Practical, Stylish, Sporty and Spacious: All-New Opel Astra Sports Tourer

• Electrified: Opel Astra Sports Tourer available for first time with plug-in hybrid drive
• Spacious: Practical boot offers up to 1,634 litres of stowage
• Clever: Intelli-Space adjustable floor optimises boot volume
• Way ahead: IntelliLux LED Pixel Light (as Opel Insignia and Grandland flagships)
• Simply the best: Ergonomic AGR seats provide optimum comfort and support
• Characteristic: Opel Vizor brand face and Pure Panel digital cockpit
• Electrification offensive: Battery-electric Opel Astra Sports Tourer variant follows in 2023

Newest generation of the Opel Astra hatchback is already rolling off the assembly line in Rüsselsheim. Now Opel is following up with the estate model variant, all-new Opel Astra Sports Tourer, available in Germany for prices starting at €27,750 (RRP incl. VAT). Newcomer will be available with two levels of plug-in hybrid electric drive, making it the German carmaker’s first electrified estate. 

All-New Astra Sports Tourer also continues Opel’s successful tradition of compact estates, which began around 60 years ago with the Opel Kadett Caravan, the first such car in this class from a German brand.

In addition to electric drive, all-new Astra Sports Tourer will be available with highly efficient petrol and diesel engines. Power ranges from 81 kW (110 hp) to 96 kW (130 hp) with the petrol and diesel variants and currently up to 133 kW (180 hp) and later up to 165 kW (225 hp) system output with the electric plug-in hybrid variants (WLTP fuel consumption1: 5.9-1-1 l/100 km combined, 133-25 g/km CO2). In addition, Astra Sports Tourer continues Opel’s electrification offensive; a battery-electric variant will complete the powertrain line-up in 2023.

Flexibility: Practical boot with, Intelli-Space adjustable floor

With vital statistics of 4,642 x 1,860 x 1,480 millimetres (L x W x H) and a loading height of around 600 mm, practical new Astra Sports Tourer further strengthens Opel’s leading reputation in the estate market sector and displays the brand’s typical talent for efficient packaging. However, the overall length is 60 mm shorter than that of the previous model, thanks to the particularly short front overhang, and despite the 70-mm longer wheelbase of 2,732 mm (57 mm longer than that of the new Astra hatchback).

Boot of the all-new Opel Astra Sports Tourer provides up to around 600 litres of useful storage space with the rear seatbacks upright, and up to 1,634 l when folded – plenty of room to accommodate, for example, a transport box for a medium sized dog. In addition, when the 40:20:40-split rear seatbacks (standard equipment) are folded down, the floor is completely flat. Even with their underfloor lithium-ion battery, the plug-in hybrid variants still offer handy cargo volumes of more than 516 l and 1,553 l respectively.

Boot volume of combustion engine variants is optimised with the optional Intelli-Space. This versatile load floor can be easily adjusted with only one hand to high and low positions, and parked at a 45-degree angle. In addition, for even higher convenience, the retractable boot storage cover can be stowed when the adjustable floor is in both the upper as well as the lower position.

All-new Opel Astra Sports Tourer with Intelli-Space can also make life easier in the event of a flat tyre. Kits for tyre repair and first aid are stored in clever underfloor compartments that can be accessed from the boot or rear passenger seating area. This means that kits can be reached without needing to fully unpack boot. Of course, tailgate opens and closes automatically with a movement of the foot under the rear bumper.

Bold and pure: Opel Astra Sports Tourer first Opel estate with Vizor and two-tone paint

Together with its five-door hatchback sibling, the exceptionally stylish Astra Sports Tourer is a true design statement and Opel’s first estate to interpret the brand’s bold and pure design philosophy. But despite all the emotion, the new Sports Tourer retains the strengths and practicality of its predecessors. Furthermore, the new Astra Sports Tourer is optionally available with two-tone paint. Contrasting roof colour makes the newcomer look even leaner and longer.

Opel Vizor new brand face follows the Opel Compass where the vertical and horizontal axes – the sharp crease in the hood and the wing shaped graphic of the daylight running lamps – intersect with the Opel Blitz emblem in the middle.

Lighting the way for compact estates: Unique IntelliLux LED Pixel Light headlamps

Stretching across the front, the Vizor also seamlessly integrates technologies such as the adaptive IntelliLux LED Pixel Light headlamps and the front camera. Glare-free system with 168 LED elements comes from the Opel flagships Insignia and Grandland and is a class-leading feature among compact and midsize cars.

Viewed from the side, Opel Astra Sports Tourer looks especially dynamic while at the rear, Opel Compass is repeated by the centrally mounted Blitz, the vertically aligned high-mounted brake lamp and the especially slim LED tail lamps.

Innovation inside: All-digital Pure Panel cockpit

Interior has taken a big step forward too, according to the motto “detox to the max”. The fully digital Pure Panel Human-Machine-Interface (HMI) offers customers a pure, intuitive experience. Operation is via an extra-wide touchscreen, just like a smartphone. Important settings such as climate control can still be selected directly via just a few switches. New generation of multimedia infotainment and connectivity systems can be connected to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via compatible smartphones.

Driver is also supported by state-of-the-art assistance systems, such as Intelli-HUD Head-Up Display and Intelli-Drive.

Outstanding seating comfort is typical of Opel. Developed in-house, the front seats of the new Astra Sports Tourer are certified by Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. / Campaign for Healthier Backs (AGR). Ultra-ergonomic seats are the best the compact class has to offer, featuring a wide range of optional adjustments, from electric tilt to electro-pneumatic lumbar support. In Nappa leather, they even offer ventilation and massage for the driver and front passenger, and heating at the rear as well as the front.

[1] Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures mentioned comply with the WLTP homologation (regulation EU 2017/948). From 1 September 2018, new vehicles are type-approved using the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), which is a new, more realistic test procedure for measuring fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. WLTP fully replaces the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC), which was the test procedure used previously. Due to more realistic test conditions, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions measured under the WLTP are in many cases higher compared to those measured under the NEDC. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures may vary depending on specific equipment, options and format of tires.

New Opel Crossland: Sweeping change

• Early adopter: Opel Crossland features unique face premiered by new Opel Mokka
• Sweeping change: Opel Vizor covers whole fascia, integrating grille and headlights
• For enthusiasts: Sporty GS Line+ trim with distinctive black and red colour scheme
• Outstanding versatility: Sliding rear seats and up to 1,255 litres of trunk volume
• Excellent comfort: Optionally with new ergonomic, AGR-certified, alcantara seats
• Dynamic drive: Opel engineers further develop chassis and steering
• For every surface: Now with IntelliGrip adaptive traction control
• Euro 6d across the board: All petrol and diesel units meet strictest emissions standard
• Get ready: Order books open soon, cars at dealerships across Europe in early 2021

New Opel Crossland

Crisp and compact on the outside, very spacious and versatile on the inside with cool SUV looks. That is the new Opel Crossland, which is the first model to adopt the brand’s unmistakeable new face, showcased just a few weeks ago by the new Opel Mokka. As with the Mokka, new Opel Crossland dispenses with the X-appendix in its name. In addition to the design, Opel has further developed the Crossland’s chassis, steering and added a sporty GS Line+ trim as well as IntelliGrip adaptive traction control.

New Opel Crossland: IntelliGrip adaptive traction control

Organically integrating the grille and headlights, Opel Vizor of the new Crossland extends in one single sweep across the front of the vehicle. Vizor optically stretches the width and organises the fascia with a reduced amount of elements. Brand’s legendary lightning-flash emblem proudly dominates the centre. Vizor will become a hallmark of all Opel models in the course of the 2020s with the idea of further clustering top technologies.

New Opel Crossland: Opel Vizor covers whole fascia - integrating grille and headlights

At the rear, new dark-tinted taillights enhance the signature Opel wing light design, and the new high-gloss black tailgate surface (available in combination with the black roof) makes the new Crossland look wider and stronger.

New Opel Crossland: dark-tinted taillights enhance signature Opel wing light design, new high-gloss black tailgate surface 

Also new are the front and rear skid plates (painted silver on the Ultimate model variant), LED front fog lamps (with chrome décor on Ultimate and Elegance), a chrome door moulding for the Ultimate trim, plus stylish 16 and 17-inch light-alloy wheels. Former are available in silver, high-gloss black bi-colour or high-gloss black, while the latter come in high-gloss black bi-colour or high-gloss black.

New Opel Crossland: 17-inch light-alloy wheels

Fans of sporty looks will get their money's worth with the Crossland GS Line+. This new trim, including black 17-inch light-alloy wheels, black roof, red signature daylight opening, AGR-certified ergonomic seats (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) for driver and front passenger, LED taillights and roof rails make the compact SUV really stand out from the competition.

New Opel Crossland: Interior with Alcantara and AGR ergonomic seats

Generous feeling of space and the first-class AGR ergonomic front seats in the Opel Crossland will make long trips even more comfortable. SUV also convinces with a high level of flexibility, thanks to individually sliding and reclining rear seats. They come with a 60/40 split and slide by up to 150 millimetres, increasing trunk space from 410 to a class-leading 520 litres in seconds. Folding the rear seats completely increases trunk volume to 1,255 litres.

New Opel Crossland: New springs and dampers for the McPherson strut front suspension and the torsion-beam rear axle

Dynamic drivers will especially appreciate the improvements Opel has made to the Crossland’s chassis. Opel engineers in Rüsselsheim have developed new springs and dampers for the McPherson strut front suspension and the torsion-beam rear axle. In combination with the new steering column intermediate shaft, which improves steering precision and centre-feel, the chassis of the new Crossland delivers an optimum balance of comfort and agility.

New Opel Crossland: New steering column intermediate shaft, which improves steering precision and centre-feel

New with IntelliGrip: Optimum traction at all times

New Opel Crossland buyers can add extra safety to the enhanced driving dynamics with IntelliGrip (available from early 2021). This adaptive traction control system enables optimum traction and stability on all kinds of surface. IntelliGrip features the following five modes:

• Normal / On-road: ‘Normal mode’ switches on as soon as the Crossland starts up. ESP and traction control settings are appropriate for normal driving conditions downtown, on the motorway or in the countryside.

• Snow: This special winter mode enables optimum traction on icy and snowy surfaces at speeds up to 50 km/h. Traction control regulates the slip of the front wheels, slowing down the spinning wheel and transferring the torque to the other front wheel.

• Mud: This mode allows more wheel slip. This intentional spinning of the wheel with the least traction when the vehicle is launching enables the removal of mud from the tyre, which can then regain traction. Meanwhile, the wheel with the most grip receives the highest torque. This mode is active up to 80 km/h.

• Sand: This mode allows a small amount of simultaneous spin of both the front-driven wheels, enabling the vehicle to move and reducing the risk of sinking.

• ESP Off: This deactivates ESP and traction control at speeds up to 50 km/h. For safety reasons, IntelliGrip automatically returns to ‘normal mode’ at speeds above 50 km/h.

Drivers and passengers can enjoy not only strong grip, they are also well connected and entertained thanks to the range of infotainment systems comprising Radio BT, Multimedia Radio and the top-of-the-line Multimedia Navi Pro with 8.0-inch colour touch screen. Multimedia units are also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Compatible smartphones are chargeable while in use via wireless inductive charging. In addition, the Crossland offers the “OpelConnect”1 service as an option. LIVE Navigation 2 with real-time traffic information and current fuel prices, plus a direct link to breakdown assistance and emergency calls makes journeys even more relaxing.

New Opel Crossland: Multimedia Navi Pro with 8.0-inch colour touch screen

Euro 6d petrol and diesel engines: Driving fun with low emissions

Opel Crossland customers can choose from a powertrain portfolio of efficient petrol and diesel engines with 1.2 and 1.5 litre displacement. Both the petrol engines with 61 kW (83 hp) to 96 kW (130 hp) and the diesel engines with 81 kW (110 hp) and 88 kW (120 hp) now meet the strict Euro 6d emissions standard.

Trendsetting lighting technology and innovative assistance systems

Journeys will be even more relaxing and safer with the numerous ultra-modern technologies and assistance systems available with the Opel Crossland. Adaptive Full-LED headlamps with cornering light, high beam assist and auto levelling ensure outstanding visibility in the dark.

Most important assistance systems of the new Opel Crossland at a glance:

• Head Up Display (HUD) projects the most important data on speed, navigation and assistance systems into the driver’s direct line of sight.

• Forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection operates at speeds above 5 km/h. If a vehicle or pedestrian ahead is approached too fast, the system sounds a warning chime and displays a message in the Driver Information Centre. If a collision is imminent, the braking system is prepared and, if necessary, emergency braking is deployed to minimise the effects of a potential collision. Below 30 km/h, the system can bring the vehicle to a complete stop. If the speed exceeds 30 km/h, speed is reduced and the driver must actively brake.

•  Lane Departure Warning issues audible and visible signals if it registers that the lane is being left unintentionally.

• Driver Drowsiness Alert evaluates fatigue level through the driving style and alerts the driver if a break is necessary.

• Side Blind Spot Alert uses ultrasonic sensors and reports vehicles travelling to sides of car and alerts the driver with a warning light in the relevant mirror.

• Panorama Rear View Camera with 180-degree angle of sight at rear.

• Automatic Park Assist identifies suitable parallel and perpendicular parking spots and parks the car automatically; the driver only needs to operate the pedals and gear shift.

• Cruise control with speed limiter, together with Speed Sign Recognition, enables quick and easy adherence to the speed limit.  

Opel will soon open the order books for the new Crossland, which will arrive at dealerships in early 2021.

[1] Dependent on market-availability of “OpelConnect” services.

[2] LIVE navigation services available free-of-charge for 36 months after activation. Payment for Live navigation services required thereafter.

[3] Preliminary fuel consumption and CO2-emission data given have been determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology, and the relevant values are translated back into NEDC to allow the comparability with other vehicles, according to regulations R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1153 and R (EU) No. 2017/1151.

New Opel AGR Performance Sport seats: Tailored for the Opel Insignia GSi

• Developed in-house: Combines lateral support and long-distance comfort
• Built in-house: Key components from the Opel plant in Kaiserslautern
• AGR certified: Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. confirms exemplary ergonomics
• Fully equipped: Ventilation, heating, massage function, adjustable side bolster

Strong support in corners and high comfort over long distances: New performance sport seat of the Opel Insignia GSi.

Excellent seats are just as much part of Opel as the iconic Blitz on the grille. The Rüsselsheim-based carmaker offers AGR certified (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) ergonomic seats for a wide range of models starting with the sub-compact Opel Crossland X. The latest development in seating technology with outstanding lateral support and best long-distance comfort is now celebrating its debut in the new sporty flagship, the Opel Insignia GSi and the GSi Sports Tourer. The AGR-certified Opel performance sport seat comes with all advanced features already known from the top-of-the-range seats available for the Insignia. The integral seat in the GSi also comes with ventilation, heating, a message function and adjustable side bolsters. These features are complimented by the high backrest with integrated headrest in the sportiest member of the Insignia line-up. In addition, the belt route at shoulder height is exemplary – not a given for integral sports seats. Customers can also choose between two premium leather combinations, while a discreet GSi logo adorns the back rest.

The length, depth, cushion and back angle of the seats 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. All of these settings can be saved via the memory button – only the seat depth adjustment needs to be done manually. The ventilation and the heating are integrated in the cushion and backrest. In addition, the driver can enjoy a back massage. Overall the sum of sporty side support and comfort features makes the new performance seat a unique offer – developed in the competency centre for healthy seating in Rüsselsheim.

First ultra-sporty looking performance seat entirely from a manufacturer

Normally, carmakers buy the extra-sporty integral seats from a specialised supplier. However, this is very different in the case of the Opel Insignia GSi. The Technical Development Centre can draw on a vast amount of competence when it comes to seat structures. The concept for the second generation of the Insignia always foresaw a modular system with the integral performance seat forming the pinnacle. This enabled all of the comfort features to be maintained in a thoroughbred sport seat. Furthermore, the Opel in-house development also delivers on stylish highlights: the hinted guides for shoulder belts in the back rest look exactly like the air intakes at the front of the Opel Insignia GSi and demonstrate the outstanding attention to detail.

The base structure of the performance seat also stems from Opel. The key steel elements are from the plant in Kaiserslautern. The unified development and production of the new bucket seat also results in significant weight savings. While the sport seat – without any of the comfort features available in the GSi – weighs 28 kilogrammes in the Opel Corsa OPC which has been on the market for some years, the new integral seat with all its functionalities only adds 26 kilogrammes to the Opel Insignia GSi.

!NEW! Opel Insignia Grand Sport: No Need to Fear the Winter Chill

• Cozy warmth from heated steering wheel, front seats and rear outer seats
• Heated windshield improves visibility in frosty and humid conditions
• Remote control stationary heater warms up interior before driving starts

There is no reason to fear the winter chill in the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport, which features an array of protective measures against the cold, including a heated windshield.

There is no reason to fear the chill of winter when you drive or ride as passenger in the next generation Opel Insignia. The new flagship from Rüsselsheim features an array of protective measures against the cold, including a remote controlled stationary heater, heated seats in the rear as well as the front and a heated windshield. The windshield is defrosted silently and comfortably at the push of a button, by a fine wire heating element. The heated windshield also prevents fogging in humid conditions, further improving visibility and safety. The heating switches off automatically and it can be reactivated if necessary by another press of the button.

At the push of a button, drivers of the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport can enjoy the warmth of a heated steering wheel.

In addition to the heated windscreen, the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport provides drivers and passengers with many more ways to keep warm. Drivers can enjoy the luxury of a heated steering wheel, while seat heating is available not only for the driver and front passenger, but also for the occupants of the outer rear seating positions. In the front, the heating is adjustable, and with the automatic seat heating option it can even be controlled via the personalization menu in the information display.

“With the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport, it has never been easier to feel warm and comfortable in an automobile” said Opel’s vice president of sales and aftersales, Peter Christian Küspert, “and the improved visibility from the heated windscreen is a safety benefit for all road users”.

Heating of the seats and steering wheel is operational not only when the engine is running, but also during start/stop. Switching on the heated rear window also activates heating of the exterior mirrors for further improved visibility to the rear.

For the ultimate in wellness as well as warmth, the ergonomically certified AGR driver power seat of the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport also features a ventilation function.

For the ultimate in wellness as well as warmth, the 18-way adjustable and ergonomically certified AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken) Driver Power Seat additionally features massage and ventilation functions.

Seat heating in the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport is available not only for the driver and front passenger, but also for the occupants of the outer rear seating positions.

The new Opel Insignia Grand Sport can even warm up the passenger compartment before anyone gets in, thanks to the optional remote controlled stationary heater. The factory fitted heater is activated via remote control timer or automatically according to temperature sensors.

!NEW! Opel Cascada Supreme: Convertible for All Seasons with Extra Flair

• Black beauty: 20-inch two-tone wheels, grille and exterior mirrors all in black
• Haute couture: Sporty seams highlight the cockpit, steering wheel and seats
• World premiere: Debut at Paris Motor Show

Haute couture: New Opel Cascada Supreme is the convertible with that certain something.

New special edition of the Opel Cascada is for customers who want extra flair from their all-season convertible. Every detail and every shade of color of the Opel Cascada Supreme is finely matched. As of November, the four-seat convertible can be ordered either in Pull Me Over Red, Summit White or Black Meet Kettle. These three exterior colors are uniquely accented by the black grille, the black mirrors and the two-tone glossy-black 20-inch alloy wheels. In order to underline these unique features, the fog-lamp housings and the crossbar of the Opel logo are body colored. The black Acoustic roof opens in only 17 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h and does its name every justice, creating a quiet, refined interior atmosphere even at higher speeds. Convertible fans can soon admire the Opel Cascada Supreme in Paris, where it will celebrate its world premiere at the Mondial de l’Automobile (October 1-16).

Good looking from every angle: Exclusive special edition Opel Cascada Supreme.

The attention to detail continues inside the new Cascada Supreme. Inspired by the glowing red signature line of Opel‘s futuristic design study, the Opel GT Concept, the seams of the seat fabrics and the door and cockpit trims are accented in sporty red. The well-tailored seams on the steering wheel, the center console and the shift lever are in matching black, while the inserts in the instrument panel are premium finished in piano black laquer. Heated AGR ergonomic seats in Siena -leather and a three-spoke steering wheel are optionally available. Prices for the Opel Cascada Supreme will be published later.

!NEW! Seat Engineering at Opel: High-Tech Perfection with a Long Tradition

• Robot tested: Outstanding ergonomic AGR seats for Astra, Insignia and Meriva and co.
• Second row comfort: Heated rear seats make new Astra debut
• Learning curve: From box seat to 18-way adjustable seat with massage function in 117 years

Bernd, Werner, Oliver and Marius are full of enthusiasm for their task – repeatedly they rub over the side bolsters of the seat underneath them before simulating getting in and out while scrubbing across the leather. Somewhat stubborn and relentless but at the same time completely dedicated. Bernd, Werner, Oliver and Marius are inspection robots in the test lab of the Opel International Technical Development Center in Rüsselsheim. To be more precise, they consist of a friction pad covered with a jeans-like material and a foam layer that simulate the human posterior and thighs. “They are more than just robots for us – they are fully qualified members of the team. They perform an important job and therefore they all have names,” explains seat specialist Andrew Leuchtmann, Senior Manager Interiors at General Motors Europe.

The robot team simulates gets into and out of cars 50,000 times a week – equivalent to an entire lifecycle of a car. Both the premium and ergonomic seats targeting the seal of approval from the back specialists of Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (AGR) as well the integrated comfort seats that come as standard are subjected to this ordeal. After the tests, the engineers can recognize whether the seats will be able to withstand future strains just by looking at the fabric structure. “The color has normally faded and the surface is scratched but the most important thing is that the foam underneath is ok and that the surface structure remains stable,” says seating expert Leuchtmann. If this is not the case, the premium and ergonomic seats Opel offers for the driver and front passenger need to be upgraded – after all, there have to last an entire car life, no matter whether it is in the Mokka, Cascada, GTC, Meriva, Zafira Tourer, Astra or Insignia.

“This is where we obviously benefit from our great experience,” says Leuchtmann. After all, the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker can look back on 117 years of seating heritage. The success story of ergonomically valuable sitting began in 2003 with the first AGR seal of approval for the Opel Signum, making Opel the first manufacturer to offer back-friendly seats in the middle class.

The offensive for healthy sitting at affordable prices was rolled out across the model range. Especially long distance and company car drivers are grateful for the system. The numerous settings available allow the AGR certified premium seats in the Opel Insignia to be perfectly adjusted for each driver, ensuring that they are relaxed and symptom-free even after many hours at the wheel. Since 2003, Opel has made democratizing good seats one of its missions and is the leading volume manufacturer in regards to ergonomic seats with the AGR seal of approval.

The new lightness of sitting in the Opel Astra Sports Tourer

Lightweight: AGR seats in the new Opel Astra have shed 10 kilograms in weight thanks to ultra-high-strength steels.

The structure is the most important component of the seat. It ensures the safety of the occupants and keeps them in the right position in case of an impact. However, at the same time is also normally responsible for the considerable weight - not so in the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer. The seats have shed 10 kilograms in weight thanks to ultra-high-strength steels. The engineers know exactly how much weight they can take out safely before even starting on the first prototype thanks to a computer simulation. Darker colors show stress peaks in the material that could lead to a breakage. “We really pushed our limits on the Opel Astra Sports Tourer and experimented a lot,” says Leuchtmann. Amongst others, numerous welding tests were necessary. “You can no longer weld if the material is too thin,” says the engineer.

Comfort guaranteed: The numerous setting possibilities ensure that everybody can find the ideal position. 

Once the first prototypes have been built and the fabrics or leather for the covers selected, Werner and colleagues can start their work. But before that, the team calculates to the load level the robots need to apply to the test subject. Furthermore, a team of experts consisting of men and women of different size and build are asked to take a seat with a pressure mat measuring the peak loads, for example where the sit bones make contact. “We test it with prototypes in the real car,” explains Leuchtmann. “Opel Meriva seat for example is higher and you enter differently than you do the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer where the seats are lower.” Testers also sit differently on a premium or ergonomic seat. Because of the especially good lateral guidance, the side bolsters are higher and therefore under more stress. The data obtained results in an average calculation for stress and Werner and co can be programmed accordingly.

Mobile wellness: Massage and ventilation function along with electropneumatically adjustable side bolsters and lumbar support make the AGR seats in the new Opel Astra true all-rounders. 

Nine human seating experts are also at work in parallel. They, for example, drive around in a new Opel Astra Sports Tourer – for hours on end and for countless kilometers. They test the four-way electropneumatically adjustable lumbar support, the extendable thigh support or the massage function, complete a comprehensive survey and give a subjective overall grade. Serial production can only start when the last weakness has been eliminated.

Opel Meriva first vehicle to receive AGR certificate for integral ergonomic system

The development of a new seat takes around five years – of those, the team invests two years in the implementation of new concepts. This was also the case for Opel’s flexibility champion, the Meriva. It is the first and to date only vehicle with the AGR seal of approval for its integrated ergonomic system. This includes the ergonomic seats along with the 84-degree opening FlexDoors, the versatile FlexSpace seat concept for the rear seats and the optional FlexFix bicycle carrier. Or take the Astra Sports Tourer for example. Thanks to advance development, which also considers customer feedback along with comments posted in forums and blogs, the optional FlexFold rear seatback that can be split in a 40:20:40 ratio at the touch of a button could be realized. Furthermore, heated outer rear seats are available as an option for the first time. The added level of comfort will ensure that the next major trip with family or friends is more relaxing.

To ensure that Opel maintains its frontrunner position in seating development, the engineers are already working on the next generation of the premium and ergonomic seats behind closed doors. “Maintaining our ‘knowledge head start’ over our competitors and consistently extending our production know-how is vital,” insists Leuchtmann. “That is why we develop as much as possible internally and even have some components delivered by our own plant in Kaiserslautern.” The front seat structures are made entirely at the Kaiserslautern plant. The near vicinity to Rüsselsheim also has logistical advantages. The goal is clearly defined: Seats of the future will be even more ergonomic, even lighter, even more stylish and even safer. “We still have a lot of new ideas on how the contouring can adapt even more individually,” reveals the expert. “And there is still more to come on the massage front.” The fact that further Opel models with premium and ergonomic seats will follow seems to be a matter of course especially as the company looks to democratize good sitting further. 

Historical Overview of Opel seat Engineering

1899 – The box seat: The whole Opel Patent Motor Car System Lutzmann including the seats is reminiscent of a carriage. The seats cannot be adjusted.

1929 – Lower position: 30 years later, the Opel 4/20 “Moonlight Roadster” still comes with a firmly fixed bench. However, the position is considerably lower and the passengers can stretch their legs.

1950 – More comfortable: The seats of the Opel Olympia are fixed to a metal frame and the longitudinal position can be adjusted. The backrests of the front seats can be folded forwards to facilitate rear seat passenger ingress/egress.

1956 – Continuous longitudinal adjustment: The continuously adjustable front bench and the adjustable backrests of the Opel Kapitän are a further milestone. The backrests can be set to the optimum position by pulling a lever and simultaneously applying pressure.

1968 – Sporty: The legendary Opel GT gets sporty contoured seats with integrated headrests. Extended cushions and a significantly improved shoulder section show which way development is heading.

1970s – Headrests: Opel optionally fits certain model ranges with headrests – such as the Monza, the Kapitän/Admiral/Diplomat models or the Rekord C and D. The Opel Diplomat B comes with height-adjustable comfort headrests, which can even be tilted forwards.

1978 – First height adjustable seat: Opel Monza drivers can adjust the height of the seat with ease thanks to a telescopic rod.

1994 – Safety with a capital ‘S‘: The seats in the Opel Omega B are comfortable and as an option electrically adjustable. The reinforced rear backrests and the side airbags make an important contribution to passive safety, crash tests with a load are conducted for the first time. In the rear, all three seats come with three-point seat belts and headrests.

2003 – The first AGR seal: The Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (Campaign for healthy back) gives the 18-way electrically adjustable multi-contour driver seat in Opel Vectra/Opel Signum its sought-after seal of approval. Opel is the first carmaker to offer back-friendly seats in the midsize class.

2008 – Comfort seats: The standard comfort seats in the Opel Insignia offer numerous setting possibilities – the height can be adjusted by 65 mm (electric) whereas adjustments of 270 mm are possible in longitudinal direction – outstanding figures. The premium driver seat is AGR certified.

2012 – Ergonomic total concept: FlexDoors with an opening angle of 84 degrees, AGR-certified ergonomic seats and the FlexFix bicycle carrier convince the AGR experts and they award the Meriva with their seal of approval. The first and still only serial production car to receive the certificate for its overall concept.

2015 – Compact class wellness: For the first time the AGR-certified premium ergonomic seats of the new generation Astra are not just 18-way adjustable including side bolster adjustment but are also optionally available with further comfort features such as massage and memory function along with ventilation