Best use: Opel Astra J wins test of ACE steering wheel

Auto Club Europe attests Opel´s Navi 900 Europe as slightest distraction danger in traffic 

Multimedia infotainment systems are now firmly in the compact class - and at Opel optimally integrated into the operational concept. ACE steering wheel, the magazine of the Auto Club Europa examined, now together with scientists from the University of Salzburg and 36 testers at the Opel Astra, Ford Focus and VW Golf, which distractions from the operation of their infotainment systems proceeds. Winner of the so called HMI-Test (Human Machine Interface), the Opel Astra J, which Navi infotainment system 900 Europe has the highest overall score for the slightest deviation in the received traffic. 

The Astra is particularly good at selecting a given contact from the phonebook. "The fact that the telephone problem can be solved much faster, the subjects proving to Astra. The average duration of 22 seconds, making the Opel system is not only half of the Golf term, but it remains well below even the duration of the visit, the subjects in the VW exclusively on the display," reads the judgment of the tester.

Opel Operating Units: Optimal placement and logical structure

The Opel display, with a diagonal size of seven inches (17.8 cm) is also the largest image representation of the three test candidates and is well visible near the top in the field of vision. The infotainment systems from Opel are characterized by the most logical organization of the control units. The most important direct selection buttons for Radio, CD, Navigation and Telephone are located - one below the other - left on the driver's side, the secondary functions on the right.

The study tested the subjects of the HMI-tests when entering a destination into the navigation system, the choice of a phone caller and a radio station and in the operation of the speaker distribution (fader). A scientist in the back seat and four cameras on the dashboard with infra-red LEDs for precise image of the viewing direction observed the subjects during the tasks.

New Four door sporty sedan completes Opel Astra J line up

• New notchback version is fourth body style of Opel´s compact top seller
• Four door sedan with balanced proportions and typical Astra strengths
• Advanced technologies, high quality and upscale mid size finish in compact class
• Ultra efficient ecoFLEX models with only 99g/km CO₂ and up to 96 kW/130 hp                                                

Opel is expanding its successful Astra J model family with a new sporty and stylish sedan. Featuring typical Astra strengths, including advanced technologies and its widely recognized quality, the new upscale and elegant notchback is a more affordable alternative for customers who would usually opt for this type of car in the mid size segment. With this new four door sedan, the five door hatchback, the Sports Tourer station wagon and the racy GTC coupe, the line up of Opel´s top seller Astra is now complete.

At the start of sales in June, customers can initially choose between seven engines for the new Astra sedan: four gasoline units (74 kW/100 hp to 132 kW/180 hp), of which three can be combined with a six-speed automatic and three diesel engines (70 kW/95 hp to 96 kW/130 hp). The two ultra-efficient Astra notchback 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX models with Start/Stop system and further efficiency enhancing technologies combine powerful outputs of 81 kW/110 hp or 96 kW/130 hp with diesel consumption figures as low as 3.7 liters per 100 kilometers. This is equivalent to only 99g/km CO₂ emissions. In addition to this broad powertrain offer, early next year the new Astra four-door will benefit from the launch of Opel’s new highly efficient, powerful and refined SIDI ECOTEC four cylinder gasoline engine generation with 1.6 liters displacement, turbocharging and spark ignition direct injection.

The new Astra notchback sedan (Length/Width/Height: 4,658/1,814/1,476 mm) has a  wheel base of 2,685 mm and provides generous interior space. Its separate trunk offers 460 liters of volume - 90 liters more than the five-door model. By folding the 60:40 split rear bench flat the luggage volume can be increased up to a maximum of 1,010 liters.

Sporty and stylish design combined with balanced proportions

The Opel design team gave the new Astra notchback a very stylish and sleek silhouette. The roofline arcs gently over the passenger area, then descends in a seamless sweep through the steeply raked rear screen to the sculpted aerodynamic lip at the end of the short rear deck. And because the raked C-pillar stretches so far back into the rear deck area, it visually conceals the size of the trunk in an elegant fashion. The feature line running through the door handles becomes more defined towards the rear, creating a muscular “shoulder” effect below the base of the C pillar and the rear deck.

The rear is characterized by the steeply raked rear screen, the integrated deck spoiler, and the broad sweep of the sculpted bumper. The design of the tail lights echoes those of other Astra models, and the subtle crease which links them adds width and avoids any impression of bulkiness. The lamps also have an inner wing shape for the taillight function that continues the Opel brand signature. There are more sculptural features within the bumper where the number plate indent reflects the shape of the deck lid cutout. Together, all these elements combine to create a particularly well balanced and harmonious automotive design.

Top technology standards and typical Astra qualities in notchback segment

With its sporty, elegant design, typical Astra qualities and a large array of technological highlights – some are unique, some are unusual for the segment - Opel´s new compact four door notchback targets customers with high expectations. The Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL+) with bi-xenon headlamps and a host of sophisticated lighting functions including variable light distribution, curve light, cornering light and high-beam assist greatly enhance active safety. The adaptive FlexRide chassis system automatically adjusts damping to the prevailing driving conditions and gives the driver the choice between three different modes – Standard, the comfort oriented Tour mode and the more responsive Sport mode. The highly ergonomic AGR (“Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V”) approved seats that are easy on the back are available for the driver and the front passenger. Added to that are several infotainment systems which make travelling even more relaxing and safer. The Navi 900 top unit features the routes of more than 30 European countries and a digital travel guide stored on an SD card.

Compact notchbacks offer growth opportunities

The new four-door sedan is an important addition to the latest generation of the successful Astra model family. In Western Europe, especially in Germany and Spain, Opel marketing experts see growth opportunities for the new four door model as an elegant, more  affordable alternative to sedans from the upper segment. Moreover, there is strong demand for compact notchback variants in the high growth markets of Eastern and Central Europe, particularly Russia and Turkey. Russia currently has the second highest sales volume in Europe and is expected to become Europe´s main market with up to 3.4 million total vehicle sales in 2014. Across all segments, more than 60 percent of all sedans sold in Europe are sold in Russia. Last year, in the compact segment 51 percent of customers there opted for a notchback version. Russia is also the third biggest market for the Astra in Europe. Therefore, Opel has decided to celebrate the world premiere of the new member of the Astra model family at the Moscow Auto Salon 2012 (August 29 - September 9). 

Always on the right track: Opel web store for navigation updates

Various Opel models can now benefit from latest maps in online store

Opel has set up a new online web store which enables Opel owners with an integrated navigation system to download the very latest versions of electronic maps. NAVTEQ has partnered with Opel to offer maps on individual countries or groups of more than 30 European nations. Prices start at 99 euro (across Europe incl. VAT).

Customers can access the website via www.navigation.com/opel. Users just have to enter the vehicle model, the year of production and the type of navigation system. They are then taken to the relevant update. Customers can order updates for the SD cards for the NAVI 600 infotainment system and the NAVI 900 Europe counterpart. New maps on CD and DVD can also be ordered for the CD 500, DVD 800, DVD 90, DVD 100, CD60-CD80 as well as the NCDR/NCDC systems.

The web store operates in six different languages (German, English, French, Italian, Spanish and Dutch). Opel customers can make their purchases in four different currencies (Euro, British pound sterling, Swiss francs and Swedish kronor). The web portal offers maps for integrated navigation systems used in the Antara, Astra, Combo, Corsa, Frontera, Insignia, Meriva, Omega, Signum, Tigra Twintop, Vectra, Vivaro, Zafira and Zafira Tourer.

For cars which have the Touch & Connect navigation system with its touch sensitive screen (Antara, Corsa, Zafira), Opel can provide new maps directly via accessories sales in Opel’s partner stores.

Travelling with the navigation system: relaxed and efficient driving

A recent study by Opel’s partner NAVTEQ has shown that being guided by a navigation system is not only relaxing. It can save the driver up to 12 percent in fuel and cut CO2 emissions because more efficient and faster routes are found. 

Experts advise users to seek an annual update of the software to get the most out of the navigation system. For example in Germany, around 16,000 speed restrictions can vary within just six months on the one-million kilometers of road. A further 18,300 street names are added or changed in that period. Some 1,000 new one-way streets and 90 new stretches of highway also appear.

New generation of Opel navigation and infotainment systems

Opel’s new infotainment systems Navi 600 and Navi 900 Europe clearly perform better than their CD and DVD supported predecessors. All the maps are stored on SD cards. The maps already contain a number of POIs (Points of interest) when they are first purchased. However, further POIs can then be download and saved onto the system. Apart from the shortest and fastest ones, users can also choose from the most efficient route in terms of fuel consumption. The Navi 900 Europe system additionally enables the driver to separate private and business trips with voice recognition and a log book function. An extra POI function alerts the driver to interesting things in the vicinity by voice, text and pop-up messages. These and other travel tips are part of the integrated Merian Scout Travel Guide. 

Opel Insignia Model Year 2012

              

• Economical: 1.4 Turbo ecoFLEX 103 kW/140 hp thriftiest gasoline engine
• Ecological: Start/Stop system available for many engine variants
• Powerful: 2.0 Turbo with 185 kW/250 hp delivers 400 Nm of torque
• Added value: SD Card Navi 900 system, 2nd generation Front camera, Exclusive Nappa leather interior
• More Safety: Forward Collision Alert (FCA)  
   
  New gasoline engine with 103 kW/140 hp stands for fuel economy
  

  

  Opel Insignia 1.4 Turbo ECOTEC

  The newly developed 1.4 turbo ecoFLEX gasoline engine is the product of uncompromising “downsizing”. Together with with six-speed manual transmission, Start/Stop technology, power steering, aerodynamic underbody paneling and size 225/50 R 17 low rolling resistance tires, it is the most economical gasoline engine in the entire mid-size class segment. 

All together, these measures reduce the 1.4 turbo fuel consumption – compared with the previous 1.8-liter version, also with 103 kW/140 hp – by two liters in the sedan to 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers. CO₂ emissions are reduced by 45 grams to 134 grams per kilometer – in both cases a reduction of more than 25 percent. At the same time, the torque delivered by the most economical gasoline engine in its class was increased by almost 15 percent to 200 Nm.
With this performance potential the Insignia 1.4 turbo ecoFLEX can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 10.9 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 205 km/h. Opel’s top model is available with this propulsion variant as a sedan or as a Sports Tourer and – with 5.9 liters per 100 km and 139 g/km CO₂ – it also sets standards in the station wagon segment.

2.0 Turbo 4x4: More power and torque with reduced consumption

The two liter turbo with direct injection in combination with the state of the art 4x4 all wheel drive goes into the new model year with 30 hp higher output. It is available with six speed manual transmission or automatic transmission. Improved engine delivers 185 kW/250 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm (previously 350 Nm). This powerful drivetrain with manual transmission can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
The 2 liter turbo unit is impressive proof that increased output and reduced fuel consumption can go hand in hand. Thanks to extensive measures like the Start/Stop system and low rolling resistance tires, Opel engineers were able to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions to 8.4 l/100 km and 197 g/km respectively (previously: 8.9 l/100 km, 209 g/km CO₂).
With this increase in power and torque and the even more dynamic characteristics – with simultaneous reduction in fuel consumption – the  Insignia 2.0 turbo 4x4 convinces with a top performance in the premium mid-size class segment.

Opel Start/Stop system with many engine variants

Not just the two units already mentioned benefit from the Opel Start/Stop system. The 162 kW/220 hp 2.0 turbo with front wheel drive and six speed manual transmission will soon be available with the intelligent fuel saving technology – including aerodynamic underbody paneling and rolling resistance optimized tires.

New Infotainment systems

Navi 900 - SD card

Opel Insignia cockpit with Navi 900

The new infotainment systems Navi 600 and Navi 900 Europa are far superior to the CD or DVD based predecessor versions in terms of the scope of features offered. All of the map material is stored on SD cards, and the maps can be adapted to suit individual customer needs. In addition to the default points of interest (POIs), further POIs can be downloaded and stored on the device. The driver can select single points and store these in the address book as individual POIs. Another practical feature: as well as the fastest and shortest routes, the navigation system also allows the selection of the most economical, i.e. lowest fuel consumption routes. The Navi 900 Europa system also offers a voice recognition and log book function – the latter with the option of separating private and business trips. An additional POI announcement informs the driver of points of interest in the direct proximity by audible signal, text or popup. As of the equipment variant “Edition”, an especially high quality Infinity sound system is also available.

Opel Front camera with additional functions

Improved Opel Eye Front Camera

Forward Colision Alert (FCA)

The Opel Insignia also offers further optimizations in the model year 2012 in terms of safety. The new Opel front camera, used for traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning to date, now also has the Following Distance Indication which constantly measures the distance to the car ahead in seconds. It is activated automatically from a speed of 40 km/h and helps the driver to avoid rear-end collisions and possible fines for tailgating. The Forward Collision Alert provides a visual signal on the instrument cluster and an audible alarm to warn the driver of an imminent collision with the car ahead. Additionally, the optionally available front camera in conjunction with AFL+ serves as a High Beam Assist.                                                          

Premium equipment: Exclusive Nappa leather “Indian Night” 

Opel Insignia - premium Nappa leather Indian Night interior

The model year 2012 Insignia also offers enhanced comfort and additional elegance. It is available on request with premium Nappa leather finish “Indian Night” which is distinguished by a combination of high-quality black leather with contrasting stitching in an elegant Cognac tone. The exterior look is refined by the new dark metallic lacquer “Luxor”, which, depending on the light, has blue-violet color reflections. The sporty, elegant silhouette of the Opel Insignia will be rounded off in the coming months by a selection of new alloy wheels with striking rim designs.

Opel Insignia in Luxor metallic color