and at least 160 kilogrammes lighter than a previous generation Insignia OPC. With intelligent all-wheel drive, that sends a perfectly dosed amount of power to each individual wheel thanks to torque vectoring. This improves handling even further and annoying understeer is eliminated. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres on 20-inch rims ensure an outstanding level of grip while the powerful Brembo brakes guarantee short braking distances and maximum safety. Furthermore, the direct steering, adjustable shock absorbers along with the engine and transmission control are interlinked and react sharply when the Sport Mode is activated. Briefly, the GSi is an automotive foil for aficionados of modern, highly efficient sports limousines. A “Connoisseur’s Choice” edition with the “Tested on the Nürburgring” seal of approval – because every sporty Opel is fine-tuned on the legendary Nordschleife.

“The toughest place in the world to test a car to the max” (Volker Strycek)

On June 18, 1927, the original 28 kilometre long “mountain, racing and test track” at the foot of the Nürburg was inaugurated. The founding fathers attached great importance to the Nürburgring containing sections with country road characteristics so that the booming automotive industry could test its cars accordingly. The first race in the Eifel was won by superstar Rudolf Caracciola, who later admitted that he found the course “really tough”, in 1927. Three-time Formula 1 world champion Sir Jackie Stewart later gave the hilly course, which is surrounded by forest, its legendary nickname – “The Green Hell”. Today, one of the leading experts on the Nürburgring is Opel Director Performance Cars and Motor Sport, Volker Strycek. In 2003, he won the 24-hour race in an Opel Astra V8 Coupé. More recently, Strycek and his team developed the set-up of the Insignia GSi on the Nürburgring.

“The lightweight architecture, the excellent chassis configuration with uprated damper hydraulics and software adjustment, the unique all-wheel drive along with the performance tyres make the GSi as precise and sharp as we wanted it to be,” said Strycek after his test drives. “The results speak for themselves. I can complete a lap of the Nordschleife in the new Insignia GSi up to twelve seconds faster than in the more powerful OPC predecessor – but I obviously push the car every inch of the way.

As soon as the course becomes more demanding such as in the corners or stretches with low friction, i.e. when the car needs to react in an especially agile and precise manner, the GSi is definitely faster and easy to control.”

“This is precisely the efficiency I expect from a modern sports car.”

The Opel engineers have treated the GSi to a new chassis compared to the new Insignia. Shorter springs lower the GSi by ten millimetres and special sports shock absorbers reduce body movements to a minimum. The powerful Brembo four-piston brakes (diameter 345 millimetre) and the already direct steering were adapted accordingly. The Insignia GSi is equipped as standard with the mechatronic FlexRide chassis. It adapts shock absorbers and steering in fractions of a second; the control unit also changes the calibration of the accelerator pedal and the shift points of the eight-speed automatic. The driver can choose between Standard, Tour and Sport modes. Subject to the chosen mode, steering and throttle-response is then even more direct. Exclusive to the GSi is the Competition mode, which is activated via the ESP button. A double-press allows skilful drivers more yaw and switches off traction control – for a fast lap of the Nordschleife, for example.

Nürburgring expert: Opel Director Performance Cars and Motorsport Volker Strycek pushed the new Opel Insignia GSi to the limit on the Nordschleife.

The sports-chassis, developed in combination with the extra grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres and big 20-inch wheels, offers almost limpet-like levels of adhesion. A major contribution comes from the all-wheel drive with torque vectoring fitted as standard, which is unique in this segment. In this high-tech system, a conventional differential on the rear axle is replaced by two clutches, which can accelerate each rear wheel individually in fractions of a second, depending on the driving situation.

“The all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring is truly unique in the Insignia segment. It banishes the tendency to understeer known from more conventional systems,” said Strycek.

The sports sedan is powered by an impressive gasoline turbo engine that combines fuel efficiency with performance. The powerful 2.0-litre turbo produces 191 kW (260 hp) and develops generous torque of 400 Nm (NEDC fuel consumption: 11.2 litres per 100 km urban; 7.1 l/100 km extra-urban; 8.6 l/100 km combined; 197 g/km CO2). Alternatively, the GSi is also available with the 154 kW/210 hp 2.0-litre BiTurbo diesel (Official fuel consumption 2.0 BiTurbo in accordance with New European Driving Cycle: urban 8.9 l/100 km, extra-urban 6.1 l/100 km, combined 7.3 l/100 km, official specific combined CO₂ emissions 192 g/km) – a unit that is tailor-made for the Opel flagship and delivers torque of 480 Nm. Both four-cylinder units are mated to an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission. The driver has the option of shifting gears via paddles at the steering wheel without taking his hands off the steering wheel or his eyes off the road. In addition, the shift points of the automatic transmission can be preselected via the Standard and Sport modes.

The new Opel Insignia GSi is available as either a sports limousine or an even more family friendly estate – then called the Opel Insignia GSi Sports Tourer.