Showing posts with label EURO 6. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EURO 6. Show all posts

Friday, 6 September 2019

Groupe PSA’s passenger cars are all certified under the new EURO 6 requirements and are immediately available for customers.

  • All Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel and Vauxhall passenger cars are approved under the new EURO 6 emission standard effective on 1 September 2019: “EURO 6d-TEMP-EVAP-ISC”.
  • Thanks to sound technological choices made in anticipation of the regulations – SCR “Selective Catalytic Reduction” and GPF “Gasoline Particulate Filter” –, Groupe PSA is once again at the forefront for implementing the more stringent standards.




Nicolas Morel, Executive Vice President for Quality and Engineering at Groupe PSA, confirms: “Groupe PSA was one of the few carmakers ready last year for the first step of WLTP [1] and able to deliver all its range to its customers after 1 September 2018. One year on, Groupe PSA is on schedule again and has punctually type-approved all passenger car models in due time. Our technological choices to treat pollutant emissions allow us to offer our customers compliant and environmentally friendly vehicles.”


The targets for the measurement of passenger car emissions become tougher again on 1 September 2019, with the following additions:

  • Test for RDE (Real Driving Emissions): this test defines the admissible deviation between the polluting emissions (NOx, PN) measured on vehicles in real-world driving conditions and the emissions measured in the new certification procedure. The requirement is a coefficient of 2.1 for NOx emissions. Groupe PSA models are approved. Moreover, 80% of Groupe PSA passenger cars are already compliant with the next regulation step “EURO 6d-ISC” to be implemented in January 2020 with a required coefficient of 1+0.43 of measurement dispersion.

  • Test for EVAP (EVAPorative emissions): EVAP is the measurement of the amount of hydrocarbons that evaporates from a car’s fuel system over a period of 48 hours. This primarily concerns the fuel tank ventilation of petrol cars.

Test for ISC (In Service Conformity): ISC means that automobiles up to five years old and already on the road must continue to comply with all emissions standards.

These tests have already been completed for all passenger car models and the vehicles are certified accordingly. Customers can order all models from Groupe PSA’s brands (Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel and Vauxhall) today and can be sure that their new car already meets all current standards and can be delivered without delay.

[1] WLTP: Worldwide harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure.

Friday, 16 August 2019

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

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




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

Opel Calibra


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


New Opel Astra  Sports Tourer 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IAA star 1989: World premiere for aerodynamics champion Opel Calibra

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

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

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


Thursday, 30 November 2017

New Opel Grandland X now Available with Top-of-the-range Diesel and New Premium Trim

  • Compact SUV with 130 kW/177 hp diesel and eight-speed automatic gearbox from €37,320
  • 2.0 litre diesel adds new top-of-the-range variant to the newcomer’s engine line-up
  • Ultimate comfort with prices for the Opel Grandland X Ultimate starting at €34,240

Top diesel for Opel Grandland X: New SUV is now available with the 130 kW/177 hp 2.0 litre diesel that also produces 400 Nm maximum torque.

The new Opel Grandland X celebrated its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and recently arrived at dealerships. Now Opel has decided to extend the powertrain portfolio for the dynamic SUV newcomer. The Grandland X can be ordered with the 130 kW/177 hp, 2.0 litre top-of-the-range diesel that delivers maximum torque of 400 Nm with immediate effect. It is combined with the new eight-speed automatic transmission for prices starting at €37,320 (all prices RRP including VAT in Germany; NEDC diesel consumption urban 5.3-5.31 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.6-4.51 l/100 km, combined 4.9-4.81 l/100 km, 128-126[1] g/km CO2).

“Our new Opel Grandland X embodies an adventurous spirit and freedom. Obviously, an especially powerful turbo diesel that promises additional driving pleasure while curbing fuel consumption is the ideal match. We have that in the new top-of-the-range 2.0 litre diesel for the Grandland X. Our new challenger in the SUV segment can unleash its full potential in combination with the smooth shifting eight-speed automatic transmission,” said Peter Küspert, Managing Director Sales and Marketing Opel Automobile GmbH.

In addition, the Opel Grandland X will also be available with the premium “Ultimate” trim, which includes a string of luxurious features as standard. The sporty yet elegant SUV becomes even more of an eye-catcher with the 19-inch BiColor alloys and silver coloured roof rails for prices starting at €34,240. Furthermore, premium ergonomic seats, leather trim, the Denon premium sound system and numerous ultra-modern assistance and infotainment systems promise a feel-good factor.

High-tech with driver pleasure guarantee: 2.0 litre diesel with eight-speed automatic



The new Opel Grandland X already generates a desire to get behind the wheel of the SUV newcomer with its generous interior, cool off-road look and athletic body work. Therefore, Opel offers lively petrol and diesel engines that guarantee efficiency and exciting performance. The latest addition to the line-up is the top-of-the-range 2.0 litre turbo diesel. The newly developed unit delivers 130 kW/177 hp at 3,750 rpm and offers maximum torque of 400 Nm at 2,000 rpm, giving the Grandland X all the power a freedom-loving SUV needs. With the 2.0-litre diesel, the Grandland X accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds. Top speed is 214 km/h. In addition, the Grandland X has a trailer load of 2,000 kilogrammes (braked at 12% gradient) in this configuration, making it an athletic and practical towing vehicle.

Despite its feistiness, the Grandland X is very efficient with its combined consumption of under five litres. The engine also comes with an efficient exhaust emissions control system with AdBlue injection (SCR, Selective Catalytic Reduction), which removes nitrogen oxides (NOx) from the engine’s exhaust gases. The watery urea solution, which contains ammonia (NH3), reacts with the nitrogen oxides in the SCR catalytic converter and creates harmless nitrogen and water vapour.

The exemplary values are also achieved thanks to the new eight-speed automatic transmission that comes in combination with the four-cylinder diesel unit. The Grandland X is the second Opel after the Insignia to receive a premium-level, efficient eight-speed automatic transmission. It is characterised by even better and smoother shifting quality compared to the six-speed automatic transmission.

Ultimate: Premium features for highest Grandland X travelling comfort

Premium Trim: Opel Grandland X is now available as an Ultimate model variant, with highest comfort, top connectivity and advanced technologies.

Elsewhere, the Grandland X – whatever the powertrain – can now also be ordered with the latest optional premium-level trim introduced by Opel: “Ultimate” stands for highly comfortable travelling pleasure with outstanding connectivity and ultramodern technologies and assistance systems.

Opel Grandland X Ultimate: Top equipment level includes assistant systems such as 360 degree camera and automatic Park Assist.

On the outside, the 19-inch BiColor alloys, the silver coloured roof rails along with the roof and door mirrors in diamond black give the Grandland X an even more impressive appearance. On the inside, AGR-certified premium ergonomic seats, leather features along with seat heating for the front and the two outer rear passengers guarantee cosy driving pleasure. Aluminium sports pedals further increase the sporty feeling when behind the steering wheel.

The Denon premium sound system, which is also standard in the Ultimate trim, creates an outstanding acoustical experience with eight integrated speakers and a subwoofer while DAB+ increases the amount of radio stations available.

Sounds good: Opel Grandland X Ultimate with Denon premium sound-system.

Driver and passengers are always perfectly connected thanks to the personal connectivity and service assistant OnStar[2] along with the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible 

Navi 5.0 IntelliLink infotainment system with eight-inch colour touchscreen. In addition, compatible smartphones can be charged wirelessly.

However, Opel Grandland X is not just extremely comfortable. It is also extremely safe. Ultimate trim standard features such as the adaptive AFL LED headlights, the 360°camera and Advanced Park Assist ensure this.

Furthermore, Opel Grandland X also stands for best traction and stable handling on every surface. This is also thanks to the optional electronic IntelliGrip traction that ensures top road grip in diverse driving situations. The driver has a choice of five driving modes. The system then adapts the torque distribution to the front wheels, allows wheel-spin if necessary, and with the automatic transmission adjusts shift points as well as throttle response.

1] With low rolling resistance tyres

[2] OnStar Services require activation and account with OnStar Europe Ltd. Wi-Fi Hotspot Services require account with nominated network operator. Charges apply after expiry of applicable trial periods. All services subject to mobile network coverage and availability. Check [LOCAL SITE] for service limitations and charges

Friday, 13 May 2016

!NEW! Opel at RETTmobil 2016: Car of the Year for Emergencies

  • New Astra Sports Tourer heads Opel’s emergency vehicle line-up
  • Movano-based rescue and multi-purpose vehicle for fire brigades
  • Wide range of Opel conversions at 16th show for emergency vehicles  

Mobile HQ: New Opel Astra Sports Tourer makes its debut at RETTmobil 2016 as a command vehicle for the fire service.
Insignia Sports Tourer, Zafira Tourer, Mokka and ADAM – Opel now extends its broad portfolio of emergency vehicles with the new Astra Sports Tourer. The 2016 Car Of The Year celebrates its premiere as an emergency vehicle at the RETTmobil show in Fulda, Germany, May 11-13. The Opel Mokka on show in Fulda is designed for the same purpose. Equally wide is the range of commercial vehicle conversions from Opel. The Movano, for example, appears at RETTmobil as a rescue and multi-purpose vehicle for fire brigades. On stand 505 in hall 5, Opel shows how it tailors production cars and light commercial vehicles to the special needs of the police, fire brigades and ambulance services.

Help is on its way:  Opel Astra Sports Tourer mobile HQ

The new Opel Astra Sports Tourer is ready for action, not only as Car of the Year for private and fleet customers, but also as a future mobile headquarters for emergency services. Opel already equips its new station wagon in the factory with a signal system and front flashing blue lights, as well as blue warning lights at the rear – all in LED technology. The accompanying BT 220 controls sit close-at-hand in the center console. Additional equipment includes digital radio complete with multiple roof-antennas, a microphone for making public announcements and an engine relay system. Opel will start taking orders for the Astra Sports Tourer with bright red decals from the design112 company this fall.

Compact station wagon for emergencies: New Opel Astra Sports Tourer makes its debut at RETTmobil 2016 as a command vehicle for the fire service.
The youngest generation of Opel’s compact station for emergency services delivers a lively performance, thanks to the up to 190 kg lighter vehicle architecture and lively engines – such as the 100 kW (136 hp) 1.6 CDTI diesel with six-speed automatic gearbox (4.6-4.5 l/100 km fuel consumption NEDC combined; 122-119 g/km CO2 emissions NEDC combined). Prior to conversion into an emergency vehicle, the Astra Sports Tourer already brings state-of-the-art communications and safety technology, including the OnStar personal connectivity and service assistant with Wi-Fi hotspot for multiple mobile devices, NAVI 900 IntelliLink and the pioneering, glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix lights.

Specialized: Variety of Movano conversions

Opel’s “commercials” are also ready for action. In cooperation with approved conversion specialists, Opel shows how the Movano can become a lifesaver in various forms. Hensel Fahrzeugbau has converted a Movano Trabus (L3H2) into a multi-purpose vehicle for fire brigades, capable of bringing the crew and their tools quickly to the scene of the emergency. The Movano L2H2-based rescue vehicle provides rapid transport from accident-scene to hospital. The conversion with high-tech equipment is from Binz Ambulance- und Umwelttechnik. When RETTmobil is over, this particular Movano will travel to Rüsselsheim, where it will go into service with the plant fire brigade.

All-rounder: As multi-purpose vehicle for fire brigades, Opel Movano Trabus is capable of bringing the crew and their tools quickly to the scene of the emergency.

Friday, 22 April 2016

Opel Statement on Federal Ministry of Transport Report




Opel welcomes the clarity provided by the report of the German government. The report confirms that our tested cars do not have any devices that recognize whether a vehicle is undergoing an exhaust Emissions Test. The report from the UK government, published yesterday, also proves this.

This is in line with our expectation as we always stated that Opel does not have any devices that recognize whether a vehicle is undergoing an exhaust emissions test. Our software was never designed to cheat or deceive. We meet applicable emissions standards.

Both reports suggest the well-known and well-understood differences between the performance of vehicles in the current lab-based emissions test, which is in urgent need of reform, and in road test conditions. The introduction of RDE testing next year begins to address these differences, although there is work to be done to address boundary conditions relevant to that testing.

Opel is actively engaged in the discussion on RDE. We strongly believe that the industry has to regain trust by increasing the transparency with customers and authorities; and we have taken definitive steps in this direction already last year. As announced on December 15, 2015 and explained in more detail on March 29, 2016, Opel will start an initiative to improve NOx emissions of SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) diesel applications in new vehicles in August. Our offensive also includes a voluntary customer satisfaction field action that will involve Euro 6 SCR vehicles that are already on the road in Europe. This activity will start in June 2016.



This is a voluntary and first early intermediate step towards RDE. Our voluntary action is aligned with the German Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA).

Monday, 18 April 2016

!NEW! Opel Announces Details on Offensive with Fuel Consumption and Emissions

  • Opel to publish WLTP test cycle based fuel consumption numbers, reflecting more everyday driving conditions as of June
  • From August onwards, Opel will implement improved SCR diesel applications in new vehicles – improvement towards RDE NOx specifications
  • Voluntary customer satisfaction field action for existing diesel cars with SCR technology from June onwards
  • Opel will implement SCR technology to entire Diesel Fleet Starting as of 2018

Opel has outlined details of its engineering initiative for more transparency, credibility and efficiency as announced last December. As of this summer, the company will take the voluntarily next step to improve transparency and meet future emission protocols. Starting with the new Opel Astra from June 2016 onwards, and in addition to the official fuel consumption and CO2 information, Opel will publish fuel consumption numbers, reflecting different driving behavior recorded under the WLTP test cycle. In addition, Opel will implement an initiative to improve NOx emissions on SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) diesel applications in new vehicles from August onwards. This is a voluntary and early intermediate step towards the so-called RDE (Real Driving Emissions) legislation that goes into effect in September 2017. Opel is offering to provide the regulatory authorities with the engine calibration strategies, which should serve as the basis for a proactive dialogue.

“We at Opel strongly believe that the industry has to regain trust by increasing the transparency with customers and authorities. Opel takes this step towards RDE to show it can be done”, said Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “We announced in December in which direction we are going; now we are delivering the details. I ask the European Union as well as the EU member states and other European countries to accelerate alignment on test set-ups and test interpretations on real-driving-measurements to stop the existing uncertainty caused by test results that are hardly comparable.”

Increase of Transparency on Consumption: Opel steps towards WLTP Test Cycle

From the end of June 2016, and in addition to the official fuel consumption and CO2 information of Opel models, fuel consumption numbers recorded under the WLTP test cycle will be published, starting with the new Opel Astra K.


These figures, which will show a fuel consumption range with a low and a high number, will first be offered for the model year 2016 Astra and published on a dedicated Opel micro-website, creating more transparency. Figures determined under the WLTP test cycle will be published for further models later this year.


According to EU plans, the “New European Driving Cycle” (NEDC) will be replaced starting in 2017 with the more modern standard “Worldwide Harmonized Light Duty Vehicles Test Procedure” (WLTP). The WLTP is important to maintain standardized, reproducible and comparable results.

Less emissions for Euro 6 diesel engines: Opel moves towards RDE

As indicated in December, Opel is also taking action related to NOx emissions to improve Euro 6 diesel SCR engines in the direction of future RDE. RDE is the real driving emissions standard which supplements current test methods and measures a car’s emissions directly on the road.

Dr. Neumann emphasized: "I strongly believe that diesel technology will only continue to play a major role in Europe if the industry sticks to the path of continuous improvement. That is one of the reasons why we decided to implement SCR-Technology to the entire diesel fleet starting as of 2018. With this we do not only talk about a strategy of regaining trust, we also talk about a strategy to preserve the advantage of Europe’s automotive industry in diesel technology.”

The start of the implementation for this Euro 6 SCR improvement in new vehicles is currently scheduled for August 2016. In addition, this activity also includes a voluntary customer satisfaction field action that will involve 57,000 Euro 6 SCR vehicles that are already on the road in Europe (Zafira Tourer, Insignia and Cascada). This activity will start in June 2016 already.



Wednesday, 16 December 2015

!NEW! Opel Goes On the Offensive with Fuel Consumption and Emission

  • Engineering initiative for more transparency and credibility
  • From Q2 2016, Opel will start publishing WLTP cycle fuel consumption numbers for specific models reflecting more everyday driving conditions
  • Engineers developing improved SCR diesel applications – improvement towards RDE NOx specifications, including voluntary customer satisfaction field action


Opel is voluntarily taking the next step to meet future emissions guidelines, both on CO2 and NOx. From Q2 2016, and in addition to the official fuel consumption and CO2 information, fuel consumption numbers recorded under the WLTP cycle will also be published. In addition, diesel engineers have recently started working on an initiative to implement NOx emission improvements on SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) diesel applications. This is a voluntary and early improvement towards the so-called RDE (Real Driving Emissions) legislation that goes into effect in 2017. Opel is committed to providing the testing authorities transparency.


“The events and discussions in the last weeks and months have shown that there is a tremendous focus on the automotive industry and it is now time to act based on the learnings,” says Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “It is obvious to me that the diesel discussion is a turning point. The world is not as it was before. We cannot ignore this and it is in the hands of the automotive industry to change the perception of the new reality.”

Fuel Consumption and CO2

From Q2 2016, and in addition to the official fuel consumption and CO2 information of Opel models, fuel consumption numbers recorded under the WLTP cycle will be published, starting with the new Astra. This procedure has broad industry acceptance and has been developed to be more representative of what customers will experience in use.


According to EU plans, the “New European Driving Cycle” (NEDC) will be replaced starting in 2017 with the more modern standard “Worldwide Harmonized Light Duty Vehicles Test Procedure” (WLTP). The WLTP – also a test conducted in laboratory conditions – is based on stringent test procedures, more consistent with fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in real-life road traffic. This new test cycle is important to maintain standardized, reproducible and comparable results.

SCR Technology

Related to NOx emissions, Opel is also acting right now. The Rüsselsheim automaker has started working on improved solutions for the effectiveness of exhaust gas treatment systems in Euro 6 diesel engines with SCR technology to make improvements in the direction of future RDE guidelines. RDE is the real driving emissions standard which supplements current test methods and measures a car’s emissions directly on the road.


"Our analyses in the last months show that we have no devices that tell us if our vehicles are in a test cycle or not. Nevertheless, we also believe that we are capable of further improving the effectiveness of reduction of oxides of nitrogen emissions from our Euro 6 diesels with SCR technology and so we are making an improvement towards future RDE specifications,” emphasizes Dr. Neumann. “We will use SCR as the mainstream system for Euro 6 diesel going forward as we continue to develop improved technologies to explore higher efficiencies.”


The work on this Euro 6 SCR improvement has started and we expect a production implementation as of the summer of 2016. This activity will also include a voluntary customer satisfaction field action that will involve 43.000 vehicles that are already on the road in Europe (Zafira Tourer, Insignia and Cascada).These vehicles will get a new calibration once it becomes available.


Opel CEO Dr. Neumann also calls for improving the transparency between automakers and authorities in Europe. “In the USA, the companies disclose their complete calibration philosophy to authorities. I would like to see us embrace this practice in Europe.” In this context, the Opel CEO also wants to suggest that all automakers that are active in Europe take part in a negotiated agreement for more transparency.

Thursday, 8 October 2015

!NEW! All-New Opel Astra Impresses with Best-in-Class Total Cost of Ownership

  • Consumption champions: 1.6 CDTI only needs 3.4 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers
  • Low maintenance: Service intervals of 30,000 kilometers the longest in the segment
  • Residual value champion: Up to 10.9 percent higher than for predecessor
  • Price breaker: Up to € 5,000 cheaper than comparable premium class vehicle

All-New Opel Astra impresses with the lowest running costs in its class
The new Opel Astra is setting standards in efficiency, design, connectivity, with technologies from higher segments – and for the total cost of ownership. In order to make full use of this brand-typical strength, the Opel engineers always kept the following priorities in mind during the development process: low fuel consumption, reduced running, maintenance and repair costs along with high value retention due to high product quality. This is how the new Astra has managed to outshine its competitors in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) stakes.


The residual value of the All-New Opel Astra is up to 10.9 percent higher than for the outgoing model.

A further argument in favor of the new Astra is: Astra buyers can save around €5,000 compared to buyers of compact class cars made by the premium manufacturers. A fully equipped Opel newcomer, including IntelliLux LED® matrix light, the latest generation IntelliLink infotainment systems, the personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar with a powerful Wi-Fi Hotspot for up to seven devices, ergonomic seats with massage function and all of the driver assistance systems, comes in around €1,500 below the basic and quite plain version of some competitors – that is saving the Astra way.

“The new Opel Astra was created from the proverbial white sheet of paper. That shines through in every details. Quality, design and economic efficiency are at a very high level, ultra-modern engines and quality workmanship also speak for our bestseller. With these attributes the Astra is setting standards in its class and should be even more popular with customers and especially fleet managers,” said Jürgen Keller, Executive Director Sales, Marketing & Aftersales Germany.

Cost management à la Astra: Clever and practical

No compact class car is more cost conscious and economical than the new Astra. The combination of modern, lightweight construction – the new Opel Astra is up to 200 kilograms lighter than the outgoing model – outstanding aerodynamics (Cd of 0.285) and Euro 6 engines of the latest all-aluminum generation helps the new Astra deliver impressive best values.

Most streamlined Astra ever: Exemplary drag coefficient of 0.285.
On average, The 1.6 CDTI with 81 kW/110 hp in the five-door variant only consumes 3.4 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (90 grams of CO2 per kilometer).

All-New Opel Astra equipped with the 1.6 CDTI (81 kW/110 hp) the  delivers average fuel consumption of only 3.4 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers.

And its brother, the 1.0 ECOTEC turbocharged gasoline engine with 77 kW/105 hp, even manages to deliver one of the best values in the segment when combined with Easytronic 3.0 – it then only emits 96 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

 All-New Opel Astra equipped with the turbocharged 1.0 ECOTEC (77 kW/105 hp) gasoline engine and Easytronic the  only emits 96 grams of CO2 per kilometer – one of the best values in the entire segment.
The Astra also scores on running costs. Service interval of 30,000 kilometers are the longest in this vehicle segment and accommodate company car and frequent drivers. Advantageous insurance premiums – the new Astra falls into the same affordable category as the outgoing model – are also easy on the budget. Opel is also cutting expenditures in one of the most costly sectors for private and fleet car owners all under the motto “one size smaller”. 15-inch wheels with 195/65 R15 tires and 16-inch wheels with 205/55 R16 tires are the new standard. Compared to the predecessor this can lead to savings of up to €47 per tire when replacements are required.

The Astra engineers also considered maintenance and repairs at a very early stage. Therefore, Opel already have a stock of recycled components including important spare parts such as cylinder heads, transmissions, alternators, brake calipers, fuel injection pumps and diesel particle filters. All of these parts meet the Opel new goods standards in terms of quality, technology and design while simultaneously reducing the workshop bill by 30 to 40 percent.

A festival for professionals: Outstanding residual value

Even though the Astra was already an extremely popular fleet car, the new generation or compact car looks to increase its appeal even further. The designated bestseller reaches and outstanding level of quality thanks to ultra-modern production methods and high-grade material – and this has an impact on the TCO-relevant residual value. The predicted residual value of the newcomer is on average five percent high than for the outgoing model. For the 1.6 CDTI Business with 81 kW/110 hp this add up to 10.9 percent after three years and 90,000 kilometers, resulting in savings of €3,188 for the owner.

The new Opel Astra with the 92 kW/125 hp 1.4 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo shows similarly good credentials. Given a 5-year holding period and mileage of 100,000 kilometers, the predicted residual value is 7.1 percent higher than for a comparably model of the outgoing generation. Total savings amount to €2,984. Opel Astra 1.4 ECOTEC Business is also exemplary when it comes to fuel consumption. The direct injection gasoline engine delivers consumption of 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers, which is equivalent to 114 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

All-New Opel Astra equipped with the new 1.4 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo (92 kW/125 hp) emits only 114 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

Tuesday, 30 June 2015

!NEW! Opel Insignia Now with New Economy Diesels, IntelliLink with Apple CarPlay Integration and Opel OnStar

  • Whisper diesel for flagship: Two 1.6 CDTI units from newest generation
  • Personal connectivity and service assistant: Opel OnStar now available to order
  • Next infotainment level: Navi 900 IntelliLink with Apple CarPlay integration

Opel Insignia can now be ordered with 1.6 liter whisper diesels with 88 kW/120 hp and 100 kW/136 hp
More modern, powerful and totally connected – the Opel Insignia now comes with groundbreaking enhancements under the hood and in the interior. The new mid-size turbo diesel engines are now available in the Opel flagship for the first time. The 1.6 CDTI whisper diesel comes in two output versions providing powerful drive with economical consumption. Opel’s new infotainment generation guarantees top entertainment and optimum connectivity. The second-generation Navi 900 IntelliLink uses Apple CarPlay to bring the iPhone world into the car. Opel OnStar is also on board. The new personal connectivity and service assistant offers customers a wide range of safety and comfort services around the clock.  

Downsizing with driving fun guarantee: 1.6 CDTI whisper diesel for Opel Insignia

Whisper diesel for Opel flagship: The 1.6 liter diesels with 88 kW/120 PS and 100 kW/136 PS will replace their 2.0-liter counterparts in the Opel Insignia.
Both versions of Opel’s new 1.6 liter whisper diesel now also show in the brand’s flagship that small-displacement engines with high torque and power leave nothing to be desired. The 88 kW/120 hp and 100 kW/136 hp units replace their 2.0 liter counterparts and were developed to deliver exemplary responsiveness and low consumption with exceptional running smoothness. Together with six-speed manual transmission and the Start/Stop system, the 88 kW/120 hp turbo diesel accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 11.9 seconds, matching its predecessor. For the sprint from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear, it needs just 10.4 seconds, making it more than two seconds faster than its forerunner. Its moderate consumption of up to 3.9 liters per 100 kilometers is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 104 grams per kilometer (with low-rolling-resistance tires in the combined cycle). The turbo diesel with 100 kW/136 hp reduces fuel consumption by another 0.1 liters down to 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers. This brings CO2 emissions to an exemplary 99 grams per kilometer, undercutting the 100 gram limit so important for many drivers and fleets. Not one to make compromises, the engine adds five km/h to its predecessor’s top speed, reaching a maximum of 210 km/h. The Insignia sedan accelerates from zero to 100 in just 10.9 seconds and from 80 to 120 km/h in 10.4 seconds, quietly and comfortably with superb refinement. Both whisper diesel versions offer powerful 320 Nm of torque available from 2,000 rpm and can be ordered for entry-level prices of 26,670 and 28,070 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany) respectively.

Opel OnStar and IntelliLink with Apple CarPlay: How connectivity works today

The Opel Insignia not only offers a lot of driving fun with the new whisper diesel engines under its hood, top entertainment, all-round connectivity and highest safety are also ensured inside the cabin – with Opel OnStar and the new IntelliLink generation including Apple CarPlay integration.


The personal Connectivity und Service Assistant Opel OnStar is already on board as standard from the Edition trim level – customers can use all services free of charge for the first 12 months after activation. The extensive service offer includes 24-hour Automatic Crash Response, Stolen Vehicle Assistance, Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostics on important operating data and measurements as well as the remote control of various vehicle functions via Smartphone App. At the same time, Opel OnStar turns the Insignia into a powerful, mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot with stable internet connection. Up to seven devices can be connected to the system simultaneously – practical on journeys with family or when the Insignia serves as a mobile office.

Phone integration: For the first time, iPhone functions can be integrated via Apple CarPlay with the new Navi 900 IntelliLink
In addition, the next generation of Opel infotainment systems brings the world of smartphones into the car even more quickly and comprehensively. For the first time, iPhone functions can be integrated via Apple CarPlay with the new Navi 900 IntelliLink. This guarantees fast access to many entertainment apps for music and news. Display and operation are via the eight-inch color touchscreen. IntelliLink also enables audio streaming, having incoming SMS read aloud and voice control as well as watching films and videos – the former, of course, only when the car is stationary. The navigation system also features maps of more than 30 European countries; it can be displayed two or three-dimensionally according to personal preference and be controlled by voice command.


Monday, 22 June 2015

!NEW! Opel Mokka SUV: New Whisper Diesel and Opel OnStar for the Bestseller

  • Affordable entry to diesel world: Opel Mokka 1.6 CDTI with 81 kW/110 hp from euro 24,185
  • Free trial period for first year: Order books for Opel OnStar now open
  • Excellent outlook: New Black Roof Edition trim level
New Opel Mokka 1.6 CDTI - Black Roof Edition

Opel Mokka is the most successful SUV in its class in Germany and a true brand ambassador for Opel throughout Europe. To date, it has been ordered over 400,000 times. From now on, driving an Opel Mokka will be even more affordable and safer. The entry into the whisper diesel world is now possible starting at euro 24,185 – euro 500 less than so far (RRP including VAT in Germany). In addition, the groundbreaking personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar will be available for the SUV. And customers can choose an additional sporty trim level: Black Roof Edition.



Spoiled for choice: Two whisper diesels for the Opel Mokka SUV

New entry-level diesel for the Mokka: The 1.6 CDTI whisper diesel with 81 kW/110 hp is available for order in the successful SUV as of now.
The modern chassis and powertrain technologies are just two of the reasons for the success of the Opel Mokka. The 100 kW/136 hp 1.6 CDTI only celebrated its debut in the successful SUV at the beginning of the years (combined consumption and CO2 emissions 4,3‑4,1 l/100 km, 114-109 g/km, with six-speed manual transmission). Now its smaller whisper diesel sibling with 81 kW/110 PS will also be available in the Mokka. The new entry-level diesel once again impresses with exemplary responsiveness, pleasant running smoothness and low consumption. It offers powerful 300 Nm of torque, available already from 2,000 rpm. In combination with a six-speed manual transmission, the turbo diesel propels the Mokka from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.5 seconds. It needs 11.8 seconds for mid-range acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear. At the same time, the high-tech engine also reduces consumption. The 81 kW/110 hp Mokka only needs 4,3‑4,1 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers which is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 109 grams per kilometer in the combined cycle.

Real help: The personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar


However, The Opel trendsetter doesn’t just offer high-tech in the powertrain sector – it also sets standards in safety. The Mokka can now be ordered with the personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar. The system offers customers a wide array of safety and comfort services ranging from automatic crash response or roadside services to the powerful, mobile 4G/LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The connectivity and service assistant comes as standard in the Cosmo trim level. In addition, it is available as an option for Enjoy and Black Roof Edition for euro 490 (RRP including VAT in Germany). OnStar subscribers will be able to use the entire service portfolio free of charge for the first twelve months.

Opel Mokka SUV - Black Roof Edition
The new Black Roof Edition trim level adds further sparkle to the Opel Mokka line-up with the SUV now being available with high-gloss black roof and door mirrors.

Opel Mokka SUV Black Roof Edition - 18 inch wheels in high-gloss black color
Furthermore, the color range for the two-time company car of the year and two-time all-wheel drive car of the year has been extended. Customers can now also have the Opel Mokka in True Blue metallic or Abalone White.

Wednesday, 17 June 2015

!NEW! Vauxhall Announces Pricing For All-New Brit-Built Astra

  • All-New Vauxhall Astra in showrooms in October priced from £15,295 OTR
  • Up to £2,200 less expensive than the outgoing model
  • Class-leading powertrains achieve up to 91.1mpg and as low as 82g/km

All-New Vauxhall Astra 
Vauxhall’s all-new Astra will be in showrooms in October priced from £15,295 on-the-road.

The new model, built at Vauxhall’s manufacturing plant in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, is up to £2,200 less expensive than the outgoing model with a simplified range. The new Astra range includes Design, Tech Line, Energy, SRi and Elite, with Nav versions of the SRi and Elite trims also available.

Range highlights include the 1.0 litre three-cylinder Turbo Start/Stop ecoFLEX model priced from £15,995 on-the-road. With an Easytronic five-speed automatic transmission, the same model achieves a class-leading 96g/km CO2 emissions. The range-topping 1.6 litre (200PS) is available in SRi trim priced from £20,435 on-the-road. The diesel offering includes the 1.6 litre ‘Whisper Diesel’ (110PS) Start/Stop ecoFLEX model (prices start at £17,495 on-the-road) that achieves 91.1mpg and class-leading CO2 emissions of 82g/km (provisional).

Each trim level features a high level of standard spec:

Design

Prices start from £15,295 on-the-road, £150 less than outgoing model
  • 16-inch alloy wheels
  • LED daytime running lights, 6 airbags
  • Air conditioning
  • R4.0 IntelliLink audio system with digital radio
  • 7-inch colour touchscreen, USB & aux in
  • Bluetooth connectivity, multi-function trip computer
  • Cruise control and steering wheel controls
  • Electrically operated front and rear windows  
Tech Line (over Design)

Prices start from £15,995 on-the-road, £775 less than outgoing model
  • Navi 900 satellite navigation system with 8 inch colour touchscreen and voice recognition
  • Leather steering wheel, adjustable front armrest
Energy (over Design)

Prices start from £17,295 on-the-road, £625 less than outgoing model
  • 17-inch 10 spoke alloy wheels
  • Heated front seats and heated leather steering wheel
SRi (over Design)

Prices start from £17,895 on-the-road, £970 less than outgoing model
  • 17-inch five twin-spoke alloy wheels
  • Driving Assistance Pack (front camera system)
  • OnStar, Sight & Light Pack
  • Sports seats, sports switch
  • Leather steering wheel
  • Front foglamps
SRi Nav (over SRi)
  • Navi 900 satellite navigation system with 8 inch colour touchscreen and voice recognition 
Elite (over Design)

Prices start from £19,315 on-the-road, £1,960 less than outgoing model
  • 17-inch multi spoke alloy wheels
  • Leather ergonomic sports front seats with extendable seat cushions, tilt and four-way electrical lumbar adjustment
  • Heated front and rear outer seats
  • OnStar, Sight & Light Pack
  • Electronic climate control
  • Front foglamps
  • Electrically foldable door mirrors
  • Two USB chargers for rear seat passengers
Elite Nav (over Elite)
  • Navi 900 satellite navigation system with 8 inch colour touchscreen and voice recognition

                     All-New Vauxhall Astra price guide

Wednesday, 10 June 2015

!NEW! Top Down, New Engine On: Opel Cascada Drives into Summer

  • Stylish: Attractive convertible with premium roof and room for four adults
  • Clean: New 2.0 CDTI Turbo Diesel with 125 kW/170 hp and just 4.9 liters consumption
  • Purrs: Whisper diesel perfect for open-air driving

Seductive whirlwind: Opel gives the Cascada a brand-new 125 kW/170 hp two-liter Turbo diesel engine.
An elongated, elegant silhouette, state-of-the-art technology and extensive standard equipment – in one word: Cascada. With the large convertible, Opel offers a spacious four-seater with a high-quality soft-top otherwise only seen in selected premium brand vehicles. It features superior acoustic and thermal insulation for first-class, all-season driving comfort. The Opel Cascada is a seductive whirlwind with its top down and a quiet Gran Turismo when the top is up. It is a year-round cabriolet thanks to its sophisticated soft-top that opens in just 17 seconds while driving at speeds of up to 50 km/h. And now Opel gives the Cascada the brand-new two-liter turbo diesel engine recently introduced in the Insignia and Zafira Tourer, as well as the three new colors True Blue, Rocky Coast and Coconut. The new 125 kW/170 hp four-cylinder unit with 400 Nm torque meets all the important demands on modern diesel engines and replaces the 121 kW/165 hp engine.

Purrs: Whisper diesel 2.0 CDTI perfect for open-air driving.
Compared to its predecessor, the new powerhouse boasts three percent more power and 14 percent more torque, yet has even more economical consumption. With the new two-liter turbo diesel under the hood and six-speed manual transmission, the open-air cruiser consumes just 4.9 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle and emits 129 g/km CO2. Thus, the Euro 6 - 2.0 CDTI boasts improvements of six percent. The powerful engine is a perfect fit to the comfortable and lively Cascada: the Opel convertible accelerates to 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 218 km/h. It makes the sprint from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear in just 9.3 seconds – seven-tenths faster than with the predecessor engine. The elegant convertible with the new 2.0 CDTI engine is available from 30,500 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany).

Stylish Opel Cascada: Attractive convertible with premium roof and room for four adults.
“The Opel Cascada is a mid-size cabriolet with premium features and quality for an extremely attractive price. With the new engine that is part of our extensive powertrain offensive, cabriolet fans now get an engine that sets standards in this class in terms of refinement, power development and consumption,” says Peter Christian Küspert, Vice President Sales and Aftersales at Opel Group.

Highest efficiency for low consumption

Clean: New 2.0 CDTI Turbo diesel with 125 kW/170 hp and just 4.9 liters consumption.
The engineers managed to achieve the efficiency improvements by redesigning the combustion chamber, optimizing the re-profiled intake ports and looking to a new fuel injection system with 2,000 bar and up to 10 injections per cylinder cycle. These measures not only improve the efficiency of the engine, the improved fuel atomization also benefits refinement. Impressive maximum torque of 400 Nm is available from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm. For the first time the VGT (variable geometry turbine) turbocharger features an electrical actuator instead of a vacuum actuator resulting in 20 percent faster boost response and even more driving fun. The exceptionally compact packaging of the turbocharger and the intercooler also minimizes the air volume between the turbocharger and the engine, further contributing to an especially fast boost pressure build up. For durability, the turbocharger is water-cooled and has an oil filter fitted at the oil inlet point to help further reduce wear in the bearing system.

Impressive: Maximum torque of 400 Nm is available from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm.

Smooth running for pure cabriolet feeling

A consistent improvement in NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) characteristics under all operating conditions was a key requirement for the new engine right from the outset of its design. Architectural improvements focused on two high noise emitting areas: the top and bottom of the engine. A new aluminum cylinder head design, including the addition of a decoupled, plastic cam cover with isolated fixings and a sealing gasket, improves noise attenuation. At the bottom of the engine, a new balancer shaft module is fitted, made of high pressure die-cast aluminum. It houses two counter-rotating shafts which offset up to 83 percent of secondary order engine vibrations. As a result of all these and numerous other design features, the new 2.0 CDTI unit emits less noise than its predecessor throughout its operating range, and with 74 decibels at idle it is even three decibels quieter than before. This takes the open-air driving fun in the Opel Cascada to new heights.

Clean running with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)

The new 2.0 CDTI runs almost as clean as a gasoline engine with Opel’s BlueInjection selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. BlueInjection is an after-treatment which removes nitrogen oxide (NOx) from the engine’s exhaust gases. Tiny quantities of AdBlue®, a harmless fluid consisting of urea and water, are injected into the exhaust gas flow ahead of the SCR catalyst and downstream of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The solution is immediately converted into ammonia (NH3), which is absorbed by the SCR catalyst. Nitrogen oxide (NOx) in the passing exhaust gas is then selectively reduced to harmless nitrogen and water vapor in a chemical reaction with the ammonia. The AdBlue solution, available at filling stations and Opel dealerships, is stored in a tank, which can be topped up as required via a nozzle adjacent to the vehicle’s fuel filler cap.

OnStar: The all-round carefree package for the Opel Cascada

Ultra-modern technology is not only under the Opel Cascada’s hood: from late summer, the mid-size convertible will also be available with the personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar. The built-in 4G LTE connection enables mobile data speeds up to 10 times faster than with 3G technologies. The system offers increased responsiveness and can support simultaneous voice and data connections. Opel OnStar raises in-vehicle communications and on-board entertainment capabilities to a new level. Thanks to the powerful Wi-Fi hotspot, up to seven mobile devices can be connected to the system simultaneously.