Award-winning Opel Vehicles in 2022: From All-New Opel Astra to Opel Zafira-e Life

• “Astra-nomical”: “Golden Steering Wheel 2022”1 and numerous “Car of the Year” awards for Opel compact class bestseller
• Innovative propulsion concept: “40th KS Energy and Environment Award” for Vivaro-e HYDROGEN
• Opel Rocks-e: Autonis Award for “Best Design Novelty” for the innovative light motor vehicle
• Opel Crosscamp Flex: “Connected Car Award” for future campervan based on Zafira-e Life

2022 was a truly “Astra-nomical” year for Opel. Models with the Blitz once again proved to be equally popular with customers, experts and specialist juries. This is demonstrated by sales successes such as the Opel Corsa, which was the most popular small car in 2022 according to official figures from the KBA (Federal Motor Agency), or the Opel Mokka, which was the best-selling electric vehicle in its segment in Germany in autumn. Further proof is offered by the numerous awards Opel received for its innovative models, technologies and solutions – with the "Golden Steering Wheel 2022"1 for the new Opel Astra and Astra Sports Tourer leading the way. In 2022, almost every model in the Opel line-up received at least one award.

“Emotional, suitable for everyday use and above all electrified - this is already normal at Opel today,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl. “Models like the new Astra, the Grandland or the Mokka show how we inspire people with future-proof mobility solutions. This is only possible with an exemplary team performance, and this is recognised by experts and customers alike with numerous awards. Thank you for that!”

At the beginning of 2022, Opel received the “The ONE” award for “Most Reputable Passenger Car Brand of the Year” in Turkey. Approachable, innovative and with great attention to detail, the Opel Corsa has been hugely popular for more than 40 years. The small car bestseller received several awards last year on the important British market: It was named "Best Fleet Supermini" by Fleet World, "Used Small Car of the Year" as well as "Used Car of the Year 2023" across all classes by Carbuyer. The Opel Mokka was named "Car of the Year 2022" in Latvia, "Irish Small SUV of the Year 2022" in Ireland and received the "Erin Baker Award" in the United Kingdom for the battery-electric Mokka-e.

All-New Opel Astra takes “Golden Steering Wheel”: Into a new Opel era with the serial winner

In the autumn, another great honour was bestowed on Opel when the new Astra took the “Golden Steering Wheel 2022” 1. And Opel brand ambassador Jürgen Klopp couldn’t hide his delight when seeing his own all-new Astra for the first time, stating: “Wow, there it is”. With its attractive design, top technologies and electrified for the first time as a plug-in hybrid, the compact class newcomer from Rüsselsheim convinced the readers of AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG as well as the expert jury both as a five-door hatchback and as a Sports Tourer estate. The latest generation of the bestseller prevailed against strong competition and won one of the most prestigious awards in the automotive industry as “Best Car up to €50,000”. It thus completed an extraordinary serial success for Opel: After the Opel Corsa-e 2 in 2020 and the Opel Mokka-e 3 in 2021, the coveted award went to Rüsselsheim for the third time in as many years. However, as a true “champion”, the new Astra generation does not rest on its laurels. Independent GCOTY expert jury of the “German Car Awards” also voted the Astra “German Compact Car of the Year 2023” 4. And the Astra Sports Tourer estate has already won the “FAMILY CAR of the Year” award.

Elsewhere, Opel Rocks-e also impressed the public wits completely new, completely different and completely electric approach to urban mobility. Innovative light motor vehicle for two brings a breath of fresh air to its segment – with a style that is exceptional in every respect. And thus, the readers of auto motor und sport voted Opel Rocks-e “Best Design Novelty of 2022” in the “Mini Cars” category with an overwhelming majority.

And Opel’s large models added further trophies. Readers of AUTO BILD and COMPUTER BILD recently cast their votes and awarded the “Connected Car Award 2022” to the Crosscamp Flex, an electric campervan planned on the basis of the Opel Zafira-e Life. In addition, the best-selling battery-electric Opel Vivaro-e, winner of “International Van of the Year 2021” now also carries the title of “Irish Van of the Year 2022”. And the innovative Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN received the “40th KS Energy and Environment Prize” in Germany.

[1] AUTO BILD edition 45/2022 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2022, category for “Best car up to €50,000”.

[2] AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG edition 45/2020, category for “Small cars”.

[3] AUTO BILD edition 45/2021 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2021, category for “Best car under €25,000” incl. environmental bonus.

[4] German Compact Car of the Year” (compact class category, up to €30,000).

Opel Zafira-e Life coming soon as All-Electric Crosscamp Flex

• Caravan Salon 2022: Crosscamp shows prototype of electric camper in Düsseldorf
• Locally emissions-free for the “great outdoors”: Driving range up to 322 km (WLTP 1)
• Highly flexible: Fully equipped with appliances and sleeping for four
• Planned for 2023: Battery-electric Crosscamp variants complement portfolio

Opel Zafira-e Life is the ideal vehicle for all those who want not only more space and flexibility but also electric mobility, even on a weekend trip to the countryside or camping. Spacious electric van from the German brand will be on display at this year's Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf from August 26 to September 4. Not only on stand D42 in hall 16, but also as the battery-electric Crosscamp Flex in the outdoor arena, where urban camper specialists Crosscamp will present the prototype of a battery-electric Crosscamp Flex based on the Zafira-e Life. Vehicle combines the high practicality and flexibility of the Opel van with the desire for a locally emissions-free camper.

75-kWh lithium-ion traction battery (located under the floor to save space) allows longer journeys, with a driving range of up to 322 kilometres in the WLTP 1 cycle. Charging is as easy as driving – via wall box, fast charging or even a cable for domestic plug sockets. Using 100 kW of direct current (DC), it takes around 48 minutes for the battery to reach 80 per cent state-of-charge. To preserve the energy in the traction battery for driving, an onboard 95 Ah auxiliary battery provides electricity for lighting, a cool box and a USB socket for charging other consumers such as smartphones or cameras.

Typically Crosscamp, typically Opel: High flexibility plus optimum safety

Like every Crosscamp, the all-electric Crosscamp Flex has everything needed for a relaxing trip. The practical equipment includes front seats that rotate by 180 degrees, a kitchenette, a wash basin, a gas cooker and fitted cupboards, as well as containers for drinking and waste water. Thanks to the rear bench seat that quickly turns into a double bed and two more beds under the rising roof, crosscamp Flex can accommodate four guests.

All Crosscamp variants based on the Zafira-e Life benefit from the Opel van’s wide range of assistance

systems offered as standard equipment. List includes front collision alert, emergency braking, drowsiness alert, lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition with semi-adaptive cruise control.

All-electric Crosscamp Flex will join the diesel-engined Crosscamp variants in 2023. Subsequently the brand also plans to offer the electric urban camper as the Crosscamp Lite.

[1] Range determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). Actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning.

Farewell Winter: Opel Service Makes Cars and Vans Fit for Spring

• See clearly after the murk of winter: Opel makes special windscreen wiper offer
• From winter to summer tyres: Brand-name rubber, wheel change and storage
• Fitness for campers: Ready for the coming season with the Opel Crosscamp

After getting through the winter, it is now time to make the car fit for the spring. And not just the car – the same goes for the Opel Zafira-e Life van and the Crosscamp Lite and the Crosscamp Flex Opel Zafira Life campers. That means getting rid of road salt residues in the car wash, cleaning the interior and making sure everything works properly. It is worth taking a trip to the local Opel dealer too, to get the windscreen wipers – which are heavily used during the winter – changed and have the air conditioning as well as the filter unit serviced. With the winter tyres and wheels coming off and going into storage, Opel also has special offers for new brand-name summer tyres.

Be nice to your windscreen: Let Opel change wiper blades

Smearing wiper blades are often the result of the winter season. Ice, salt and dirt put such a strain on the windscreen wipers that even small cracks occur and the windscreen no longer gets clean without streaks. New wiper blades in Opel Genuine high quality ensure a clear view. In Germany for example, Opel Genuine windscreen wipers are now available with a price advantage of up to 30 per cent. The wiper blades made of synthetic rubber glide smoothly over the windscreen, protecting the glass and keeping it clean thanks to optimum contact pressure, even at higher speeds. Aerodynamic shape also minimises wind noise. With the purchase of new windscreen wipers, participating Opel partners are offering a free vehicle inspection.

With temperatures rising again, drivers will be better off with summer tyres in the coming weeks. The harder rubber compound and larger contact area of summer tyres reduce the braking distance on dry roads compared to winter tyres, for example. Ultimately, this increases safety for all road users. Opel dealers in Germany are now making a special tyre-change offer: Opel drivers can buy new brand-name summer tyres at top conditions and if the winter tyres still have sufficient tread depth, the wheels can simply be stored at the Opel partner for the next season. Beforehand, they are professionally cleaned, checked and prepared for storage.

Opel in Germany is also offering all-round inspections that provide additional peace of mind. The experts at the dealership check safety-related items such as the exterior lighting, engine oil level and the windscreen wipers –with guarantees for the inspected parts. Same applies to the inspections for the starter-battery and the air conditioning – a check for the latter is highly recommended with the warmer seasons approaching.

Be prepared: Happy camping with Opel Zafira Life Crosscamp conversions

Opel Zafira Life Crosscamp 

Opel Zafira-based Crosscamp Flex and Crosscamp Lite campers deserve additional attention before the summer holidays begin. In contrast to traditional mobile homes, the conversions from the Erwin Hymer Group brand Crosscamp will not have spent the winter in mothballs, instead they will have been used as everyday transport. Nevertheless, after the Crosscamp has been cleaned inside and out, there are certain items that should receive special attention before the first camping outing of the season.

At the top of the “to-do” list, for safety reasons, is an inspection of the integrity of the gas system and its seals. This might also be a good opportunity to check the level of the gas bottle and replace it if necessary.

Before you go: Check that the camping gear works

To avoid potential frustration at the camp site, the technical camping equipment itself should be given a thorough test before leaving home for the first time of the season. For example: does the interior lighting, the auxiliary heater or the cool box work properly? Is the water pump in working order? Is the bike carrier attached securely? Crosscamp owners should also clean the vehicle’s freshwater canister, disinfect it if required and refill it before the first trip.

When the Crosscamp arrives at its holiday destination, it needs to stand in the optimum position. It is therefore important that chocks for the wheels, the charging cable and adapters for plug sockets are not forgotten and left behind in the garage.

What about the condition of the separate battery for the “living quarters”? Before setting off, the vehicle should be plugged into the electrical grid to be independent and even run the cooler and lights off-grid; and while the battery is charging, the family can restock the interior with basic camping equipment such as crockery and knives and forks.

Finally, when all the items on the checklist have been ticked off, it is “all systems go” for the Crosscamp Lite or Crosscamp Flex. Now, all that remains is to choose the destination, make the reservation and hit the road. Happy camping!

Opel Zafira Life Turn into Camper by Conversion Specialists Crosscamp

• New Crosscamp Life: compact camper with sleeping space for four
• Fully equipped: rising roof, bed, fitted cupboards and kitchenette
• Ready for the next trip: available at many Opel dealers, from €41,999 in Germany

New Crosscamp Life

Opel Zafira Life is as adaptable as a Swiss Army Knife. The spacious van is available in three lengths and with a highly variable interior. As an option, the sliding doors open and close electrically, while the narrow turning circle, all-round visibility and good handling make the Opel Zafira Life ideal for holiday trips with the family. Conversion specialists at Crosscamp clearly agree: the youngest brand of the Erwin Hymer Group offers the Crosscamp Life for €41,999 in Germany (RRP including VAT) at selected Opel dealerships.¨

4.95-metre long Crosscamp Life is a fully equipped camper with sleeping space for four people. Features such as a rising roof, a bed, fitted cupboards and a kitchenette are standard. The furniture fronts have a stylish, monochrome and especially robust stone-look finish. Flexible concept allows the continued unrestricted use as a passenger car – thanks to the height of only 1.99 m, most parking facilities are fully accessible.

Many of the Crosscamp Life’s options are orderable individually, so that every user can configure the vehicle to their own requirements. Attractively priced equipment packs are also available. Wide range of optional assistance systems includes main beam assist, drowsiness alert, lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition with semi-adaptive cruise control, as well as front collision alert with emergency braking assistant.

Crosscamp Life is available with the complete Opel range of diesel engines and transmissions in four power outputs. Equipped with SCR exhaust after-treatment technology, all the engines comply with Euro 6d-TEMP for unrestricted mobility.

If the Crosscamp Life is going to drive off the beaten track, it is available with an optional bad-road pack consisting of 25 centimetres higher ground clearance, underbody protection and a full-size spare wheel and tyre. Opel IntelliGrip traction control system ensures the grip required for every kind of surface. Just right for outdoor adventures with the new Crosscamp Life.