New Opel Astra K will be first in class to offer compatibility with both solutions
Phone integration in other Opel models to be announced soon
Simple handling: A “Projection” icon on the infotainment touch-screen is visible when a phone is not connected, then changes to indicate either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (whichever is applicable) when a compatible phone is connected via USB.
As of this summer, Opel will begin offering phone integration featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across its model range.
Starting with the new-generation Astra, which will make its world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (September 17 to 27), Opel will roll-out Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in its mini, small, compact and midsize models during model year 2016.
“Phone integration is a smart and simple way to use your smartphone in your car,” says Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “We are offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration across the range, at the most attractive prices on the market. These applications, in addition to Opel OnStar, our personal connectivity and service assistant, show again how we are playing a leading role in enabling customers to connect with their cars.”
Opel’s new generation IntelliLink infotainment concept gives owners a smart and simple way to access both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. R 4.0 IntelliLink will be compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration at the beginning of the 2016 model year, with Android Auto compatibility on Touch R 700 and Navi 900 IntelliLink systems scheduled to arrive in the course of 2016.
Phone integration: Opel will roll-out Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in its mini, small, compact and midsize models starting in September.
Each system builds off of the features smartphone users rely on most. Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify, and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at Android.com/auto.
Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features you’d want to access while driving and puts them on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner. That allows drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third party apps. A full list of those apps can be found at Apple.com/ios/carplay.
Using either application in a compatible Opel is simple. A “Projection” icon on the infotainment touch-screen is visible when a phone is not connected, then changes to indicate either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (whichever is applicable) when a compatible phone is connected via USB. Android Auto requires a phone running Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or above, while Apple CarPlay requires an iPhone 5 or later.
Compatible apps need to be downloaded to a phone before using. Apple and Google’s privacy statements and terms of use apply. Data plan rates may also apply.
As of the 2016 model year, the Opel Meriva, Mokka, current Astra J GTC, current Astra J sedan, Zafira Tourer and Cascada with Navi 650 or CD600/Navi 950 IntelliLink infotainment systems will offer an embedded app for AUPEO! Personal Radio.
Opel infotainment systems available with
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the course of 2016
Forward-looking: Designed for the young at heart and young families with children
Award-winner: Only production car with AGR seal for overall ergonomic concept
Functional: FlexDoors system for comfortable, back-friendly entry and exit
Ultra-modern: IntelliLink, economical whisper-diesel and low-friction automatic gearbox
Opel Meriva MPV is the first and only production vehicle in the world with an AGR seal of approval (from German Campaign for Healthier Backs) for an entire ergonomic concept.
New Opel Meriva MPV – upgraded, more efficient, more attractive and more comfortable than ever – cuts a fine figure both inside and out, making it a big hit with customers of all ages. In April the multi-functional Opel van was again number one in its segment (MPV B-Segment) in Germany, leaving all its main competitors behind. An important criterion for success is that the further developed version of the flexibility champion is as back-friendly as its predecessor. This is a key factor for a vehicle that is especially designed for active “Best Agers” who are over 50 and still young at heart and young families with children. The German Campaign for Healthier Backs (“Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.”) awarded its prestigious AGR quality seal to the Meriva, making it the first and only production vehicle in the world with such a seal of approval for an entire ergonomic concept.
“Best Agers” – A discerning group of customers on the rise
They are active, mobile and know what they want. Part of the demographic shift is the continuous growth of the so-called Best-Agers group. Some of them realize their professional dream as they get older and pursue a second career as a self-employed businessperson. Others invest more and more of their income in leisure activities such as holidays and travel. Therefore individual members of this group are increasingly interested in personal mobility. Out of the around 54 million passenger car driver’s license holders in Germany, around ten million are estimated to be older than 65 years of age, according to government statistics and the German Traffic Safety Council.
In the first seven months of 2013, the average age of new car buyers was 52.4 years old, while in 1995 this average was 46.1 years. Every third customer was older than 60, according to researchers at the CAR Automotive Research Center at the University of Duisburg-Essen. Scientists predict an increase in the average car buyer age to 55 in 2020.
The age of the purchasers has nothing to do with the usual clichés associated with old age pensioners and their habits on the road. Indeed marketing analyses and forecasting in the auto industry established that the “sixty-plus generation” was increasingly looking for a car that simply creates an emotional buzz and delivers the highest possible level of comfort, cabin-layout clarity, safety, design and ergonomics. These are all qualities offered by the Opel Meriva, which is now even more comfortable thanks to the new whisper-diesel and the clever IntelliLink infotainment system.
Innovative FlexDoors enable easy entry and exit
Innovative FlexDoors enable easy entry and exit: The most salient component of the Opel Meriva’s celebrated ergonomics concept is the revolutionary patented door system with its 84-degree opening angle.
The most salient component of the Meriva’s celebrated ergonomics concept is the revolutionary patented FlexDoors system. While the usual opening angle of doors is 68 degrees, Meriva’s 84-degree opening doors in front and rear allow easy access for all passengers. In order to facilitate entry and egress regardless of whether the car is parked in a tight or wide parking space, they have four different opening steps until they are almost perpendicular to the car. Another advantage of the exclusive FlexDoors is that they make it easy to enter and exit without twisting or sliding, even in tight spaces, and are therefore easy on the back. Sturdy grab handles right and left on the B-pillar that are intuitively used make it easier to move inside. The higher seating position of driver and co-driver enables better all-round visibility.
Ergonomics and flexibility – this is how interior concepts work today
Plenty of room: Opel Meriva front seats offer a class-leading range of adjustment – 240 mm forwards/backwards and 65 mm in height.
The FlexSpace system which is standard in the Opel Meriva MPV makes it possible to transform the interior quickly and smoothly from a five into a two-seater. The seats do not need to be cumbersomely dismounted. The standard Opel Meriva front seats offer a class-leading range of adjustment – 240 mm forwards/backwards and 65 mm in height, making it possible for people of all shapes and sizes to find the most comfortable and appropriate seating position. In addition, optional fully adjustable ergonomic seats certified by AGR and featuring additional tilting, extra lumbar support, thigh extension and four-way adjustable head-rests are also available. For more comfort on cold days, the new Meriva offers multi-stage seat heating and is the only car in its class with a heated steering wheel. So the driver does not need to wear gloves, which in turn increases safety.
Heightened comfort is further ensured through a pre-installed Park Assist for ease of parking with detection in both the rear and front or front only. In the new Meriva, a rear-view camera is now available which displays any parking hazards on the 7-inch monitor of the IntelliLink infotainment system. This gives the Meriva driver excellent visibility to the rear without having to twist and turn his/her back.
The optional halogen curve and cornering light with LED daytime running lights that adapt to the road and make turning at crossings safer ensures both optimum visibility for the driver as well as of the car for other traffic users.
For increased load requirements, a maximum storage volume of 1,500 liters with a flat loading area is available. In addition, the Meriva features another clever transport solution: the back-friendly FlexFix bicycle carrier recommended by the AGR. Opel’s innovative FlexFix rear bike carrier system can carry two bikes with a maximum load of 40 kg. FlexFix is always on board the Meriva, integrated in the rear bumper, where it easily slides in and out like a drawer.
New generation IntelliLink infotainment system
New Opel Meriva boasts a new generation IntelliLink infotainment system enabling seamless smartphone integration into the vehicle. The large, high-definition, seven-inch color monitor offers a new interface with IntelliLink graphics that make the system easier to read and operation faster and more fluid. The system features Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, and additional connectivity via USB. Fast and precise navigation is embedded in the optional systems Navi 650 and Navi 950 IntelliLink. Destinations can be entered easily via voice command using rapid ‘one shot entry’ (request navigation and just speak out the address in a single phrase) while keeping both hands on the steering wheel.
Bestselling Opel with wide powertrain spectrum
New Opel Meriva MPV comes with a new range of gasoline, LPG and diesel powertrains. The highlight is the new generation 1.6 CDTI diesel engine that impresses with its low consumption and environmental friendliness as well as outstanding running smoothness and exceptionally low noise generation. With CO2 emissions of just 99 grams per kilometer, the Meriva will undercut the 100 g mark in the future and offer the best combination of comfort and efficiency.
The new low-friction manual transmission units offer a new level of gear-change comfort in combination with all gasoline, LPG and diesel engines. In addition, a six-speed low-friction transmission that further increases comfort is now available with both 88 kW/120 hp and 103 kW/140 hp versions of the 1.4 Turbo gasoline engine as well as with the 81 kW/110 hp Turbo diesel unit.
Refreshed, crisper design for the star amongst the small monocabs
Full Euro 6 certified powertrain range including new generation 1.6 CDTI
First diesel monocab below 100g CO2 with only 3.8 liter/100 km
Perfect Smartphone Integration with Opel’s new IntelliLink infotainment system
Undisputed flexibility and ergonomics is the Meriva’s key to success
New Opel Meriva MPV - Now with new generation 1.6 CDTI
The new Opel Meriva MPV – upgraded, more efficient, more attractive and more functional than ever – celebrates its world premiere at the Brussels’ International Motor Show (16.-26. January 2014). In addition to its unique flexibility, Opel’s small monocab now also stands out with a refreshed, crisper design, and with an array of state-of-the-art technologies that further enhance its comfort and efficiency. A complete range of Euro 6-certified engines make their appearance, including a new generation 1.6 CDTI that is the quietest and most efficient in its class; one of its versions will enable fuel consumption as low as 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers. Furthermore, for the first time in a gasoline or diesel monocab, emissions will go under 100g – with just 99g/km CO2 emissions. New gearboxes enable softer and more precise shift operation, and a new generation Opel IntelliLink infotainment system with enhanced speed and functionality perfectly integrates smartphone functionality into the cockpit.
When it was launched in 2003, the first generation Opel Meriva created the segment of the small monocabs, and set the standard for flexibility made accessible to a wide public. The second generation in 2010 raised the standard in a spectacular way with innovative features that do not only further enhance flexibility but also ergonomics – such as rear-hinged FlexDoors making ingress and egress much easier, the highly variable rear seating system FlexSpace, exquisite ergonomic front seats, many clever storage solutions, and Opel’s unique FlexFix fully integrated rear-end bicycle carrier system. These trailblazing features make the current Meriva the Ergonomics Champion, as has been concluded by independent health experts and, together with its elevated seating position, are key to its success.
Opel Meriva MPV is also impressively setting a benchmark in quality and customer satisfaction. The new TÜV Report 2014 published December 2013 after nearly 8 million used cars of all kinds and brands were inspected reveals that the Opel Meriva is the car with the lowest defect rate. In the ‘two to three-year old cars’ category – basically featuring all Merivas of the second generation inspected by the TÜV -, it has beaten all models from Mazda, Toyota, Porsche, BMW and Audi, and stands out as the overall ’best in quality’ of all inspected passenger cars in Germany. It has therefore been awarded the TÜV Gold Certificate. Not only TÜV professionals and experts praise the Meriva, its users also do: In the Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study (VOSS) Index from the J.D. Power Satisfaction Survey, the Meriva also left all competition behind and finished first in ranking, with an astounding 80.6 percent mark. This is particularly relevant, as the market research institute J.D. Power and Associates measures the satisfaction of car owners who have been driving a model for an average of two years and have the corresponding practical ownership experience.
“The new Meriva is better-than-ever”, says Peter Christian Küspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales of Opel. “The Opel Meriva has set the standard in the segment – if not in the industry – for ergonomics, affordable flexibility and quality. Now it offers an even more comfortable overall driving experience thanks to state-of-the-art technologies – a new range of Euro 6 certified engines including a last generation 1.6 CDTI that is the most silent in its class; new transmissions that offer smoother and crisper shifting; and a new generation Opel IntelliLink infotainment system that integrates smartphone functionalities into the vehicles. And as we have also made sure to offer the new Meriva at even better prices than before, it is more attractive than ever for customers who want to combine superior comfort, superior functionality, and superior value for money”.
Fresh, upgraded design with crisp details and sparkling chrome accents
New Opel Meriva MPV - LED technology is now available for the Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
Opel’s design philosophy – sculptural artistry meets German precision – fits perfectly with its small, highly flexible monocab. New Opel Meriva MPV benefits from many improvements that enhance the precise looks of key features and give it a more refined appearance. A new grille with higher chrome content, as well as chrome accents embracing the fog lamps now defines the front fascia. The newly designed sparkling front headlights with an eagle eye graphic frame the grille. LED technology is now available for the Daytime Running Lights (DRL), resulting in a crisp, high-tech look. On the side, the new elegant chrome beltline effectively highlights the waved design that accentuates the rear window and offers additional visibility to small children sitting in the rear seats. This feature and the centrally located door handles are part-and-parcel of the innovative FlexDoors, rear-hinged rear doors that allow for easy entry into the vehicle. The dynamic and elegant character of the rear gets a new touch of class thanks to energy-saving LED lights with new, accentuated high quality graphics.
The dynamic and elegant character of the rear gets a new touch of class thanks to energy-saving LED lights with new, accentuated high quality graphics.
New Euro 6-certified powertrain offer with state-of-the-art, efficient 1.6 CDTI
The new Opel Meriva MPV comes with a new range of gasoline, LPG and diesel powertrains that already comply with the future emissions regulation Euro 6 which will come into force in September 2015.
New Euro 6 turbo-diesel engine Opel ECOTEC 1.6 CDTI - Power and Torque
The highlight is the new generation 1.6 CDTI turbo-diesel engine that had its debut in the Opel Zafira Tourer. It convinces with low consumption and environmental friendliness, as well as with outstanding running smoothness and exceptionally low noise and vibrations. This whisper-diesel is simply the most silent in its class. A highly sophisticated all-aluminum power unit with Common-Rail direct injection, it will replace both the 1.3 CDTI and 1.7 CDTI that used to power the Meriva.
The first version of the 1.6 CDTI available in the new Meriva develops 100kW/136hp and consumes just 4.4l/100km while emitting 116g/km CO2. This is a 10% improvement in efficiency compared to the previous 96 kW/130 hp 1.7 CDTI (which required 4.9 liter and produced 129 grams). It has been made possible, amongst others, thanks to engineering measures allowing the 1.6 CDTI to feature the lowest frictions of its engine class between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm. In addition, the new 1.6 CDTI also delivers 320 Nm of maximum torque (+ 7% vs the previous 1.7 CDTI) at 2,000 rpm.
Further versions of the engine will be launched in the close future, including two executions with 81 kW/110 hp output. One of them will particularly stand out, with a fuel consumption of a mere 3.8 liters per 100km and CO2 emissions of just 99 grams per kilometer, making the Opel Meriva MPV the first gasoline or diesel monocab under 100g.
Transmissions in the new Meriva MPV have also been improved thanks to Opel’s 50 million euro investment into the optimization of its five- and six-speed gearboxes. Numerous changes to their components and the gear-change mechanisms, as well as to their integration into the vehicle have ensured a substantial enhancement in the smoothness and precision of gear shifting. The new low-friction manual units offer a new level of gear-change comfort in combination with all gasoline, LPG and diesel engines. In addition, a six-speed low friction transmission is now available with both 88 kW/120 hp and 103 kW/140 hp versions of the 1.4 Turbo gasoline engine. This combination of automatic transmission and gasoline power will fulfill expectations amongst Meriva customers.
New generation IntelliLink infotainment system
New Opel Meriva MPV - interior with IntelliLink infotainment system
The new Opel Meriva MPV boasts a new generation IntelliLink infotainment system enabling seamless smartphone integration into the vehicle. The large, high-definition, seven-inch color monitor offers a new interface with IntelliLink graphics that make the system easier to read and operation faster and more fluid. The system features Bluetooth hand-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, and additional connectivity via USB.
New Opel Meriva MPV - High-definition, 7-inch color monitor with new IntelliLink graphics
IntelliLink in the new Meriva has a standard CD player and DAB+ – Digital Audio Broadcast – is offered as an option that raises the bar in terms of range of radio stations reached, reliable reception and sound quality. Navigation is an inherent part of the system, through both the Navi 650 and the Navi 950 IntelliLink. It is extremely precise and fast in calculating itineraries and zooming in and out, and destinations can be entered easily via voice recognition using rapid ‘one shot entry’ (request navigation and just speak out the address in a single phrase) as is possible in the Insignia’s system.
Meriva’s comprehensive flexibility and ergonomic concept is key to its success
Despite new arrivals in the segment, the Opel Meriva MPV remains unrivalled in its first-class-offering of prime flexibility and ergonomic comfort. Indeed, customers expressly choose it for these attributes and a high seating position. Meriva’s customer base including young families, young mothers and retired grandparents have all stated that easy-to-use flexibility and superior comfort for the money are a prime consideration for them.
New Opel Meriva MPV - FlexDoors system
Opel Meriva MPV is the first and only automobile in the world that has been certified for its overall ergonomic concept. In 2010, independent health experts from the AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.), the ‘Campaign for healthy backs’ awarded the Meriva with their sought-after-quality seal for guaranteeing superior ergonomics and back protection. The certification is based on the Meriva’s four core and exclusive innovations: The highly flexible FlexSpace rear seating concept; the FlexDoors system that widely opens all doors at 84° and which, with its rear-hinged rear doors and solid handles on the B-pillars, makes ingress and egress much easier and comfortable; the ergonomic front seats with their multiple adjustment possibilities; and the unique FlexFix integrated bicycle carrier that always remains in the car and can be simply deployed anytime like a drawer. All these continue to make the Meriva the leader in flexibility and ergonomics.
Super economic: New 1.6 CDTI with 100 kW/136 hp consumes only 3.9 liters per 100 km
Ultra-modern infotainment system: IntelliLink with seven inch color monitor
Attractive offer: Active-Package with top quality seats and infotainment
Opel Astra hatchback 1.6 CDTI consumes just 3.9 liters diesel per 100 kilometers
The Opel Astra enters the new model year fiercely with the new generation 1.6 liter CDTI diesel engine and IntelliLink infotainment system with Bluetooth interface. Just one year on from when the entire restyled Astra family entered the market.
Opel Astra Sports Tourer 1.6 CDTI (100 kW/136 hp)
The complete new 1.6 CDTI engine represents the next step in Opel’s powertrain offensive and may be characterized by an exceptionally quiet running performance. In addition, the engine is Euro 6 compliant and consumes just 3.9 liters diesel per 100 kilometers – a stunning 7 percent less than its 1.7 liter 130 hp predecessor with Start/Stop. High-tech is also very much present in the Astra’s interior: The new IntelliLink infotainment system brings the world of smartphones into the car – easily controllable and clearly arranged on a seven inch color display.
Opel Astra Sports Tourer with new 1.6 CDTI Euro 6 engine
“Opel stands for the democratization of high-tech technologies and high quality features. Traditionally, we make innovations from premium vehicle classes available to a wider customer base and are dedicated to continuing to do so, says Opel CEO Dr Karl Thomas Neumann. We have just demonstrated this with our revolutionary IntelliLink technology in our new Insignia and the same is true for our Astra family. More Opel models will follow, true to the motto: ‚more car for a highly attractive price.’
Smooth diesel: Brand new 1.6 CDTI with just 3.9l/100km and 104g/km CO2
Opel Astra limousine 1.6 CDTI
The Opel Astra has been classified the most reliable German compact car according to leading German car magazine auto motor und sport (Edition 12/2013) and offers also a wide portfolio of petrol- LPG and diesel power trains. The Model Year highlight in the Astra five-door model, the limousine and Sports Tourer is the entirely new 1.6 CDTI. This extremely efficient whisper diesel by Opel is already today compliant with the Euro-6 emissions regulation. And it creates a stir with 100 kW/136 hp and 320 Newton meters of maximum torque – seven percent more than its 1.7 liter predecessor. It also consumes less fuel, emits fewer CO2 emissions and is quieter than its 1.7 liter predecessor. The Astra accelerates from 0 – 100 in 10.3 seconds; in fifth gear the engines goes from 80 to 120 km/h in just 9.2 seconds. The maximum speed is 200 km/h. The Astra 1.6 CDTI shows it combines high performance, impressive torque and highest efficiency through low fuel consumption. In combined cycle Opel Astra 1.6 CDTI needs an exemplary 3.9 liters per 100 kilometers, adding up to CO2 emissions of only 104 grams per kilometer. A strong statement in terms of environmental friendliness and cost of ownership!
New 1.6 CDTI Euro 6 engine with 100 kW/136 hp
Furthermore, the new 1.6 CDTI is first in class for noise and vibration thanks to an efficient combustion process with multiple injection, the optimized design of its components and the use of acoustic covers. The result for drivers and passengers alike is quiet and convincing. The new 1.6 CDTI by Opel can truly be called a whisper diesel.
Optimally linked up: IntelliLink technology now also in the Opel Astra
Not just under the hood but also in the field of Infotainment, the Opel Astra is one hundred percent up-to-date. The ultra-modern IntelliLink system integrates smartphone functions into the car and impresses with a seven inch high-resolution color monitor that guarantees simple operation and ease of reading. As a new feature with the CD 600 IntelliLink Infotainment system, telephone calls via Bluetooth and audio streaming are possible. The system also features a USB connection.
Opel Astra now comes with IntelliLink system which integrates smartphone functions into the car via 7 inch high-resolution color monitor
The very rapid and precisely reacting navigation system comes as standard with the Navi 650 IntelliLink and Navi 950 IntelliLink. The top variant Navi 950 IntelliLink covers the whole of Europe with its maps and destinations can be entered without a problem via voice control. Furthermore, the radio automatically recognizes music titles, albums and artists through audio devices with a USB connection Via USB and Aux-In Astra drivers and passengers can be shown pictures on the color display. In addition, incoming text messages can be read out.
Attractive appearance: Active-package with IntelliLink, LED Daytime Running Lights and comfort seats
Opel not only offers groundbreaking technologies as well as numerous safety and comfort details in the Astra, the car manufacturer also packages these for customers in particularly advantageous option packs. The new Active- option pack has special features such as energy-saving LED daytime running lights, the CD 600 IntelliLink system including color display, Aux-In, USB and hands-free equipment via Bluetooth interface, as well as Piano Black Décor Moldings in the cockpit. As a back-friendly eye-catcher with feel-good warranty, there are additionally comfort seats in classy, sporty-looking fabric-leather style.
