Farewell Winter: Opel Service Makes Cars and Vans Fit for Spring

• See clearly after the murk of winter: Opel makes special windscreen wiper offer
• From winter to summer tyres: Brand-name rubber, wheel change and storage
• Fitness for campers: Ready for the coming season with the Opel Crosscamp

After getting through the winter, it is now time to make the car fit for the spring. And not just the car – the same goes for the Opel Zafira-e Life van and the Crosscamp Lite and the Crosscamp Flex Opel Zafira Life campers. That means getting rid of road salt residues in the car wash, cleaning the interior and making sure everything works properly. It is worth taking a trip to the local Opel dealer too, to get the windscreen wipers – which are heavily used during the winter – changed and have the air conditioning as well as the filter unit serviced. With the winter tyres and wheels coming off and going into storage, Opel also has special offers for new brand-name summer tyres.

Be nice to your windscreen: Let Opel change wiper blades

Smearing wiper blades are often the result of the winter season. Ice, salt and dirt put such a strain on the windscreen wipers that even small cracks occur and the windscreen no longer gets clean without streaks. New wiper blades in Opel Genuine high quality ensure a clear view. In Germany for example, Opel Genuine windscreen wipers are now available with a price advantage of up to 30 per cent. The wiper blades made of synthetic rubber glide smoothly over the windscreen, protecting the glass and keeping it clean thanks to optimum contact pressure, even at higher speeds. Aerodynamic shape also minimises wind noise. With the purchase of new windscreen wipers, participating Opel partners are offering a free vehicle inspection.

With temperatures rising again, drivers will be better off with summer tyres in the coming weeks. The harder rubber compound and larger contact area of summer tyres reduce the braking distance on dry roads compared to winter tyres, for example. Ultimately, this increases safety for all road users. Opel dealers in Germany are now making a special tyre-change offer: Opel drivers can buy new brand-name summer tyres at top conditions and if the winter tyres still have sufficient tread depth, the wheels can simply be stored at the Opel partner for the next season. Beforehand, they are professionally cleaned, checked and prepared for storage.

Opel in Germany is also offering all-round inspections that provide additional peace of mind. The experts at the dealership check safety-related items such as the exterior lighting, engine oil level and the windscreen wipers –with guarantees for the inspected parts. Same applies to the inspections for the starter-battery and the air conditioning – a check for the latter is highly recommended with the warmer seasons approaching.

Be prepared: Happy camping with Opel Zafira Life Crosscamp conversions

Opel Zafira Life Crosscamp 

Opel Zafira-based Crosscamp Flex and Crosscamp Lite campers deserve additional attention before the summer holidays begin. In contrast to traditional mobile homes, the conversions from the Erwin Hymer Group brand Crosscamp will not have spent the winter in mothballs, instead they will have been used as everyday transport. Nevertheless, after the Crosscamp has been cleaned inside and out, there are certain items that should receive special attention before the first camping outing of the season.

At the top of the “to-do” list, for safety reasons, is an inspection of the integrity of the gas system and its seals. This might also be a good opportunity to check the level of the gas bottle and replace it if necessary.

Before you go: Check that the camping gear works

To avoid potential frustration at the camp site, the technical camping equipment itself should be given a thorough test before leaving home for the first time of the season. For example: does the interior lighting, the auxiliary heater or the cool box work properly? Is the water pump in working order? Is the bike carrier attached securely? Crosscamp owners should also clean the vehicle’s freshwater canister, disinfect it if required and refill it before the first trip.

When the Crosscamp arrives at its holiday destination, it needs to stand in the optimum position. It is therefore important that chocks for the wheels, the charging cable and adapters for plug sockets are not forgotten and left behind in the garage.

What about the condition of the separate battery for the “living quarters”? Before setting off, the vehicle should be plugged into the electrical grid to be independent and even run the cooler and lights off-grid; and while the battery is charging, the family can restock the interior with basic camping equipment such as crockery and knives and forks.

Finally, when all the items on the checklist have been ticked off, it is “all systems go” for the Crosscamp Lite or Crosscamp Flex. Now, all that remains is to choose the destination, make the reservation and hit the road. Happy camping!

Feel-good Comfort as Standard: Opel Mokka-e in Winter Weather

• Heat pump included: Set cosy temperature in compact e-car via myOpel app
• More heat sources: Optional heated seats and heated steering wheel
• Perfect for the mountains: Dynamic, powerful and with energy recuperation

Opel Mokka-e

Head into snow-covered mountains with an electric car? Is that a good idea? Absolutely: compact Opel Mokka-e is dynamic, powerful and offers plenty of cosy comfort, even in frosty weather. It’s the right electric car for a trip into the snow of the Allgäu or the Alps. With the excitingly styled Opel Mokka-e, driver and passengers not only turn heads wherever they go, they are also always on the road emissions-free. While the snowstorm rages outside, it is always pleasantly warm inside for everyone. Because Opel Mokka-e has numerous heating systems on board.

(Pre)heating made easy: Via app and heat pump

It starts even before the journey: if you want to climb straight into a comfortably preheated car and drive off in winter, the battery-electric Opel Mokka-e is the right choice. Owners of the e‑car can use the myOpel app to programme pre-heating of interior from comfort of their couch before setting off. Within a few minutes, car cabin not only reaches a comfortable temperature, but the windows are also ice-free in frosty conditions.

Opel Mokka-e: myOpel app

At the same time, efficient energy management is necessary, especially in winter, to keep Opel Mokka-e’s energy consumption low and the range high. To do this, simply switch on the pre-temperature control while Opel e-car is connected to the external power supply via a household socket, a wallbox or a fast charger. This way, the energy required for heating comes from the external power supply and the full electric range of up to 338 kilometres (according to WLTP 1) is available at the start. Thanks to the heat pump fitted as standard, waste and lost heat generated can be used to heat the interior without having to switch on a conventional heating, which would compromise range.

On-the-road comfort and safety: Heating technologies in Opel Mokka-e

Opel Mokka-e: Heated comfort seats 

You can simply sit back and enjoy drive. Multi-adjustable, optionally heated comfort seats are a feel-good, health and safety feature all in one. Thanks to the optional seat heating for driver and front passenger, the winter jacket can be taken off even before the journey begins. This means that no thick clothing restricts freedom of movement and the seat belt can be fitted snugly to the body without any slack – this is the only way it can develop its full protective effect in the event of a collision. Safety is also enhanced by heated steering wheel, which warms the fingers in just a few seconds. This means the driver no longer needs to wear annoying gloves and always has everything firmly under control. And standard footwell heating in the rear ensures that passengers’ feet stay warm during the journey.

Opel Mokka-e: Heated steering wheel

Use the descent: Generate energy with braking recuperation system

In addition to the feel-good arguments offered by the Opel Mokka-e, there is also responsible driving pleasure with the compact electric model – especially in the mountains. Agility and road holding of the Opel Mokka-e are additional benefits in hilly terrain. Battery is installed in the underbody for a particularly low centre of gravity. So the car seems to corner as if on rails. The “Golden Steering Wheel 2021” 2 winner is powered by a 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor. While internal combustion engine models first have to get back up to speed out of tight hairpin bends, electric SUV has 260 Nm of torque at its disposal even from a standstill – guaranteeing driving fun on serpentine roads.

Opel Mokka-e is powered by 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor

Opel Mokka-e also distinguished by its talents for energy recuperation and deceleration. Electric motor becomes a generator and converts the kinetic energy of descent into electricity. If the driver shifts into drive mode B, recuperation and deceleration is increased. 50 kWh battery is recharged at zero cost – and energy saved for the next ascent.

With all these technologies, Opel Mokka-e drivers and passengers can set off into the snow-covered mountains in comfort, efficiently and emissions-free, with lots of driving fun before they hit the slopes.

[1] Range determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). The actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning.

[2] “Golden Steering Wheel 2021” Opel Mokka-e (power consumption according to WLTP 16.2-15.8 kWh/100 km, CO2 emissions 0 g/km, range up to 338 km, efficiency class A+++): AUTO BILD edition 45/2021 and BILD AM SONNTAG edition 46/2021, category for “Best Car under €25,000” incl. environmental bonus.

Stylish, Versatile, Practical: Original Opel Accessories for Opel Crossland X

• Stylish accessories: High quality appearance, inside and out
• Neat and tidy: FlexOrganizer for more comfort on journeys
• Safely stowed: Carrying luggage, skis and snowboards on the roof
• Clean: Cargo space protection, mud flaps and more
• No worries: Child seats for all age groups

Everything on board: Skiwear fits in the boot of the Opel Crossland X while the snowboard can be safely stowed on the roof rack.

Stylish und functional, the Opel Crossland X combines practicability and spaciousness with the cool looks of an SUV. Tailor-made, high-quality, original Opel accessories make the popular crossover even more comfortable, safer and practical. For the winter vacation, for example, the comprehensive offer includes roof boxes and roof carriers as well as comfort, safety, protection and infotainment equipment. They are complemented by winter tyres and snow chains as well as a variety of design and OPC styling elements.

More style: Turning the Opel Crossland X into an immediate eye-catcher

Opel offers styling accessories that make the Crossland X look even more attractive. These include the inviting door sill panels in aluminium-look with LED-illuminated Opel-logo, as well as the stainless steel OPC Line pedal covers (€99.90*), which give the driver a sporty feeling. The stable aluminium running boards with stainless steel surface (and rubber inserts to prevent slipping) (€547.00*), tailor-made for the Crossland X, enable easier access to the roof rack and roof box. They are also elegant eye-catchers that underline the cool looks of the Crossland X.

Especially in winter, the black Opel mud flaps (€36.50*) protect the Crossland X’s paintwork from mud, salt, grit or snow. They are simple to fit without tools and easy to clean.

Practical, safe, tidy: Versatile equipment for cargo space and interior

Scratches and stains in the cargo area of the Crossland X are history thanks to the protective trim, trays and clever FlexOrganizer. The anti-slip tray (€70.50*) keeps the trunk clean and tidy, while the high, stable edges provide protection from dirt and moisture. Mucky wellingtons or ski boots can be placed on the rubber floor mats (€52.50* for a set of four) – and the passenger compartment stays clean.

Opel also offers numerous FlexConnect items. They are easy to attach and remove from the front head restraints. The fixtures can hold various devices, such as tablets for watching films or books. Alternatively, a FlexConnect hook and hanger can be attached to the base carrier – useful for holding shopping bags or clothing. Additional comfort in the second row is provided by a folding table with integrated cup-holder. The table offers a stable surface and can be folded away to save space when not needed. Inserts for cup-holders and storage for cosmetics, stationery and smaller day-to-day objects round off the range of accessories for keeping the interior neat and tidy.

If pets or large objects are on-board, a stable grille (€186.00*) keeps them in the cargo area in the event of emergency braking. The safety-divider made of coated steel can be installed behind the head restraints in the second row. In addition, the flexible Opel cargo area safety net, which can be fastened to the floor via hooks, ensures that luggage does not slip around.

Cargo area plus: Roof carriers, boxes, etc.

The Opel accessory-range also includes a wide choice of transport and carrier systems for sporty excursions and trips. Opel Crossland X customers can create additional storage space with the aluminium base carrier and wide choice of roof boxes from Opel’s partner, Thule. The Thule carrier system “Xtender 739”, for example, holds up to six pairs of skis and up to four snowboards. Boxes of various sizes – such as the aerodynamically shaped roof box “Excellence” – can also be attached to the base roof carrier. The 2,180 x 940 x 400-millimetre box can be opened from both sides, which makes loading and unloading much easier. The luggage volume of the Opel Crossland X thus grows by up to 470 litres – enough space for the winter vacation luggage of the whole family.

Stress-free family travels: Safe, easy-to-fit child seats

Opel also thinks of the smallest passengers in the Crossland X and offers a variety of child seats and restraint systems for all age groups – all compliant with the newest EU safety regulations including side impact protection. The snug-fitting and easy-to-install child seats with ISOFIX attachment system or standard three-point belt are available at prices from €179.00*.

More information about the practical, safe and stylish accessories for the Crossland X can be obtained online or at any Opel dealer.

* All prices RRP in Germany. Additional installation costs for certain parts.

!NEW! Opel Insignia Grand Sport: No Need to Fear the Winter Chill

• Cozy warmth from heated steering wheel, front seats and rear outer seats
• Heated windshield improves visibility in frosty and humid conditions
• Remote control stationary heater warms up interior before driving starts

There is no reason to fear the winter chill in the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport, which features an array of protective measures against the cold, including a heated windshield.

There is no reason to fear the chill of winter when you drive or ride as passenger in the next generation Opel Insignia. The new flagship from Rüsselsheim features an array of protective measures against the cold, including a remote controlled stationary heater, heated seats in the rear as well as the front and a heated windshield. The windshield is defrosted silently and comfortably at the push of a button, by a fine wire heating element. The heated windshield also prevents fogging in humid conditions, further improving visibility and safety. The heating switches off automatically and it can be reactivated if necessary by another press of the button.

At the push of a button, drivers of the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport can enjoy the warmth of a heated steering wheel.

In addition to the heated windscreen, the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport provides drivers and passengers with many more ways to keep warm. Drivers can enjoy the luxury of a heated steering wheel, while seat heating is available not only for the driver and front passenger, but also for the occupants of the outer rear seating positions. In the front, the heating is adjustable, and with the automatic seat heating option it can even be controlled via the personalization menu in the information display.

“With the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport, it has never been easier to feel warm and comfortable in an automobile” said Opel’s vice president of sales and aftersales, Peter Christian Küspert, “and the improved visibility from the heated windscreen is a safety benefit for all road users”.

Heating of the seats and steering wheel is operational not only when the engine is running, but also during start/stop. Switching on the heated rear window also activates heating of the exterior mirrors for further improved visibility to the rear.

For the ultimate in wellness as well as warmth, the ergonomically certified AGR driver power seat of the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport also features a ventilation function.

For the ultimate in wellness as well as warmth, the 18-way adjustable and ergonomically certified AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken) Driver Power Seat additionally features massage and ventilation functions.

Seat heating in the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport is available not only for the driver and front passenger, but also for the occupants of the outer rear seating positions.

The new Opel Insignia Grand Sport can even warm up the passenger compartment before anyone gets in, thanks to the optional remote controlled stationary heater. The factory fitted heater is activated via remote control timer or automatically according to temperature sensors.

!NEW! Opel Astra K: Camouflage is the First Step to Success

• Traditional trickery: 30 years of camouflaging and trickery at Opel
• From ‘Fishies’ to ‘Cube’: 3D effect makes debut in fourth generation camouflage foil
• Cover-up better than naked truth: Interior camouflage increasingly important

Fourth generation camouflage foil: Between 60 and 70 sheets of foil are required to completely cover up a compact class car like the new Opel Astra K.

It is a never ending contest: the battle between carmakers and the spy photographers. The one side will do anything in its power to hide their newest creations from the outside world for as long as possible, whereas the other side develops increasingly creative techniques to get a shot of their motorized prey and to get the first photograph of a prototype. For 30 years, Opel has been developing new camouflage foils and artificial add-on components to lead the automotive paparazzi astray. The latest coup of the cover-up team is, amongst others, being used for the new Opel Astra K: The black and white ‘Cube’ camouflage foil. Opel hopes to keep the design and the interior of the newly-developed Astra a secret until the first photographs are released in the upcoming weeks. The new Opel Astra K will be on show in all its beauty for the first time and celebrate its world premiere at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in September.

Traditional trickery: 30 years of camouflaging and trickery at Opel

The experts have paid special attention to protecting the newly designed fascia, the grille with the distinctive Opel Blitz and the rear from curious eyes. If camouflage expert Andreas Kubis had his way, the new Astra would be covered up completely. However, Astra prototypes can only be distorted to a degree that still allows engineers and test drivers to deliver realistic results for the following production vehicle. And obviously a TÜV safety inspector has to clear the camouflaged vehicle before it is allowed to take to the road. That makes certain things easier for Kubis to accept, the lights for example. “The turn indicators have to be visible from the side,” explains Kubis. Nonetheless, ideally the precise contour of the lights should remain hidden as it is one of the recognition factors and characteristic for every Opel.

For 30 years: Opel has been developing new camouflage foils and artificial add-on components to lead the automotive astray

Kubis, a certified technical manager, has successfully being trying to stay a step ahead of spy photographers since 2012. The 3D effects of ‘Cube’, already frustrating preying eyes during the development phase of the Corsa, only indicate the contours of the new Astra, make them become blurred and confuse onlookers. Between 60 and 70 sheets of foil are required to completely cover up a compact class car like the new Opel Astra. It is stone chip, temperature and UV-resistant. Temperatures ranging from minus 40 degrees to plus 80 degrees Celsius are not a problem. After all, the test drivers in Arjeplog in northern Sweden need to rely on the camouflage in the most adverse weather conditions.

For the first time ever, the experts used an additional special privacy foil for the instruments, center console and infotainment system of the band new Opel Astra K prototype. “The material is well-known from laptops and mobile phones. It prevents the contents of the screen being visible from the side,” explains Kubis. Plastic enclosures and foam flesh simulate the shape of the instruments, whereas the privacy foil can even take on the most powerful zoom lenses.

From Fishies via Wirries to Cube – four generations of camouflage foil

‘Cube’ is already the fourth generation of camouflage foil used by Opel. “Looking back, it is plain to see how colleagues adapted current trends in body construction and turned them into a match camouflage philosophy,” describes Kubis. At the beginning, it was only about covering the rough edges and concealing the headlights behind yellow and red tape. The demands on camouflaging grew continuously as camera technology improved. At the end of the 1980s, camouflaging reached a new level with the front and rear ends also disappearing under tape. “Even the windows were partially covered to obscure characteristic window lines,” says Kubis. The first Opel camouflage foil, with fish-shaped hashes called ‘Fishies’, was used on the Corsa C in 1999. A team of up to three people needed several days to apply the foil to the car back then. Gradually, the camouflage experts padded the foil with plastic and foam components, distorting the vehicle completely. The ‘Flimmies’ pattern, used amongst others for the Astra J in 2009, saw the time required to cover a car shrink to two days per vehicle. But each check had to be applied individually and painstakingly removed later. Screen printing technology used for the third-generation ‘Wirries’, used from 2011 to 2013, saved the experts up to a day of work. The foil could be applied in one piece and removed if required.

Test drivers rule: Camouflage is part of the job

Opel has been camouflaging the interior of its new cars since 2008 and obviously there has been developments in this sector too. In the past, hand-stitched artificial leather covers with Velcro were used to cover the instrument panel and the dashboard. These days the experts rely on a much lighter mesh fabric known from backpacks which allows for the individual components to be covered separately. Air vents, the handbrake and other important buttons such as the hazard light button need to remain uncovered when on the road. A special lamination seals up the rear and side windows while at the same time allowing the driver to see out. To this day, test drivers and engineers follow a simple rule, especially when parking the car: cover up the instruments and protect the interior from preying eyes.

Camouflage is good but a trick is sometimes better

New Opel ADAM S - Prototype with ‘Driver training’ lettering.

When looking to the animal kingdom it becomes apparent that camouflage is good, but a trick can be (even) better. The new Opel ADAM S with its eye-catching wheels and the distinctive spoiler posed a real challenge for Kubis and his team. “We didn’t want to make the first prototype even more attention-grabbing. That is why we didn’t camouflage the Opel ADAM S. Instead, we make it look like a training car,” says Kubis. The lettering ‘Driver training’ and some sporty black and yellow stripes did the trick and the paparazzi lost interest. The battle was won – at least until the next round.

New Opel ADAM S - Prototype with ‘Driver training’ lettering.