Euro NCAP Five-Star Rating Confirms: All-New Opel Insignia with Strong Safety Concept

• Top crash test performance: Euro NCAP awards new Insignia five stars
• New active hood: Provides clearance to hard structures in engine compartment
• Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects pedestrians as well as vehicles

Optimum pedestrian protection: The active hood of the new Opel Insignia receives special praise in the latest Euro NCAP safety ratings.

Euro NCAP has confirmed the integrity of the new Opel Insignia’s total concept. In its latest safety ratings published today, Euro NCAP awarded the Insignia Grand Sport and Insignia Sports Tourer the maximum five stars. The all-new Opel flagship achieved high scores in each of the categories assessed – adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, pedestrian protection and safety assist.

Commenting on the new Insignia’s crash test performance, Euro NCAP made special mention of two of the car’s innovative safety systems in particular. The all-new active hood, which in a collision lifts up in milliseconds, thus increasing the distance to the engine and offering pedestrians improved protection, “operated robustly for a variety of pedestrian statures and over a wide range of speed”. The refined Automatic Emergency Braking system, which can detect pedestrians as well as other vehicles “performed well … (and) … at highway speeds showed good performance, with accidents avoided or mitigated.”

“The top marks from Euro NCAP demonstrate that the individual safety components of the new Insignia form a total system” says Managing Director Sales and Aftersales, Peter Küspert. “But safety first at Opel applies not only to our flagship; the youngest members of our product portfolio, the Crossland X and Grandland X also offer front collision warning with Automatic Emergency Braking, as we want to offer all our customers the latest safety technologies. After all, as our new brand claims says, the future is everyone’s.”

In addition to the active hood and Automatic Emergency Braking, the new Opel Insignia impresses with many more ultra-modern assistance systems. No other car in this class offers such a wide range of intelligent technologies as the new generation of the Opel flagship:

 

•  IntelliLux LED  Matrix light: The 16 LED segments in charge of the high beam function that are integrated into each of the very slim headlamps of the Insignia enable the various light patterns to adapt to the prevailing traffic situation with the highest precision. Transitions between the multiple lighting patterns are faster and more seamless. 

• Head up display: Information such as speed, traffic signs, set speed of speed limiter and adaptive cruise control along with navigation direction is projected onto the windshield. Drivers thus have everything in their direct line of sight, ensuring that they keep their eyes on the road.

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with automatic emergency braking: Uses a camera and radar sensors to measure the distance to the vehicle ahead and adapt the speed accordingly. If the distance decreases abruptly when the driver ahead suddenly brakes, red LEDs in the windscreen/head up display light up and an audible warning sounds. At the same time, ACC initiates automatic emergency braking – faster than a person could normally react.

• Lane Keep Assist with automatic steering correction: Driving always requires undivided attention, but if the system registers that the car is unintentionally drifting out of its lane, it also provides gentle steering wheel movements to counteract this and shows this on the display when the car is travelling at speeds between 60 and 180 km/h.

These are complemented by assistance systems that provide the Insignia driver with excellent all-round visibility, which really come into play in urban driving:

• For the first time at Opel, the 360°camera: It consists of four individual cameras, one on each side of the car. The combined system enables an optional 360-degree bird’s-eye view, facilitating every parking and low-speed driving maneuver. The driver can thus keep everything in view over the IntelliLink display in the center console – no uncomfortable neck-craning necessary.

• Rear View Camera: Shows the area behind the vehicle on the IntelliLink touchscreen as soon as reverse gear is engaged. Dynamic guidelines based on the steering wheel angle are shown on the display and facilitate accurate reversing into a parking space.

• Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The system uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to detect objects coming from up to 20 meters at 90 degrees from the left or right side behind the vehicle and warns with visual and acoustic signals, a very useful function when reversing out of a parking spot with limited visibility.

• Advanced Park Assist: Ultrasound sensors on the Insignia’s front and rear bumpers identify suitable parking spaces and detect possible obstacles. When the parking spot is detected, the system automatically parks the vehicle without the driver touching the wheel. The driver just controls the pedals and gear shifting.

A host of further radar and camera-based automatic assistants complete the portfolio and make driving in the new Opel Insignia even safer. These include established systems such as:
 

• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert. Rearward directed radar sensors cover a range up to 70 meters behind the left and right exterior mirrors, thus alerting the driver to road users approaching in the adjacent lanes. In this way, the system prevents impending collisions if a driver tries to change lanes into oncoming traffic.

• Following Distance Indication in central information display: Uses the front camera or the front radar to detect moving vehicles on the road ahead and calculate the distance to them in seconds, which is more helpful to drivers for their assessment than a meter indication. A stylized green car symbolizes the vehicle in front. If the distance is insufficient, the distance warning is activated and the symbol turns amber.

• Forward Collision Alert: Assists drivers in avoiding or mitigating the impact of front-end collisions with situation-dependent emergency braking settings. If the Insignia nears the vehicle ahead too quickly, the system warns the driver with a loud audible alarm, a visual warning in the instrument cluster and an LED projection on the windscreen. The driver can choose between ‘near’ ‘mid’ or ‘far’ settings.

• Traffic Sign Assist: This newest-generation TSA can detect and display round traffic signs such as speed limits and derestrictions as well as many rectangular signs. The system processes data provided by the front camera as well as map data provided by the optional navigation system. Speed limits are also visible in the head up display if it is on board.

Overall, the new Opel Insignia impresses with highly intelligent safety technologies and excellent value for money, making it a rival that even premium brand models have to reckon with.

New Opel Astra J BiTurbo – Most powerful Diesel Astra Ever

• Astra line-up now with new 195 hp 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI, 400 Nm torque
• Top speed of up to 226 km/h, fuel consumption as low as 4.9 l/100 km
• Available as five door, GTC coupé and Sports Tourer station wagon
• Sporty, sharpened design underscores dynamic performance
• Sophisticated sequential BiTurbo technology with Twin Intercooler system
  
  
  
  
  The Opel Astra line-up is being enhanced with a new diesel spearhead of power: the four cylinder 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI engine with 143 kW/195 hp and 400 Nm maximum torque. It is available in three body styles: the five door hatchback, the GTC coupé and the Sports Tourer station wagon. No other brand offers this broad choice of high performance diesel models in the compact segment. The five door Astra BiTurbo CDTI achieves a top speed of 226 km/h, making it the fastest Astra diesel ever (Sports Tourer 222 km/h, GTC 223 km/h). While providing powerful performance and driving fun, the BiTurbo engine is also highly efficient. In combination with fuel saving Start/Stop technology which is standard across all Astra BiTurbo models, the GTC only uses 4.9l/100 km (Sports Tourer and five door 5.1 l/100km) Emissions for the GTC are 129 g/km (134 g/m for the hatchback and station wagon).
  Launched early 2012 in the Opel flagship Insignia, the 195 hp powerhouse engine introduces sophisticated sequential BiTurbo technology to the Astra family which comes with a twin intercooler system. The new Astra high performance diesel  variants can be ordered starting in the fall and are scheduled to be available at dealerships by the end of this year.
  
  
  Smooth acceleration without turbo lag
  Depending on the load range in the Astra BiTurbo four cylinder diesel engine, two turbochargers of different sizes work either separately or together. The smaller turbocharger accelerates especially quickly at low engine speeds. This means the accelerator pedal responds well and the undesired “turbo lag” effect is prevented. Starting at 1,250 rpm, the driver can already draw on 320 Nm – this is 80 percent of the maximum torque of 400 Nm which is available between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm.
  
  
  

  In the mid range of rpm, both turbochargers operate together, with the larger turbocharger pre compressing the intake air, before it is fully compressed in the smaller one. A bypass valve is controlled continuously to pass on part of the exhaust gases to the larger turbo. As a result, the driver still enjoys smooth acceleration. At higher rpm (from around 3,000 rpm) all the gases flow directly to the larger turbocharger, maintaining the fluid power delivery at higher speeds.
  
  
  

  The main focus in the development of the 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI engine was to ensure a rapid build up of charge air pressure in the low rpm range, while giving the accelerator responsiveness in the mid rpm range. The engine air is ideally adjusted according to the rpm range and the needs of the two turbochargers of different size. At low rpms an additional cooler that is exclusively linked to the small turbocharger ensures that the small volume of air passes in a direct path to the combustion chamber. In the mid rpm range, the bigger and more powerful turbocharger becomes increasingly involved. Its larger stream of air is cooled by a bigger cooler.
  
  
  

  As the layout of the Astra engine compartment is different to the Insignia, engineers went for a clever packaging solution by splitting the intercooler module internally into the smaller and larger cooler. This differs from the Insignia BiTurbo engine where the coolers are in separate locations. Both coolers in Astra BiTurbo engine are air cooled.
  
  
  Sporty and sharp design inside and out underscores high performance
  
  
  

  The new BiTurbo high performance diesel variants of the five door, Sports Tourer and GTC have been given an even a sharper and more aggressive exterior appearance varying from body style to body style and adapted to each specific model. The front fascias of the BiTurbo Astra body versions (GTC, Sports Tourer and five-door) underscore the cars’ high performance and more aggressive nature. The upper grille has a similar shape as the one used on the Astra GTC, however the front bar is always in body color and the five door hatchback and Sports Tourer BiTurbo models feature the new wing shaped bar across the grille. The lower air intake area has also been given a sporty design treatment: the area where the central grille merges into the outer grille has been sculpted in a shark fin like shape, making the car appear more aggressive.  The entire side window surround of the five door and Sports Tourer models is in chrome, while in the case of the GTC Biturbo the lower window insert is black. In all variants, there are  two exhaust tail pipes at the rear as well as a pronounced rear bumper shape that is specifically adapted to the model. These features give the car an added muscular stance.
  
  
  

  Inside the cabin of the Astra BiTurbo variants, JetBlack colored fabrics or leather are combined with Magic Red in the edge of the seats. Magic red stitching and seams in the seats, door inserts and the gear shifter boot add to the sporty atmosphere of the interior. A new flat bottom leather steering wheel and special floor mats with red surrounds are other sporty components of the Astra BiTurbo cabin.
  
  
  BiTurbo versions benefit from broad Astra technology offer
  The now most powerful diesel, the Opel Astra BiTurbo, also benefits from many of the safety and comfort increasing premium features available in the new Astra line-up. They include the second generation Opel Eye front camera with the enhanced Traffic Dign Assistant (TSA II), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Following Distance Indication (FDI) and Forward Collision Alert (FCA). A rear view camera is available in the Sports Tourer and five door BiTurbo models.
  
  
  The new systems complement the already existing broad Astra offer of innovative technologies, some of which are unique in the compact segment, while others are rarely found among competitors. One of these is the latest generation intelligent Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL+) with Bi-Xenon headlamps and a host of sophisticated lighting functions, including high beam assist, dynamic curve light, cornering light, and variable light distribution that automatically adjusts according to prevailing conditions, including even the weather.
  

  
  

  FlexRide for top driving dynamics – GTC with HiPerStruts

  The drive dynamics of the BiTurbo variant of the Astra were further improved by modifying bushings, reducing trim height with stiffer springs and including a new rear axle with higher roll rate.

  
  

  

  On top of the already dynamic driving characteristics of the Astra, customers can opt for Opel’s intelligent mechatronic FlexRide system which adjusts automatically to the prevailing driving conditions and offers three modes: Standard, the comfort oriented “Tour” mode and the more active “Sport” mode. The FlexRide system was especially adapted for the BiTurbo to guarantee good ride performance together with the higher level of vehicle responsiveness.

  Like all Astra GTC and OPC models, the Astra GTC BiTurbo variant features HiPerStruts (High Performance Struts) as standard on the front wheel suspensions for an even sportier ride and handling. The HiPerStruts improve grip, increase cornering power and significantly reduce torque steer allowing drivers to get the most out of the performance capabilities.

  For extra comfort, ergonomic front seats are offered across all Astra models including the BiTurbo versions. The AGR certified seats (Aktion Gesunder Rücken) are easy on the backs of the driver and front passenger.

  
  

  

  Another optional feature that adds an extra premium note to the cabin of the GTC models including the BiTurbo and OPC variants is the Panoramic windscreen. The exclusive windscreen patented by Opel reaches all the way to the middle of the car roof, giving the driver and all passengers an extraordinary visual, space and driving experience. 
  
  30. August 2012 UPDATE: Autoexpress UK wrote: For a clever mix of performance, practicality and low running costs, the Vauxhall Astra BiTurbo makes a strong case for itself. It’s fun to drive, very quick and great value compared to its fiercest rival, the VW Golf GTD.
  
  

  Read more at: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/vauxhall/astra/59962/vauxhall-astra-biturbo

  
  

New Opel Astra J range: More Variety, Engines and High-Tech Features

·         New powerful engines: 195 hp 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI and 280 hp 2.0 SIDI Turbo unit

·         Full spectrum: From 99g/km CO₂ ecoFLEX to high performance OPC version

·         New assistance systems extend broad offer of innovative technology

·         Sharper design underscores sporty style and high technical standards

·         New sedan completes Astra J line-up

     

With the new sedan, the five door variant, the Sports Tourer station wagon and the three door GTC coupé as well as its high performance OPC version, the diverse Astra line up is now complete.

New engines that as of now and during the next six months will expand the already diverse performance spectrum of the Astra powertrain offer. The new Astra OPC which can already be ordered with its 2.0 turbocharged direct injection gasoline engine promises lots of fun behind the wheel. With an output of 206 kW/280 hp and maximum torque of 400 Newtonmeters, the Astra OPC is not only the most powerful Astra ever but also the fastest: the top speed of this powerhouse coupé is 250 km/h and it can sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds.

The fastest diesel Astra ever can be ordered starting in the fall: The new 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI with 143 kW/195 hp output and an impressive 400 Nm of torque is already known from the Insignia, but now for the first time introduces the sophisticated sequential BiTurbo engine technology to the mass production compact segment. Powered by two turbochargers that work together, this engine enables excellent performance combined with low fuel consumption in the Astra five door, the Sports Tourer and the GTC. These three different body styles provide a choice of a high performance diesel models that is unparalleled in the compact segment.

Opel can also announce enhancements to its already existing 1.4 liter turbocharged gasoline unit with 103 kW/140 hp. This engine is now equipped with an overboost function that temporarily gives the vehicle an extra 10 percent burst of torque from 200 to 220 Nm which is very useful when overtaking for example.

Full spectrum – from 99 g/km CO₂ ecoFLEX to high performance OPC variant

On the powertrain side, the new Astra line-up is able to satisfy an extraordinary array of customer wishes, from the most fuel efficient Astra ever, the 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX (81 kW/110 hp and 96 kW/130 hp) with only 99 g/km CO₂ (3.7 l/100 km) to the strongest diesel-powered Astra with its new 195 hp BiTurbo CDTI engine and the most powerful Astra in history, the new Astra OPC with 280 hp. Not forgetting the recent launch of the 1.4 turbocharged LPG versions (103 kW/140 hp) at the start of 2012, the powertrain offer of the Astra line-up is one of the most diverse in the compact segment. Furthermore, early next year the range will benefit from the introduction of the new SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) ECOTEC gasoline engine generation with a 1.6 liter displacement and turbocharging, providing not just ultra-efficient fuel consumption but also a very comfortable drive in the upper output level of up to 200 hp.

New assistance systems expand broad offer of innovative technologies

Further highlights which help to elevate the technical standards to an even more advanced level are also to be found in the field of driver assistance systems. Many premium technologies that have had their debut in the Insignia and the Zafira Tourer are now also available for the new Astra line-up for even more safety and comfort. These include the second generation Opel Eye front camera with the enhanced Traffic Sign Assistant (TSA II), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Following Distance Indication (FDI) and Forward Collision Alert (FCA). These systems issue warnings to help prevent critical situations for example when the driver is distracted or loses concentration.

Other assistance systems include the Rear View Camera, Advanced Park Assist (APA) that identifies spaces and aids with parking, as well as a Side Blind Spot Alert (SBSA) and a Radar based Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with automatic Collision Imminent Braking (CIB) which works in the range of 50 km/h to 180 km/h. The ACC helps the driver maintain the selected speed by automatically accelerating or decelerating while keeping a pre set safety distance to the vehicle ahead.
The new systems complement the already existing broad Astra offer of innovative technologies, some of which are unique in the compact segment, while others are rarely found among competitors. These include the latest generation of intelligent Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL+) with Bi-Xenon headlamps and a host of sophisticated lighting functions, including High Beam Assist, Dynamic Curve Light, Cornering Light, and variable light distribution that automatically adjusts according to prevailing conditions, including even the weather.

Fresh Astra design with more sporty and upmarket accents

The Astra five door and the Sports Tourer have been given a fresh face that is even more, sporty and upmarket than before. This also applies to the new four-door Astra sedan. The Opel design team concentrated on the front by giving it a more pronounced lower grille inspired by the design of the recently launched Astra GTC, featuring a grille mesh with a more technically precise design. The upper grill of the five door, Sports Tourer and the four door sedan has been given a more prominent wing like chrome bar with three-dimensional visual depth to it. The new chrome bar has turned up tips, is more centered and appears to be floating in the grille. By adding black inserts to the headlamps, the entry level “Essentia” and the “Enjoy” trim levels have been given a more sporty design execution of the lights. LED daytime running lights are now also available with standard halogen headlamps.

At the rear, the license plate pocket of the Astra five door has been sculpted in a new way creating more visual width. In both the five door and the Sports Tourer, there is a new chrome strip in the bumper just below the license plate pocket that also adds to the impression of width.



The new BiTurbo high performance diesel variants of the five door, Sports Tourer and GTC have been given an even sportier and sharper exterior appearance which varies from model to model. The front fascia of the BiTurbo Astra body versions (GTC, Sports Tourer and 5-door) underscore the cars’ high performance and more aggressive nature. The upper grille has a similar shape as the one used on the Astra GTC, however the front bar is always in body color and the five door sedan and Sports Tourer BiTurbo models feature the new wing-shaped bar across the grille. The lower air intake area has also been given a sporty design treatment: the area where the central grille merges into the outer grille has been sculpted in a shark fin like shape, making the car appear more aggressive than a conventional Astra. The side window surround has chrome inserts. At the rear, two exhaust tail pipes and a more prominent rear bumper shape, give the car an added muscular stance.

Inside the cabin, the Astra five door, the Sports Tourer and the four door sedan have been made sportier, more lively and varied by using new fabrics, colors, décor moldings with new glossy paint. In the case of the BiTurbo models, JetBlack colored fabrics or leather are combined with Magic Red in the edge of the seats. Magic Red stitching and seams in the seats, door inserts and the gear shifter boot add to the sporty atmosphere of the interior. A new flat bottom leather steering wheel and special floor mats with red surrounds are other sporty components of the BiTurbo cabin.
Astra customers can now also benefit from new wheel designs. New 17” alloy wheels come as standard in the Sport trim level and there are two new optional 18” and 19” alloy wheels, both with a 5 double spoke stylish design. In addition, a new sporty multi spoke wheel alloy style cover makes its debut in the Astra.



Astra continues Opel’s compact success story
With the greatly enhanced new Astra line up Opel is building on the success of its bestselling compact car that won numerous awards including the prestigious German Golden Steering Wheel (2009) and was recently recognized with the best rating in the 2012 DEKRA used car quality report.

The Astra model family is a key component of the brand. Around a third of all Opel cars sold are Astras. Opel is now into its tenth generation of vehicles in the compact segment and its fourth Astra generation which has gained more than 641,000 customers across Europe. Thanks to its five-door Astra launched in the fall of 2009, followed by the Sports Tourer a year later and the three door GTC Coupé (late 2011). This means that the Astra is the European number three (Germany: number two) in the sales ranking in the largest vehicle segment in Europe which makes up around a quarter of the entire marketplace.

Prices for the new Opel Astra line up start at 16,770 Euro (recommended retail price in Germany including VAT) for the five door, 1.4 liter gasoline 64 kW/87 hp Astra entry level “Essentia” version. The new four door Astra sedan with a 1.4 liter gasoline engine 74 kW/100 hp can be ordered from 18,270 Euro (same conditions as above).