Opel Insignia is again the best - GTÜ used car report

• Opel Insignia leads to mid-size segment in terms of used car quality
• First place in the one to three year and four to five year vehicles 

The Opel Insignia has presented at Automechanika 2012 used car report of 2013 GTÜ (Gesellschaft für Technische Überwachung / Association for Technical Supervision) equal climbed into two age groups, the tip of the middle class. It is the best quality car at the used car with an age of one to three years, and he is also in first place in the category of four and five year old mid-sized car. Thus, the Insignia again demonstrates its long term qualities.

In GTÜ used car report 2013, which was presented at Automechanika 2012, were included the results of more than five million roadworthiness tests the past two years. These audits encompass some 240 different vehicle models were one. The Opel Insignia has achieved top marks in all areas.

"It's nice to see that the Opel Insignia for the second year in a row leading the middle class and now leads not only to the one to three year vehicles, but can maintain its leading position in the four and five year mid-size models. Its excellent handling and its excellent quality confident in the main examinations and assigns it as a clear winner with the best values ​​of the middle class, " says Rainer de Biasi, director of GTÜ. 

Opel Insignia: Wide selection and most Economical gasoline engines of the middle class

The Opel flagship Insignia is available in three body variants and with ten engines with manual and automatic transmission variants. Additionally versions come with intelligent four-wheel drive, the power not only demand derives from front to rear, but also varies between the individual wheels and thus further increased driving safety significantly.

With the Insignia, Opel also provides the most economical gasoline engine of the middle class. The ecoFLEX 1.4 Turbo 103 kW/140 hp. It uses the powerful turbo engine only 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers. The CO2 emissions are 134 grams per kilometer.

On the diesel side, next to the very economical 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX engine with 118 kW/160 hp is (4.3 liters diesel per 100 kilometers, 114 grams of CO2 per kilometer) particularly emphasized the Insignia BiTurbo. The dual-charged diesel engine develops 195 hp, with 400 Nm of torque, of which, 80 percent are from 1200 tours available, and consumes just 4.9 liters of diesel (129 g).

However, this is not all: In the area of ​​alternative fuels starts the Insignia vigorously.  
With 1.4 Turbo LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) ecoFLEX it is the only mid-size car that offers a turbocharged LPG drive. The fuel costs are reduced compared to gasoline by about 40 percent. The CO2 emissions are just 124 grams per kilometer, an LPG consumption of 7.6 liters low. A liter of LPG currently costs at about 6,500 LPG filling stations in Germany (35,000 in Europe) about 77 euro cents.

New Opel Zafira Tourer - LPG technology powers 1.4 Turbo, 140 hp engine

• Opel extends its offer of cost efficient LPG versions to nine models
• LPG technology installed Ex Works with Two Year Warranty
• Zafira Tourer now available as LPG, CNG, gasoline and diesel version
  
  
  
  Opel is extending its Zafira Tourer model portfolio with a new liquefied petroleum gas powered version, a 103 kW/140 hp, 1.4 LPG ecoFLEX turbo engine. The powerhouse provides the same output and torque of 200 Nm (1,850 – 4,900 rpm) in both the cost efficient LPG and gasoline operation modes. With its new LPG offer, the Zafira Tourer thus shows that it is just as versatile in its powertrain variants as it is inside its cabin: the master of versatility offers all conventional propulsion types in its portfolio. Opel is one of the very few car makers in the segment of the seven seater compact vans that offers gasoline, diesel, CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) ex works. In the LPG mode the Zafira Tourer 1.4 LPG Turbo ecoFLEX engine only consumes 8.6 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, equivalent to 139g/CO₂ (gasoline mode: 6.7 l/100 km, 156 g/km CO₂). Compared to gasoline propulsion, the LPG mode is around 40 percent cheaper (based on an average price per liter of high octane fuel of 1.60 euro compared to 0.76 euro for LPG). In this manner, not only the costs at the gas station but the CO₂ emissions can be significantly decreased. The entry level price for the Zafira Tourer 1.4 turbo LPG ecoFLEX starts at 27,050 euro (rrp. for Germany including VAT).
  
  

  With the Zafira Tourer LPG, Opel is increasing its LPG fleet to nine models. It is complementing the already existing broad offer of the brand which covers several vehicles lines: the Corsa (three and five door), the Meriva and Astra (five door and Sports Tourer) plus the Insignia (four and five door sedan as well as Sports Tourer).
  
  
  
  
  Extended range thanks to LPG
  The 1.4 l turbocharged Zafira Tourer LPG engine has been optimized for the use of liquefied petroleum gas. For the LPG variant, Opel engineers strengthened the engine valves and valve seat inserts and optimized the engine control unit. The LPG tank which has a usable filling volume of around 60 liters is perfectly integrated under the car floor so that the full load capacity is maintained and the high flexibility of the optional Zafira Tourer “Lounge seating” system is available. With a single tank of fuel, the Zafira Tourer achieves a maximum range of around 650 kilometers; if the gasoline tank is used in addition a range of up to 1,500 kilometers can even be reached.
  The driver can easily alternate between the LPG and gasoline propulsion mode: either automatically when the LPG tank is empty or with a switch in the instrument panel. An LED display is illuminated when the car operates with LPG; as soon as the vehicle is in the gasoline mode the light is off. The fuel tank gauge is particularly user friendly: both LPG and gasoline reserves are displayed in the same gauge.
  
  
  LPG system Ex Works: Saves space, Safe and comes with Warranty
  The LPG system installation ex works has major advantages compared to other retrofit solutions. For example, the Opel safety checklist includes specific crash tests for the gas tank and other components which are housed in collision proof areas and are perfectly integrated into the safety structure of the vehicle.
  Like in the Zafira CNG version, the gas tanks are perfectly integrated under the floor of the car, ensuring that the load compartment is always maintained spacious and not restricted. Customers can be sure that their LPG vehicle is equipped with state-of-the art technology ex works which lives up to the typical Opel values of durability, manufacturer warranty and maximum safety.
  Like all the other Opel LPG models, the Zafira Tourer LPG is assembled at the Opel Special Vehicles GmbH (OSV), an Opel subsidiary with expertise in special vehicle lines and modifications based in Rüsselsheim.
  

  
  

  LPG: Environmentally Friendly, Cost Effective and Universally Available

  LPG propulsion is gaining in popularity in Germany and Europe. This is hardly surprising as the LPG price at the pumps is around half of the gasoline price. Early 2012, more than 450,000 vehicles of this type were registered in Germany. This is hardly surprising as the price of LPG is almost half of high octane gasoline. Until the year 2018, the German authorities are also granting a fixed tax break for LPG fuel. However, not only does the car owner see the financial rewards but there are also environmental benefits as LPG vehicles emit up to 15 percent less carbon-dioxide than cars with a conventional powertrain. In Germany, this fuel is available at around 6,500 or 45 percent of all gas stations. Europe wide there are more 35,000 in total.

New Opel Insignia now runs on cost effective LPG

• Insignia 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX with 103 kW/140 hp and 200 Nm
• LPG technology in four or five door sedan as well as Sports Tourer
• Complete solution ex works with two year manufacturer warranty
• Opel extends offer of LPG models

The Opel Insignia is now also available with a 1.4 turbocharged LPG ecoFLEX engine designed to run on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). All three body styles of the award winning Opel flagship - the sedan, hatchback and Sports Tourer station wagon - can now be ordered with LPG propulsion ex works. The new Insignia LPG ecoFLEX variant achieves an output of 103 kW/140 hp, only uses 7.6 liters on 100 km (124 g/km CO₂ emissions) and starts at 28,150 euro (rrp. in Germany for four-door sedan including VAT). Compared to the 1.4 l turbocharged gasoline sedan (5.7 l/100 km), the four door LPG variant is almost 40 percent cheaper to be filled up at the gas station (based on an average price for high octane gasoline of € 1.53 euro vs. € 0.70 for LPG). 

For the LPG variant, Opel engineers strengthened the engine valves and valve seat-inserts and optimized the engine control unit. All body styles with LPG have a six speed manual transmission. The LPG tank which has a usable filling volume of 42 liters is perfectly integrated in the spare wheel housing, ensuring that the whole trunk space of the Insignia is freely accessible. In that way the Insignia’s high level of flexibility is maintained. With a single tank of fuel, the Insignia achieves a maximum range of up to 500 kilometers; if the gasoline tank is used in addition a range of up to 1,700 kilometers can even be reached (applicable to notchback/hatchback). The fuel cap for the LPG tank is right next to the cap for the gasoline tank. Opel gives its customers access to fuel nozzle adaptors to enable trouble free refueling throughout Europe.

The driver can easily alternate between the LPG and gasoline propulsion mode with a switch in the instrument panel. An LED display is illuminated when the car operates with LPG; as soon as the vehicle is in the gasoline mode the light is off. The fuel tank gauge is particularly user friendly: both LPG and gasoline reserves are displayed in the same gauge.

LPG Ex works installation: Generous on space, safe and under warranty

So far customers have been able to choose from several different models that can run on LPG. They include the Corsa (three and five door), the Meriva and Astra (five door and Sports Tourer). The Opel LPG portfolio is being expanded with the three Insignia body styles. The LPG system installation ex works has major advantages compared to other retrofit solutions. Safety was a top priority during development of these models. For example, the Opel safety checklist includes specific crash tests for the gas tank and other components which are housed in collision proof areas and are perfectly integrated into the safety structure of the vehicle. 

Opel Insignia LPG gas tank

Insignia’s gas tank is perfectly integrated in the spare wheel housing (LPG). This ensures that the load compartment is spacious and not restricted. Switches and displays are well integrated in the instrument panel. In summary: customers can be sure that their LPG vehicle is equipped with state-of-the art technology ex works which is of the high quality customers can expect from the Opel brand. All this comes complete with durability, manufacturer warranty and maximum safety. Like all the other Opel LPG models, the Insignia LPG is assembled at the Opel Special Vehicles GmbH (OSV), an Opel subsidiary with expertise in special vehicle lines and modifications based in Rüsselsheim.

LPG: Environmentally friendly, cost effective and universally available

LPG propulsion is gaining in popularity in Germany and Europe. This is hardly surprising as the LPG price at the pumps is around half of the gasoline price. Until the year 2018, the German authorities are granting a fixed tax break for LPG fuel. However, not only does the car owner see the  financial rewards but there are also environmental benefits as LPG vehicles emit up to 15 percent less carbon-dioxide than cars with a conventional powertrain. In Germany, this fuel is available at around 6,500 or 45 percent of all gas stations. Europe wide there are more 35,000 in total.

Opel Enhances Its Flexibility Champion – The Meriva MPV

• Engines with more power and lower fuel consumption
• Start/Stop technology available for all 1.4 liter gasoline engines
• Environmentally friendly, efficient 1.4 LPG ecoFLEX version with only 124 g/km CO₂
• New 1.7 CDTI power plant with 81 kW/110 hp and 6 speed automatic transmission

Opel Meriva MPV - FlexDoors

Opel is further enhancing its compact flexibility champion, the Meriva. The European segment leader with its rear hinged rear FlexDoors enables easy and comfortable access and is being equipped with optimized engines with more output yet lower fuel consumption. This is great news for cost conscious customers: The new 1.4 l LPG ecoFLEX engine is low in fuel costs and only emits 124g/km CO_2.

Opel ECOTEC 1.4 Turbo

The fuel efficient Start/Stop technology will now be available in all output versions of the 1.4 liter gasoline engine. In the 88 kW/120 hp variant fuel consumption has been lowered even further: from previously 6.1 to 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers. This represents a substantial 12 percent saving. Engineers also created a new 6 speed version where torque reaches 200 Nm, 14 percent (25 Nm) greater than the 5 speed variant. In that sense the Opel’s flexibility champion can be driven in a more relaxed fashion without frequent gear changes.

Opel is now offering a 81 kW/110 hp 1.7 CDTI (6 speed automatic) engine for its diesel customers who like ride comfort. The power plant now available in the Meriva is ten hp more powerful than the previous 1.7 CDTI automatic version, yet only emits 160g/km CO₂ – eight grams less per kilometer than its predecessor. A gasoline engine combined with an automatic transmission is in preparation and will be made available shortly.

Cost conscious customers who also have the environment in mind can now look forward to the turbocharged 1.4 liter 88 kW/120 hp LPG engine that can toggle between the gasoline and liquefied petroleum mode at the touch of a button. In the LPG mode the Meriva 1.4 LPG ecoFLEX only uses 7.6 liter/100 km (combined), equivalent to 124g/km CO₂ emissions. In other words: CO₂ emissions are around 15 percent lower than the level of comparable gasoline engines. LPG users can also save up to 40 percent fuel costs. Three new exterior colors, the Guacamole special color and the metallic paints Sovereign Silver and Carbon Flash complement the Meriva sales offer. The seating trim packages used in the Astra compact model are also now available in the Meriva, complete with six-way adjustable front seats plus 4-way adjustable electro-pneumatic lumbar support.

Opel Meriva - LPG button

The new “Edition” variant (starts at 18.770 euro, rrp. including VAT, Germany) has a generous standard kit. It includes the practical FlexRail central console, an on-board computer, air conditioning, CD-Radio, electric windows at the front and rear and pockets behind the backrests of the front seats as well as a reading and ambient light in the middle console.

Opel Meriva MPV - 150 years Jubilee Edition interior

The Opel Meriva Jubilee Edition “150 years of Opel” (starting at 19,290 euro, rrp. including VAT, Germany) has been given a makeover to celebrate the Opel anniversary. Customers can save up to 1,850 euro in comparison with a base trim model in terms of all the kit that is included. A touch of glamour is brought to the Meriva anniversary model with elegant 16” alloy wheels, special door entry slips, a “150 Adam Opel” emblem and chrome exhaust pipes. The interior has been given a luxurious twist with standard features including air conditioning, CD-Radio, adaptive cruise control, heated seats and heated steering wheel unique to its segment as well as special fabric and Morrocana combinations.

New Opel’s ecoFlex LPG models

• Astra 5 door, Astra Sports Tourer, Meriva now available with 1.4 Turbo LPG engines
• Corsa 1.2 LPG on sale since summer 2011
• LPG debut of Zafira Tourer and Insignia in autumn 2012
• Up to 40% lower fuel costs and up to 15% lower emissions than comparable gasoline engines

1.4 Opel ECOTEC Turbo LPG Bi-Fuel engine

Opel is expanding and enhancing its Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) offer. The Astra 5 door hatchback, the Astra Sports Tourer and the Meriva can now be ordered with the new, powerful yet economical 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFlex engine.

The engine that can operate in LPG and gasoline mode packs a punch and is available in two power versions: 103 kW/140hp with 200 Nm of torque in the Astra 5 door and Sports Tourer and 88 kW/120hp with 175 Nm in the Meriva. CO2 emissions of the Euro 5 certified engine in LPG mode are as low as 124 g/km for the Meriva, 129 g/km for the Astra 5 door and 132 g/km for the Astra Sports Tourer in the combined cycle.

Opel Astra Sports Tourer with LPG gas tank

The entry price for the Astra 5 door 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX is 22.670 Euro, for the Astra Sports Tourer LPG 23.770 and for the Meriva LPG version prices start at 22.240 Euro (all recommended retail prices in Germany, including VAT).

Their debut comes after the Corsa LPG 1.2 ecoFLEX 3 and 5 door models had their launch in June 2011, marking the start of the new generation of Opel LPG vehicles. The Corsa 1.2 LPG three door version delivers 61kW/83 hp in LPG mode yet only emits 110 g/km CO2.

In the autumn of 2012, Opel’s ecoFLEX spectrum will be further expanded when the 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX versions of the Zafira Tourer and the Insignia are released.

LPG is part of Opel’s portfolio of alternative propulsion systems that also includes CNG models (Compressed Natural Gas: Zafira 1.6 Turbo, Zafira Tourer 1.6 CNG Turbo and Combo 1.4 CNG Turbo) as well as electric vehicles such as the revolutionary Opel Ampera with range extender. The Ampera is the first electric vehicle that can go anywhere anytime and was just nominated as a finalist for the “Car of the Year 2012” award.

LPG owners can make fuel cost savings of up to 40%. In certain countries, such as Germany, there are significant tax incentives for LPG vehicle owners. LPG customers can expect up to 15% lower CO2 emissions in LPG mode than their gasoline counterparts. In addition, the new Euro 5 standard models, Opel offers a complete LPG solution ex works, ensuring that the LPG ecoFLEX models are delivered in high Opel quality and with the full manufacturer warranty. Since 2009, Opel has been producing LPG vehicles. Around 61,000 vehicles have been sold across Europe with around 80% in Italy alone.

Opel Corsa 1.2 LPG gas fueling

All Opel LPG models offer the full functionality of a gasoline engine combined with the specific advantages of LPG. That is because an LPG tank is installed in addition to a gasoline tank. This means LPG vehicles have considerably lower fuel bills and increased operating range: without range anxiety. For example, the total operating range of the Astra 5-door 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX featuring a 56 liter gasoline tank and a 49 liter LPG tank is more than 1,400 kilometers.

Environmentally friendly innovations

For its latest generation of LPG engines, Opel has carried out a significant optimization of the engine and LPG unit software so that both elements communicate better with one another. The engine can alternate easily between the LPG and the gasoline modes and adjust according to which type of fuel is being used. This means that the engine runs more efficiently and CO2 emissions are kept to a minimum.

Easy to use LPG switch

The Corsa, Astra and Meriva LPG models all feature a new, easy to reach Gasoline/LPG switch centrally located in the instrument panel, making the switch over between the LPG and gasoline mode easier than ever. Operation modes (LPG to gasoline and vice versa) are switched automatically or can be chosen manually. A light is illuminated inside the switch when the vehicle is in LPG mode. As soon as the car switches into gasoline usage the light is switched off. This innovation will also be offered in the Zafira Tourer and Insignia LPG variants for 2012.

LPG tank storage solution

Opel’s customized LPG system has a practical storage solution for the LPG gas. It has been optimally integrated in the spare-wheel housing. This ensures that the passenger and load compartments are spacious and are not restricted. Tire repair kits are offered as standard on board all LPG vehicles.

Opel’s current LPG ecoFLEX range

LPG ecoFLEX model	Fuel mode	Output (kW/hp)	Nm	Top speed km/h	Consumption (l/100 km)	CO2 emissions (g/km)
Astra 5 door 1.4 Turbo	LPG/Gasoline	103/140	200	200	7.9/6.0	129/141
Astra Sports Tourer 1.4 Turbo	LPG/Gasoline	103/140	200	200	8.1/6.1	132/144
Meriva 1.4 Turbo	LPG/Gasoline	88/120	175	187/188	7.6/6.2*	124/146
Corsa 1.2 3 door	LPG/Gasoline	61/83 vs.63/85	110/115	168/170	6.8/5.5	110/129
Corsa 1.2 5 door	LPG/Gasoline	61/83 vs.63/85	110/115	168/170	7.1 / 5.6	115/134

Opel Meriva MPV with LPG gas tank

Opel Meriva MPV LPG gas fueling

Opel Meriva MPV 1.4 Turbo LPG