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.

Opel Grandland X: New Top-of-the-Line Petrol Powertrain Arrives

• Happy owner: Manuel Friedrich of Ludwigshöhe “thrilled” by Opel SUV
• Unique offer: Opel Grandland X combines power, performance and practicality
• Strong demand: More than 140,000 Opel Grandland X already ordered

Happy owner: Manuel Friedrich (centre) is one of the first to take delivery of the Opel Grandland X with the new top-of-the-line petrol engine. Patricia Princess of Erbach-Schönberg, Managing Director Auto Jacob GmbH in Rüsselsheim, and Sales Consultant, Georg Pelz handed over the keys.

Deliveries of the cool Opel Grandland X with the most potent petrol powertrain in the line-up are now underway. The first example of the compact SUV with the state-of-the-art direct injection power unit is now in the hands of its happy owner. An excited Manuel Friedrich (36) of Ludwigshöhe picked up his brand new Grandland X at the Auto Jacob Opel dealership in Rüsselsheim. Patricia Princess of Erbach-Schönberg, Managing Director, Auto Jacob GmbH, and Sales Consultant, Georg Pelz presented Friedrich with the keys to his new car.

“I am thrilled with my new Opel Grandland X”, said Manuel Friedrich. “I have always wanted an SUV. It was love at first sight when I saw the Grandland X’s cool design and I placed my order as soon as the top-of-the-line engine became available.”

More than 140,000 customers have chosen the Opel Grandland X since sales began in summer 2017.

Manuel Friedrich’s Opel Grandland X is powered by the new 133 kW/180 hp 1.6-litre Direct Injection Turbo petrol engine with eight-speed automatic transmission (fuel consumption1, 2: 7.2-7.1 l/100 km urban, 5.0-4.9 l/100 km extra-urban, 5.8-5.7 l/100 km and 132-130 g/km CO2 combined).

The all-aluminium four-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder develops maximum torque of 250 Nm at only 1,750 rpm. The lively power unit, which is notable for its particularly direct throttle response, accelerates the Opel Grandland X from zero to 100 km/h in only 8.0 seconds and up to a maximum speed of 222 km/h.

The PureTech power unit not only delivers strong performance. Thanks to a state-of-the-art exhaust after-treatment system that includes a Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF), it also produces low emissions. Fuel economy and efficiency is further improved by the variable valve timing system, which enables infinite adjustment of valve timing and duration.

The Grandland X heads the “X-family” of Opel SUV models – which includes the Crossland X and the Mokka X – and is also leading the electrification of the brand’s model range. The order books for the Grandland X PHEV, Opel’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, will open in the first half of this year. Opel will launch a total of eight all-new or refreshed models between now and the end of 2020.

[1]  Values measured according to WLTP and converted to NEDC for comparison.

[2]  WLTP combined figures (for information only, not to be confused with official NEDC values): 8.0-7.1 l/100 km 181-161 g/km CO2

All-New Opel Corsa Orderable From July 1 in Germany

• From €13,990: sixth-generation Opel Corsa also with diesel and petrol engines
• Fun to drive: advanced engines, low seating position, sporty handling
• Efficient: light weight, lower fuel consumption, high driveability
• Take your pick: Sporty GS Line, comfortable Corsa Elegance
• Typically Opel: adaptive IntelliLux LED Matrix light and seats with massage function
• Innovations for everyone: eight-speed automatic and advanced assistance systems

All-New Opel Corsa GS Line

Sixth generation of the Opel Corsa is in the fast lane. Just a few days after the presentation of the battery-electric version, Opel is now announcing the Corsa with classic combustion engines – more efficient, more advanced and more dynamic than ever. Sales of the 4.06-metre-long, five-door small car from the German carmaker start with particularly economical petrol and diesel engines featuring power outputs ranging from 55 kW (75 hp) to 96 kW (130 hp). Moderate fuel consumption and an engaging drive are characteristic of all powertrain options (fuel consumption NEDC: urban 5.4-3.7 l/100km; extra-urban 4.1-2.9 l/100km; combined 4.6-3.2 l/100km, 105-85 g/km CO2; WLTP: combined 6.4-4.0 l/100 km, 144-104 g/km CO2, all figures preliminary).

“Reaction to the presentation of the all-electric Opel Corsa-e – an electric car for everyone –is phenomenal”, said Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller. “Corsa with classic combustion engines will follow in its wheel tracks. Combustion engine or electric drive? At Opel, thanks to the multi-energy platform, both are possible in one model. Customer decides.”

Gearbox range is topped by the eight-speed automatic transmission. Sporty overall impression is underlined by the lightweight design and the low seating position of the driver. In addition, passive safety is at a high level, while Opel’s engineers have also finely tuned the chassis and the steering. All these qualities are already offered by the base version. Equally convincing are the advanced assistance systems, innovative infotainment and an excellent price-performance ratio. Corsa also makes a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission available for the first time in this segment. For this price, there has never been a more high-tech, dynamic Opel Corsa.

New Opel Corsa can be ordered as of July 1 in Germany. Entry-level variant is priced at €13,990 (RRP including VAT in Germany). This already includes numerous assistance systems, such as front collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection as standard. In addition to the all-electric Corsa-e, diesel and petrol versions are available in three new equipment lines: as Edition for €15,850 in Germany (RRP including VAT), Elegance and especially sporty GS Line are also available.

New engines: Ideal balance between efficiency and performance

Sixth-generation Corsa’s all-new engine portfolio aims to offer customers an ideal balance between efficiency and an engaging drive. Compared with the current power units, the new engines return significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions while retaining similar power outputs.

• Improvements begin straight away with the base 55 kW (75 hp) 1.2 – NEDC combined fuel consumption is 4.1 l/100km (preliminary fuel consumption NEDC1: urban 4.9-4.8 l/100km; extra-urban 3.7 l/100km; combined 4.1 l/100km, 94-93 g/km CO2; WLTP2: combined 6.1-5.3 l/100km, 136-119 g/km CO2). This is a substantial improvement in comparison to the current 1.2 model with 51kW/70hp and its NEDC combined consumption of 5.9-5.6 l/100km and 134-128g/km CO2.

• Higher performance is supplied by the award-winning, three-cylinder, direct-injection turbocharged engine family (Engine of the Year 2015-2018), also with 1.2-litres displacement. The all-aluminium engines produce 74kW (100hp) or 96kW (130hp). With the 74kW (100hp) engine, the new Corsa needs 4.4-4.2 l/100km NEDC combined (fuel consumption NEDC1: urban 5.3-5.1 l/100km, extra-urban 4.0-3.6 l/100km and combined 4.4-4.2 l/100km, 101-96 l/100km; and 6.4-5.3 l/100km, 137-121 g/km CO2 combined in the WLTP2 cycle, all figures preliminary). The 1.4-litre predecessor, also with 74kW (100hp) consumed 5.8-5.4 l/100km combined according to NEDC (WLTP: 6.7-6.5 l/100km, 151-146g/km CO2). Even with the most powerful 96kW (130hp) version, which has no equivalent in the current Corsa range, the preliminary fuel consumption and emissions figures remain moderate (NEDC1: urban 5-4 l/100km; extra-urban 4.1-4.0 l/100km; combined 4.6-4.5 l/100km, 105-103 g/km CO2; WLTP2: combined 6.4-5.6 l/100km, 144-127 g/km CO2).

Wide torque plateau for petrol engines: Top driveability

High efficiency and lively performance are characteristic of the new petrol engines. Internal friction and friction losses have been reduced to a minimum. The turbocharger also reacts immediately, with strong torque development already at low rpm. Maximum torque of the 74 kW (100 hp) 1.2 is 205 Nm; the top 96kW (130hp) unit even develops 230Nm. With the majority of maximum torque available in a wide band, both engines are notable for their high driveability. At least 95 per cent of maximum torque is developed between 1,500 and 3,500 rpm – in combination with the low vehicle weight, excellent aerodynamics and the optimised gear ratios, this enables very good driveability.

Improvement in efficiency through the engine range is reflected in the driving performance. While the new  Opel Corsa with 96 kW (130 hp) reaches a maximum speed of 208 km/h, its predecessor needed 15 per cent more power (110 kW / 150 hp) to get to 207 km/h. With zero to 100 km/h acceleration in 8.7 seconds, the new model is 0.2s quicker than its predecessor. Equally impressive is the 1.2 turbo with 74kW (100 hp). With a top speed of 188 km/h, it is 3.0 km/h faster than the similarly powered predecessor. Depending on the gearbox, it also accelerates from zero to 100km/h in around 10.0 seconds – 1.0s quicker (all figures preliminary).

In addition to the engines, the powertrain improvements also include the transmissions.

• 55 kW (75 hp) entry-level engine is fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard.

• With the 74 kW (100 hp) unit, customers can choose from a six-speed manual or a smooth eight-speed automatic. Adaptive shift programmes and Quickshift-technology represent the state-of-the-art in the Corsa’s market segment. Drivers can shift gears themselves via the paddles at the steering wheel.

• Top-of-the-line, 96 kW (130 hp) 1.2 Direct Injection Turbo is always combined with the eight-speed automatic transmission.

High-tech and high efficiency:

Three petrol engines are joined by a lively 1.5-litre turbo diesel with 75 kW (102 hp) and maximum torque of 250 Nm (preliminary fuel consumption NEDC: urban 3.8-3.7 l/100km; extra-urban 3.0-2.9 l/100km; combined 3.3-3.2 l/100km, 87-85 g/km CO2; WLTP2: combined 4.6-4.0 l/100km, 122-104 g/km CO2, preliminary).

For optimum exhaust after-treatment, the emissions reduction system – consisting of a passive oxidation catalyst/NOx adsorber, AdBlue injector, SCR catalyst and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) – is grouped together as a compact single unit, as near as possible to the engine. NOx adsorber acts as a cold start catalyst, reducing NOx emissions at temperatures below the SCR light-off.

Fans of electric-mobility, of course, can order the Corsa-e. Thanks to the common modular platform (CMP), various powertrains can be offered on one platform.

Lean: lightest variant weighs less than 1,000kg

In addition to the new Corsa’s lively engines, the lightweight design also contributes to the top driving dynamics. The lightest version of the next generation model even undercuts the magical 1,000-kilogramme mark. Excluding driver, the five-door weighs only 980kg. Compared with its predecessor, this model variant is a useful 108kg lighter. This is a weight-saving of around 10 per cent, although the new model has a similar length of 4.06 metres. The body-in-white is around 40kg lighter, the very compact three-cylinder engines weigh around 15kg less than the four-cylinder units of the previous generation. The aluminium bonnet also saves 2.4kg in comparison to the previous model’s smaller bonnet made of steel. The seats also have been put on a diet. The optimized seat structure saves another 10kg.

New Opel Corsa conveys dynamics through its sporty design – especially in combination with the two-tone paintwork. The roof line is coupé-like, 48 mm lower than the predecessor’s, without detriment to headroom for the driver and front passenger. The driver sits 28 mm lower. Handling and driving dynamics benefit from the lower centre of gravity. The handling is responsive and dynamic, for more fun behind the steering wheel.

Democratisation of technology: Advanced assistance systems and Matrix light

In the new Corsa, Opel offers technologies and assistance systems that customers otherwise only know from higher vehicle classes. A real highlight is the adaptive glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix light, which Opel is making widely available for the first time in the small car segment. Eight LED elements are controlled by a high-resolution front camera of the latest generation and automatically and continuously adapt the light beam to the respective traffic situation and surroundings.

State-of-the-art assistance systems such as traffic sign recognition or the radar-based automatic cruise control, as well as the sensor-controlled flank protection, offer a noticeable safety bonus. The latter warns if the sides of the car risk making contact with obstacles (e.g. posts, walls) during manoeuvres at less than 10km/h. There are also systems such as side blind-spot assist and various parking aids, from park pilot to 180-degree panorama rear view camera. Lane keep assist is also making its Corsa-debut. If the system detects an unintended lane-change it alerts the driver with a flashing signal and a nudge of corrective steering (more about the wide range of driver assistance systems of the new Corsa generation here).

Corsa drivers and passengers are well connected and entertained with the new range of infotainment systems comprising Multimedia Radio, Multimedia Navi with 7.0-inch colour touchscreen and the top-of-the-line Multimedia Navi Pro with 10.0-inch colour touch screen. In addition, the Corsa also offers the new telematics service "Opel Connect" as option. Live navigation with real-time traffic information and current fuel prices, plus a direct link to breakdown assistance and emergency calls make journeys even more relaxing for drivers and passengers.

Take your pick: Sporty Opel Corsa GS Line, comfortable Opel Corsa Elegance

New Opel Corsa is offered in four trim levels. Even the entry-level version has many technologies and comfort-enhancing extras, such as typical Opel features like steering wheel heating and heated leather seats with massage function for the driver. Assistance systems include, for example, front collision warning, intelligent cruise control, lane keep assist and speed sign recognition. Above the base version, three equipment lines with different emphases address different customer groups. Corsa Edition adds the most popular extras, the Corsa Elegance is trimmed for maximum comfort and the Corsa GS Line combines additional sporty features. Equipment philosophy, which Opel is presenting for the first time with the Corsa, will soon also be available for other Opel models.

In the Opel Corsa Elegance (from €17,850 in Germany, RRP including VAT), a six-way adjustable front passenger seat, armrest with storage compartment as well as LED headlights in typical Opel-look and LED fog lights make journeys even more relaxed. Chrome decor, attractive stitching and other details make the Elegance especially attractive.

All-New Opel Corsa GS Line: Aluminium sport pedals, black headliner and red décor on the instrument panel

Sporty ambitions of the GS Line as dynamic model variant are obvious – inside as well as out. Sport seats for driver and front passenger, as well as aluminium sport pedals, a black headliner and red décor on the instrument panel, underline the sporty feeling. GS Line can be recognized immediately by a chrome tailpipe and sporty looking bumpers at the front and rear. A Sport mode delivers even more dynamic steering and throttle response. Prices for the Opel Corsa GS Line start from €19,880 in Germany (RRP including VAT). Further design highlights include B pillars in high-gloss black as well as a variety of personalization options. This includes a comprehensive wheel programme as well as a fully digital cockpit, leather seats or two-tone paint.

300 hp and AWD: New Opel Grandland X Hybrid4

• 300 hp and AWD: New Grandland X Hybrid4 version tops Opel’s SUV family
• Four driving modes: Fully electric, hybrid, AWD and sport
• Convenient: Lithium ion battery fully charged in as little as one hour 50 minutes
• Efficient: Regenerative braking converts deceleration to electrical energy
• Opel goes electric: Entire product portfolio electrified by 2024

Opel goes electric! German carmaker continues to implement this key element of the PACE! strategic plan by presenting the new all-wheel drive PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) version of the Grandland X. Topping Opel’s SUV offer (that also comprises the Crossland X and the Mokka X), the elegant Grandland X Hybrid4 with an optional black engine hood combines the power of a 1.6 turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors for a system output of up to 300 hp. Preliminary WLTP/NEDC fuel consumption (weighted, combined) is 2.2 l/100 km with 49 g/km CO2. Planned to go on sale within the next weeks for first deliveries to customers in early 2020, Opel’s first plug-in hybrid will contribute to the electrification of the German brand’s entire product portfolio by 2024. It is also part of the carmaker’s strategy for meeting future CO2 targets. Another step in the process, which also includes highly efficient internal combustion engines, will be the introduction of the fully battery electric version of the next-generation Opel Corsa that goes on sale this year.

New Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 

Consistent with Opel’s positioning as the exciting, approachable, German brand, the new PHEV represents the state-of-the-art in plug-in hybrid technology. Propulsion system of the Grandland X Hybrid4 comprises:

• WLTP-certified, Euro 6d-TEMP-compliant 147 kW/200 hp, 1.6-litre turbocharged direct injection four-cylinder petrol engine specially adapted to the hybrid application
• electric drive system with two 80 kW/109 hp electric motors, all-wheel drive and a 13.2 kWh lithium-ion battery. Front electric motor is coupled to an electrified eight-speed automatic transmission. The second electric motor, inverter and differential are integrated into the electrically powered rear axle to provide all-wheel traction on demand.

Engine will mostly be driven at medium to high vehicle speeds, while the lower speeds of transient driving are covered by the electric part of the powertrain. Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 can cover up to 50 kilometres in pure electric mode in the WLTP driving cycle (60 km according to NEDC). Studies have shown that in Germany, 80 percent of all daily journeys cover a distance of under 50 km, so for these customers the Grandland X Hybrid4 could potentially drive with zero emissions all of the time.

Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 will offer four driving modes – electric, hybrid, AWD and Sport – allowing drivers to tailor the car’s characteristics to their wishes or to specific driving conditions. For example, choosing the hybrid mode allows the car to automatically select its most efficient method of propulsion, with the possibility of switching to electric mode for zero-emission driving when reaching a city centre. Selecting AWD mode activates the electrified rear axle for maximum traction on all kinds of roads.

In addition to demonstrating how Opel democratises innovation with the newest propulsion systems, the Grandland X Hybrid4 shows how Opel always keeps sight of the customer’s needs. For example, the plug socket for charging the battery via the 3.3 kW on-board charger (a 6.6 kW version is optional) is conveniently positioned on the opposite side of the vehicle to the fuel filler, while the battery is installed under the rear seats in order to optimise space in the interior and the boot.

As electricity is cheaper than petrol, drivers can save money when they regularly recharge the battery instead of putting fuel in the tank. Depending on local prices and distances covered, this can significantly lower energy bills.

Charging time depends on the type of charger in use. In addition to the cable supplied with the vehicle for charging from a domestic plug socket, Opel will offer devices for fast charging at public stations and wallboxes at home. For example, the battery charges fully in around one hour and 50 minutes with a 7.4 kW wallbox.

To make charging even more convenient, Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 will benefit from the dedicated solutions for electrified vehicles supplied by Free2Move Services, the Groupe PSA mobility brand. Offer will include a charging pass, giving access to more than 85,000 charging points in Europe, and a trip planner, which proposes the best routes based on the car’s residual range and the location of charging stations along the routes. Connected navigation via the Navi 5.0 IntelliLink infotainment system takes care of finding the routes and the guidance to the chosen charging station.

Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 will also offer the new Opel Connect telematics service. Helpful functions, such as Live Navigation with real-time traffic information, checking key vehicle data via an app, direct connection with roadside assistance and emergency call, give the driver and passengers additional peace of mind. Help can be reached within seconds via the red button. If the seatbelt tensioners or the airbags are deployed, the emergency call is activated automatically.

“One Pedal Driving”: Slowing down with the accelerator

In order to further improve efficiency, Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 features a regenerative braking system to recover the energy produced under braking or deceleration. In a conventional braking system, the mechanical energy generated by friction in the brakes is lost as heat. By converting this excess kinetic energy into electrical energy, and either using it immediately or storing it in the battery, the all-electric range of the Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 can increase by up to 10 per cent on average.

Driver can even switch to “Regeneration on Demand” for maximum energy recuperation. The drag torque of the electric motor is so high that the brake pedal need not be applied to reduce speed to a full stop in normal traffic. Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 is thus controlled via the accelerator (One Pedal Driving).

To further leverage the high voltage (300 V) electrical system, the Grandland X Hybrid4 is equipped with an electrical air-conditioning compressor and an electrical heater.

New Grandland X Hybrid4 belongs to the vanguard of Opel’s next-generation in electrified vehicles. While the Ampera-e remains on sale in selected markets, the manufacturer will globally launch within 20 months the new Corsa, the new Zafira Life MPV, the new Vivaro LCV and the successor of the Mokka X – each of which will feature a fully battery electric version.

30 Years Ago: Opel First to Offer 3-Way Catalytic Converter as Standard

• From Opel Corsa to Opel Senator: Three-way catalytic converter on every model
• Pro-environmental investment: DM 1.0 billion for new test facilities and equipment
• Opel Ascona 1.8i: First German car with catalytic converter especially for Europe
• Today: All Opel passenger cars meet strict EURO 6d-TEMP emissions standard

Thirty years ago, on April 21, 1989, Opel announced it would become the first German car manufacturer to offer the three-way catalytic converter as standard equipment on all its passenger cars – from Corsa and Kadett, to Vectra, Omega and Senator. Or as Opel’s Managing Director at the time, Louis R. Hughes, told the journalists at the press conference in Bonn: “Opel is the first carmaker to offer the best environmental technology as standard across the model range, from compact car to limousine.”

3-Way Catalytic Converter

But true to the entrepreneurial motto, “do the unexpected”, Opel went even further: in order to make it easier for customers to buy a car with the climate-friendly technology, the company also lowered prices for many models.

Opel continues to take its responsibility for the environment seriously today. All current Opel passenger cars already meet the strict Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard; and on the eve of the breakthrough for electric mobility, the carmaker is now putting the finishing touches to two of its next big steps towards sustainable mobility: Opel Grandland X as plug-in hybrid electric vehicle and the battery-powered version of the next-generation Corsa. Opel will open the order banks for both cars later this year. Every European Opel passenger car model will have an electrified version by 2024.

From Corsa to Senator: Three-way catalytic converter on every model

March 1988: with 20,451 units, Opel has established itself as the leader in new registrations of cars with three-way catalytic converters in Germany. By the end of the year the number had increased to 208,000. The amount of Opel cars equipped with catalytic converters rose again in early 1989 following the introduction of the Vectra, which Opel offered with the three-way catalytic converter as standard right from the start of sales.

The automotive engineering community at the time was convinced that there was no alternative to the three-way catalytic converter if exhaust emissions were to be reduced as much as possible. While the three-way converter removed around 90 per cent of the emissions, it was only about 50 per cent with a conventional two-way converter or 60 percent with a lean-burn engine. The three-way converter performed even better when it came to nitrogen oxides, with a reduction of 90 percent.

Opel’s smallest car with three-way catalytic converter in 1989 was the Corsa, fitted as standard with a 44 kW (60hp) 1.3-litre fuel-injection engine. Then came the 1.3-litre Kadett in the compact class, while the midsize Vectra featured not only a 55 kW (75 hp) 1.6-litre base engine, but also an 85 kW (115 hp) 2.0-litre power unit.

In the upper midsize class, the Omega was equipped as standard with the 85 kW (115 hp) 2.0 engine. The top-of-the-line model with three-way catalytic converter was the Senator. The Opel flagship was available with two 3.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder engines that produced 115 kW (156 hp) and 130 kW (177 hp) respectively.

Offering the three-way catalytic converter as standard across the range was the provisional climax of an environmental offensive that Opel had started five years before.

Exemplary behaviour: Opel shows responsibility for environmental protection

In the early 1980s, a discussion about acid rain and dying forests took hold in Germany. Emissions of nitrogen oxides were identified as a contributory factor. Road traffic, as well as industry, was seen as a cause.

Opel immediately recognised its responsibility for the protection of the environment and committed more than one billion Deutsche Mark (DM), as well as hundreds of engineers, to the development of catalytic converters.

Opel invested DM 100 million alone in new test rigs and test equipment for durability and high-speed testing. The new facilities included a 13-storey-high “soak tower”. In this insulated building, more than 130 cars could be prepared simultaneously for emissions testing. The legal standards required that, before the emissions test, each car had to be stored for at least 12 hours at a temperature of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.

Initially, most catalytic converters in Europe were just modifications of the U.S. version. But with the introduction of the Opel Ascona 1.8i in early 1985, Opel was the first German manufacturer to bring a model onto the market with a catalytic converter that was specially developed for European conditions. The first example actually produced was delivered to the Rhineland-Palatinate police force.

Environmental offensive: Catalytic converter at no extra cost

Environmental offensive continued the following autumn, when Opel presented the first European small car with three-way catalytic converter, the Corsa 1.3i. In 1986, the carmaker offered the new Opel Omega at no additional cost for the catalytic converter. Launches of the Opel Senator (1987) and the Opel Vectra (1988) followed the same strategy. Additionally, all Opel cars with three-way catalytic converter were equipped with active carbon filters for capturing hydrocarbons that escaped from the fuel tank.

Third Generation Available: New Opel Vivaro on Sale Now

• €24,600: Attractive starting price in Germany for Opel Vivaro Cargo
• For every purpose: Opel Vivaro as Cargo, crew cab, Combi and chassis
• Right sizing: Three lengths up to 5.30 metres, 1.90m in height for underground parking
• Heavy duty: Payload rises to more than 1,400 kg, trailer capacity to 2,500 kg
• Mobile office: Multimedia connectivity, sensor-controlled sliding doors
• For all road conditions: IntelliGrip traction control and bad-road package
• Performance plus frugality: Economical Euro 6d-TEMP-certified engines

New Opel Vivaro

Opel is now taking orders for the new Vivaro, with prices starting at €24,600 (all prices in Germany, excluding VAT). Deliveries to customers will begin this summer. Compared to the previous model, the third-generation Vivaro is available in three instead of two lengths (4.60, 4.95 and 5.30 metres), able to carry a 200-kilogramme higher payload (up to more than 1,400kg) and, with a trailer capacity of up to 2,500kg, tow half a tonne more. Also, most versions are only 1.90m high and can therefore enter underground parking. A wide range of assistance systems and advanced technologies are optionally available, including IntelliGrip traction control, a 180-degree rear-view camera and multimedia infotainment. Useful features such as sensor-controlled sliding doors and FlexCargo load-through provide additional functionality.

Opel Vivaro variants: Cargo, crew cab, Combi and platform chassis

New Opel Vivaro Cargo

Opel offers the new Vivaro in four base versions. The entry-level panel van is the Vivaro Cargo priced at €24,600. The 4.60m Small is powered by the Euro 6d-TEMP certified, 75kW/102hp 1.5-litre diesel with six-speed manual transmission (NEDC fuel consumption1: urban 5.6-5.4 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.9-4.7 l/100 km, combined 5.2-4.9 l/100 km, 135-130 g/km CO2; WLTP fuel consumption2: combined 7.4-6.3 l/100 km, 194-165 g/km CO2). Opel Vivaro Cargo S offers 4.6m3 of cargo volume, which can be increased to 5.1m3 via the optional FlexCargo load-through, so that objects up to 3.32m-long (instead of 2.16m-long) can be carried inside. As the backrest of the centre-seat with the FlexCargo option can be folded and used as a table, the van can also be converted into a mobile office. Load-length and cargo volume increase to 4.02m and 6.6m3 with the Opel Vivaro Large.

For a price starting at €27,550, customers can configure their new Opel Vivaro as a crew cab with two rows of seats for up to six people. From €28,500, Opel Vivaro as FlexSpace crew cab offers even more flexibility. In this version, the standard grid behind the second row is not fixed, instead it can be folded behind the front row, which further increases the utility of the vehicle. The floor of the cargo area is covered with wood and features an anti-slip surface with aluminium rails.

The third model variant, Opel Vivaro Combi (starting price €26,250) is the right choice for transporting passengers, offering up to nine seats (depending on equipment and seating configuration) – ideal for bringing workers to the building site or employees to the office.

In addition to the previously mentioned versions, the third-generation Vivaro is also available as a platform chassis, onto which numerous conversions (such as cooled containers, tippers and recovery vehicles) can be installed.

Top technologies: Assistance systems for comfort and safety

Opel has made the new Vivaro generation safer, more comfortable and more practical than ever. For the first time customers can order sensor-controlled sliding doors – all it takes to open the doors is a movement of the foot under the corresponding side of the vehicle.

The front camera and radar-controlled assistance systems include lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, intelligent cruise control and speed limiter, forward collision warning and emergency braking, blind-spot warning and park pilot front and rear.

For the first time the Vivaro features an optional head-up display that shows important information such as speed, various assistance system settings and navigation information in the driver’s field of vision. Another novelty is the 180-degree panorama rear-view camera that displays the view behind the Vivaro on the seven-inch colour touchscreen of the Multimedia Radio and Multimedia Navi pro infotainment systems. Both are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Multimedia Navi Pro offers Europe-wide navigation with 3D map display.

Stability and safety on a variety of slippery surfaces – such as mud, sand or snow – is provided by the advanced IntelliGrip traction control system with five modes. Twenty-five millimetres of higher ground clearance and underbody protection are available with the additional work-site set-up. Opel will also offer the new Vivaro with all-wheel drive from Dangel as soon as the order books open.

Low friction six-speed manual gearboxes or a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission contribute to the high efficiency. Service intervals of up to 50,000 km help to further reduce running costs.

Already in 2020 the range of efficient powertrains will extend to include a purely battery electric version. Opel will thus begin the electrification of its LCV portfolio and the Vivaro will not only be ready for work in villages or urban outskirts, it also be able to cover the “last mile” in inner cities.

Economical and future-ready: Advanced powertrains

The Euro 6d-TEMP-certified engines range from 1.5 to 2.0 litres with power outputs from 75kW/102hp till 130kW/177hp (NEDC fuel consumption1: urban 6.5-5.0 l/100 km, extra urban 5.3-4.6 l/100 km, combined 5.8-4.7 l/100 km, 152-125 g/km CO2; WLTP fuel consumption2: combined 8.0-6.0 l/100 km, 211-158 g/km CO2). The engines in overview:

Engine	1.5 Diesel	1.5 Diesel	2.0 Diesel	2.0 Diesel	2.0 Diesel
Power	75kW/102hp	88kW/120hp	90kW/122hp	110kW/150hp	130kW/177hp
@ rpm	3,500	3,500	3,750	4,000	3,750
Max. torque	270	300	340	370	400
@ rpm	1,600	1,750	2,000	2,000	2,000
Emissions class	Euro 6d-TEMP
Transmission	6-speed	6-speed	6-speed	6-speed	8-speed automatic
Consumption according to NEDC in l/100 km
Urban	5.6-5.4	5.1-5.0	6.5-6.1	6.2-5.8	6.3-5.9
Extra urban	4.9-4.7	4.7-4.6	5.3-4.9	5.2-4.8	5.3-5.0
Combined	5.2-4.9	4.9-4.7	5.7-5.4	5.6-5.2	5.7-5.3
CO2 combined in g/km	136-129	130-125	152-142	152-137	149-141
Consumption according to WLTP in l/100 km
Combined	7.4-6.1	6.9-6.0	8.0-7.0	7.8-6.8	8.0-6.9
CO2 combined in g/km	194-159	181-158	211-183	206-179	209-182