Vauxhall Insignia gains New 1.4-Liter Turbo Petrol and Improved EcoFlex Diesels

It’s model-year changeover over time for the Vauxhall Insignia with the British company announcing the addition of a low emissions ecoFLEX diesel model and a new-to-the-range 1.4 Turbo petrol engine. Read more »

British Study Reveals the Most Popular Hairdresser’s Car in Real Life

And no, despite what you may have heard or read, the Audi TT ain’t the most popular car among hairdressers – or at least not in Britain. According to a new study made available today by UK women's car insurance specialist Diamond, that title goes to…*drums please*…the one and only, MINI One hatchback. In fact, the BMW Group’s MINI brand had two vehicles in the top five positions.

The UK insurance firm came to this conclusion after looking at data from over 18,000 hairdressers in Britain. The company said the MINI One is three and a half times more likely to be driven by someone working as a hairdresser than everyone else.

Read more »

SCOOP: Is this the New 2013 Opel / Vauxhall Astra Convertible?

With the new sporty looking three-door Astra GTC on its way and the Astra Sedan outlined by its sister models from Buick’s US (2012 Verano) and China (Excelle) divisions, the only body style left to complete the range of Opel’s C-segment model series is the convertible version.

Recently, our spies in Germany caught a glimpse of an Astra-based model, which appears to be the cabriolet variant of the series. While we can’t be 100 percent sure, it is clear that this Astra has a boot while the close ups reveal a more raked rear windshield line than you’d normally expect to see on a four-door family sedan.

To get an idea of what the Astra Convertible might look like, here's our artist’s impression based on the upcoming GTC model. Even though our image of Opel’s VW Golf Cabriolet contender was styled with a soft-top, it has not yet been revealed if the German company will adopt this solution or if it will continue to use the current Astra TwinTop’s retractable metal roof.

Read more »

New Opel Zafira Tourer Receives its Video Debut

Across the pond, General Motors is upping the ante in the popular compact MPV sector with the introduction of Opel’s third generation Zafira model that will go on sale in most European countries this autumn. The production version of Opel’s Geneva show concept will also wear Vauxhall’s badges with the first cars to reach UK showrooms by early 2012.

We have already brought you the news and the first batch of photos in our previous post (see here), but now we have also obtained the launch film showing Opel’s people carrier on the move.

Read more »

All-New 2012 Opel Zafira 7-Seater Minivan Breaks Cover Ahead of Frankfurt Motor Show

Meet the new Opel Zafira Tourer, which was revealed today in its final production form before a global premiere at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany this fall. General Motors’ European division had previewed its new range-topping people carrier as a concept model at the Geneva Salon this past March.

The Zafira nameplate was first launched onto the market in 1999 with Opel having introduced a second-generation model in 2005. Now in its third iteration, the new Zafira will attempt to expand its customer base by adding a more impressive design and a more premium feel to the mix of qualities that are typical of the minivan segment.

Read more »

Unrestricted Vauxhall Insignia VXR with 170mph Top Speed Available for the UK

Following last month’s presentation of the Opel Insignia OPC Unlimited, Vauxhall introduced its own version of the performance sedan with the VXR moniker featuring the de-restricted package. The Unlimited option removes the standard Insignia VXR’s 155mph (250 km/h) restrictor, allowing Vauxhall’s range-topper to exploit its all-wheel-drive chassis and 325HP turbocharged 2.8-litre V6 engine to the full topping out at 170mph (274 km/h). Read more »

2012 Opel Astra GTC Sport Hatch is…Virtually Here: First Official Images and Video of Production Model

General Motors’ Opel division is getting ready to take the wraps off the all-new Astra GTC as the company released the first official renderings and a video of the production model shown in a virtual landscape.

The new sharp looking, three-door version of the Astra, will be revealed in the flesh and in detail in just six week’s time, on June 7, well ahead of its world premiere at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, on September 15. Both Opel and its sister company in the UK, Vauxhall, will begin accepting orders in the summer with first deliveries expected this fall.

Read more »

SCOOP: 2012 Opel Zafira MPV Uncovered

These are the latest and most revealing spy shots of the upcoming 2012 Opel Zafira minivan (to be sold under the Vauxhall brand in the UK), which will receive its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September before going on sale across Europe this fall.

The new Zafira was previewed in conceptual form at the Geneva Salon in March and will sit atop the Meriva in Opel’s MPV range rivaling the likes of Ford’s C-Max and Citroen’s Grand C4 Picasso.

From the looks of the lightly camouflaged test model, the Zafira has remained close to the Geneva concept car, with the most visible changes concerning the shape of the mirrors and the lower parts of the front and rear bumpers along with the reduced angle of the kink in the rear-side window.

Read more »

Opel Reveals Hotted up Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition with 210-horsepower

Based on the recently refreshed Corsa OPC, the Nurburgring Edition is a limited series version of Opel’s hot-hatch of which only 500 units will be produced. However, exclusivity is not its only advantage. The special edition Corsa OPC receives an increase of 18HP, so that the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine goes from 192 to 210HP, posting an impressive power rating of 131.4 hp per liter. Read more »

New Opel Insignia OPC Unlimited Edition Ditches Speed Limiter topping out at 270km/h

More and more carmakers are quietly abandoning their gentleman’s agreement of limiting top speed of their production models to 250 km/h (155 mph), despite the fact that the only place in Europe to legally drive that fast is on certain sections of the German autobahn. The latest company to do so is Opel which has released a new version of its high-performance Insignia OPC called ‘Unlimited’ without an electronically-restricted top speed.

“We are responding to frequently expressed customer wishes,” says Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Adam Opel AG. “Insignia OPC buyers are generally experienced and responsible drivers who want to enjoy the full technical possibilities of their car.”

Read more »

This is what Happens when you Enter a Highway the Wrong Way… [Video]

The following accident took place on a Scottish motorway near Aberdeen and was captured by a “black box” GPS/video system mounted on a semi-trailer truck. From what we can tell, the Vauxhall Corsa entered the highway on the wrong side and drove towards oncoming traffic like a kamikaze, taking a truck driver completely by surprise.

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Opel Launches Meriva Color Edition Special in Germany

One year and some 120,000 European sales after the introduction of the second generation Meriva onto the market, Opel is enhancing the small MPV’s range with the presentation of a new special edition model. Read more »

SCOOP: Production Version of Opel Zafira Tourer Concept getting Ready for Frankfurt Show Debut

At this month’s Geneva Motor Show, Opel previewed the next generation of its 7-seater MPV model through the Zafira Tourer Concept. Now, our spies have snagged some new photos of the production version rolling around in Germany as Opel puts the final touches on the compact minivan before its world premiere at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show this fall.

Being that that Geneva show Zafira was more of a pre-production model than a pure concept, few things appear to have changed on the outside. These include the smaller size and less snazzy alloy wheels, the larger but obviously more practical for everyday use exterior mirrors, the redesigned tail lamps and the more mundane tail pipe designs.

Read more »

New Opel Astra Sports Tourer gets the Steinmetz Treatment

Opel tuning specialist Steinmentz has revealed a bevy of parts for the new Astra Sports Tourer. The German firm’s offerings include aerodynamic components, a lowering kit, alloy wheels and styling elements.

Read more »

2013 Opel Astra Cabrio Confirmed

Opel and Vauxhall confirmed that they will build a convertible based on the Astra compact car at the factory in Gliwice, Poland. The move is a part of the brand’s planned 11 billion Euro investments to renew its lineup over the next five years.

The 2013 Opel Astra Cabrio is most likely going to use a fabric roof rather than the retractable hard top, with one of its main rival being the newly introduce Volkswagen Golf 6 Cabriolet.

“The new Convertible will be a great addition to our product lineup,”said Opel/Vauxhall CEO Nick Reilly. “It follows the long-standing tradition of highly emotional and legendary Opel/Vauxhall Cabrios that provided important halo effects on our brand. With its sleek and elegantdesign, our new Convertible will fully deliver on that same promise.”




Press Release

Opel/Vauxhall Confirms Production of New Convertible

• Product offensive continued
• Cabrio to enter market in 2013
• Production scheduled for Gliwice, Poland

Rüsselsheim. Opel/Vauxhall continues its portfolio expansion as the addition of a new Convertible has been confirmed today. The new Cabrio is part of the company's €11 billion investment pledge announced approximately one year ago as part of its plan for the future. It comes on the heels of successful products such as the Insignia, 2009 Car of the Year, the Astra, winner of a 2009 Golden Steering Wheel, the Meriva with its innovative and highly-acclaimed FlexDoors system, the upcoming new generation Zafira, and the revolutionary Ampera electric vehicle.

The new Convertible will be based on Opel/Vauxhall's compact vehicle architecture which is also the basis for the current Astra, the Astra SportsTourer and the upcoming Astra GTC. It will hit the market in 2013 - the same year that Opel/Vauxhall will also launch its chic and stylish small car meeting the growing demand for vehicles in line with a young and urban lifestyle.

Subsequent to a joint agreement between management and employee representatives during the restructuring at the Opel plant in Gliwice, Poland, the decision has been made to build the Cabrio at the highly-efficient Gliwice plant alongside other Astra models.

"The new Convertible will be a great addition to our product lineup," said Opel/Vauxhall CEO Nick Reilly. "It follows the long-standing tradition of highly emotional and legendary Opel/Vauxhall Cabrios that provided important halo effects on our brand. With its sleek and elegant design, our new Convertible will fully deliver on that same promise."

Further details, such as vehicle naming, pricing and equipment, will be announced closer to the launch timing.

2011 Vauxhall VXR8

Vauxhall has revealed its new 2011 VXR8. These first official pictures of the VXR8 show an edgier and more aggressive look over the model it replaces. But it's way more expensive, too.

The VXR8 is based on the Holden Commodore, but instead of the hot ClubSport R8 model on which the previous Vauxhall was based, the new model starts with the new E3 GTS just launched in Australia. That means a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 with 425 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque – kept in line by new Magnetic Ride Control and Launch Control systems, driving through a six-speed transmission (automatic or manual) and a mechanical diff – for a 4.9-second sprint to 60 mph and an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.

Afresh, ‘Shockwave’ grille, LED day running lights and sleek fresh wing-vents mark the fresh auto away by the front, while the rear characteristics afresh ‘Superflow’ rear spoiler, LED taillights and twin deplete tips that mime the shape of the face grille.

Vauxhall VXR8 has also employed the Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) which adapts to road conditions 1000 times per second, together with the Launch Control feature which engages when the driver sets the Electronic Stability Control in Competition Mode. 

2011 Vauxhall VXR8 is priced at at £49 500.




Press Release

REAR-DRIVE, 6.2-LITRE V8, SUB-£50K: IT HAS TO BE THE NEW VXR8!

• New VXR8 hits UK dealers next March, based on higher-spec GTS model
• Re-designed exterior and new interior with full leather trim as standard
• Magnetic Ride Control & Launch Control complement 431PS V8 powertrain

Luton – Vauxhall's storming VXR8 model is back with a vengeance, packing heavily revised front- and rear-end styling, a new cabin and a raft of new technology to enhance its appeal to drivers in search of one of the last, great rear-drive V8 super-saloons.

Priced at £49,500 (inc. 20 per cent VAT) and available to order later this month, the new VXR8 is now based on HSV's E3 GTS model, just launched in Australia, the previous VXR8 representing the old version of the lower-spec ClubSport R8. That means it still undercuts full-size super saloons like the Audi RS6, Jaguar XFR and Mercedes E63 AMG by between £13k and £29k, and even performance saloons from the class below, such as the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG.

A new, 'Shockwave' grille, LED daytime running lights and sleek new wing-vents mark the new car out from the front, while the rear features a new 'Superflow' rear spoiler, LED tail lamps and twin exhaust tips that mimic the shape of the front grille. As you can see from these first official press shots of our Hazard Yellow car, the new VXR8 will never blend into the scenery!

As before, the new VXR8's race-bred chassis uses MacPherson struts/progressive rate coil springs at the front and a multi-link independent set-up at the rear. But for the first time on a VXR8, Vauxhall has employed Magnetic Ride Control (MRC), a suspension system which adapts up to 1000 times a seconds to road conditions and driver inputs. Based on technology used in GM's current Corvette ZR1 supercar, MRC works by sending an electric current through damper units filled with 'soft' magnetic particles. These particles harden as the input reaches its maximum value, providing drivers with exceptional levels of ride, handling and stopping power.

Complementing the new VXR8's MRC is Launch Control, which is engaged when drivers select the ESC's (Electronic Stability Control) Competition Mode. The system dictates the level of torque delivered to the rear wheels for maximum acceleration, according to surface conditions. All the driver has to do is floor the throttle and let the car do the rest. Extensive testing has proved that LC results in acceleration runs no more than 0.1 second apart.

Of course, no VXR8 would be complete without a large-capacity V8, and this latest version doesn't disappoint. The fourth generation 6.2-litre LS3 unit produces 431PS and a massive 550Nm of torque, enough to propel the VXR8 from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds and on to a governed top speed of 155mph. As before, drive is delivered to the rear axle via either a six-speed manual or auto transmission, working through a mechanical limited slip differential.

Inside, the new VXR8 has undergone a transformation. Full leather trim is now standard, and front occupants are cocooned in special HSV Performance Seats with eight-way adjustability. A new instrument cluster and surround, centre stack and switchgear provide a cleaner and more integrated look, while standard equipment also includes Aux-in/USB inputs, iPod support and Bluetooth with phone book display and touch-screen dialling.

But for drivers who want to engage with their VXR8 like never before, Vauxhall has introduced EDI, or Enhanced Driver Interface. EDI connects with the on-board computer to constantly stream real-time vehicle dynamics and performance to the car's main 5-inch monitor. At the touch of the screen, drivers can access a variety of data such as vehicle G-forces, power and torque and lap times – even the degree to which their VXR8 is drifting. Completing the clever package is the ability for drivers to download data, such as track day performance, and analyse it using the MOTEC i2 software provided.

Befitting its exclusivity, the VXR8 is now available through just six highly specialist VXR dealers in the UK, though a total of 34 VXR outlets will be authorised to maintain the model.

Vauxhall Ampera available for £28,995

Vauxhall has announced today that its Ampera Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) will cost under £30,000 when it hits UK showrooms in early 2012, after taking advantage of the £5,000 plug-in car Government grant.

The Vauxhall boasts a 50 mile battery electric drive range, which Vauxhall believes exceeds the UK's average commuting distance. However, if you need to go on a longer journey, the Ampera's range-extender engine/generator produces electricity on board.

The Vauxhall Ampera differs from standard hybrid cars because the electric motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery. The small petrol engine does not drive the wheels under speeds of 70mph, instead it charges the battery to boost the range to 360 miles.

Fully recharging the Vauxhall Ampera takes less the 4 hours through a 240V electricity socket, at an average cost of around 1 GBP, and overall the car will have extremely low running costs.

The Vauxhall Ampera price list starts at 28,995 GBP. The benefit of buying a Vauxhall Ampera is that you won't have to pay the TFL congestion charge, Vehicle Excise Duty payments and 5% company car taxation. The Vauxhall Ampera price is also lowered by the 5000 GBP Plug-In Car Grant.





Press Release

• Announced today - Ampera qualifies for Plug-In Car Grant of £5000
• Customers to pay £28,995 after benefiting from grant
• UK’s first extended-range electric vehicle now an uncompromised reality for families
• Up to 50 miles battery only commuting with 360-mile range when needed
• Opportunity to become a Vauxhall Ampera ‘ ePioneer’

Luton – Vauxhall has announced today that its revolutionary Ampera Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV) will cost under £30k when it hits UK showrooms in early 2012, bringing the reality of a technologically sophisticated, electrically-driven, family car with an uncompromised driving range firmly into the mainstream.

After taking advantage of the £5000 Plug-In Car Grant, customers will pay just £28,995 for the Ampera. And it’s not just the price that impresses; with the efficiency of up to 50 miles range on battery power,free TFL congestion charge, no Vehicle Excise Duty payments and 5% company car taxation, Ampera’s overall running costs will be extremely low.

The Vauxhall Ampera is the only real-world electric car solution for a family. It is extremely efficient, unique in the market and has a numberof operating modes, maximising performance in all circumstances. Its 50 mile battery electric drive range exceeds the UK’s average commuting distance but when a longer journey is required, Ampera’s range-extender engine/generator produces electricity on board. The generator engages seamlessly once the battery has reached a minimum level of charge. The 50-mile battery electric range is thus extended by 310 miles permitting the driver to travel up to 360 miles without the need for recharging or refuelling.

A full charge for Ampera’s battery can be achieved in less than four hours via a domestic 240v electricity socket at an average cost of around £1, depending on tariff. Commuting within the 50 mile range willensure very low running costs on battery electric drive only.

Become an ePioneer

Vauxhall is offering the exciting opportunity to become an ePioneer and be amongst the first to own an Ampera. For a £150 fully refundable reservation fee, potential customers can register at www.vauxhall-ampera.co.uk where they can pre-order an Ampera and also access exclusive events and opportunities in the build up to launch. There is no commitment to purchase.

The same website also offers much more information on the Vauxhall Ampera and includes Facebook, Twitter and YouTube links.

2011 Opel Antara

The new Opel Antara some sports, off-road capability, and looks stylish integrated high functionality and security. With the improvement in style powertrain line-up outside and comfort inside, the Opel Antara now considered a new competitor in the growing SUV segment .

The new Antara also benefits from a new center console with extra storage solutions, new materials and added interior and exterior colors, as well as an optimized instrument graphic and effective interior lighting. In terms of features, the only things worth mentioning are standard electric parking brake and the Hill Assist System.

The engine line-up includes a newly-developed 2.2 CDTI Turbo diesel offered in two versions: 163 HP and 184 HP and a 2.4 liter, four-cylinder engine with 170 HP. All engines are offered in in front-wheel or all-wheel drive and comes as manual or automatic six-gear transmission. The model also gets re-worked chassis that offer dynamic handling and excellent traveling comfort.




Press Release

The new Opel Antara pairs sporty, off-road capabilities and urban-chic looks with high functionality and safety. With improvements to its powertrain line-up, exterior styling and interior comfort, the Antara can now be seen as a new competitor in the growing SUV segment.

The most notable changes in the Antara’s mid-cycle enhancements, which will be introduced at the end of this year, are in the powertrain. The fully re-worked engine line-up, all Euro-5 compliant, now offers improved driving performance as well as significantly reduced consumption and emissions. Even the two available transmissions – a six-gear manual and automatic – have undergone completely new developments to improve efficiency and dynamics.

The latest entry to the engine range is a newly-developed 2.2 CDTI Turbo diesel, which comes with two outputs. The 120 kW/163 hp offers 36 hp more than its predecessor model. The 135 kW/184 hp version offers 34 hp more power.

The 163 hp variant is available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive as well as with manual or automatic six-gear transmissions. The 184 hp also offers a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, and comes with all-wheel drive as standard.

The gasoline line-up, too, offers more power. The 2.4 liter, four-cylinder version now comes with 125 kW/170 hp, or, 30 hp more power. Like the diesel variants, this engine is available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive and comes as manual or automatic six-gear transmission.

The engine variants come with variable camshaft phasing for the inlet and exhaust, which optimizes the torque and performance characteristics as well as lowers fuel consumption and emissions. Naturally an active, re-worked chassis fits nicely to the new Antara, offering dynamic handling and excellent traveling comfort.
Strong presence through accentuated front design

On the street, the Antara turns heads with its chic, upscale look. Its new, front grill with bold logo makes it immediately recognizable as a member of the new Opel design family. The fog lights together with chrome bezels and a well-blended pedestrian protection lends the vehicle a harmonious look with a strong presence. Modified rear lights and optional 19-inch light-metal wheels
round out the robust look.

The chic, sporty SUV look comes about from a new center console with extra storage solutions, new materials and added interior and exterior colors. An optimized instrument graphic and effective interior lighting underscore the prestigious ambiance.

Opel has improved safety and comfort features in the Antara as well. This includes a standard electric parking brake and the Hill Assist System. With these changes, the market segment of the compact SUV has a new competitor in the ring.

2011 Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Pricing Revealed

GM has announced Prices for the new Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer will start at £16,575 when it arrives in UK showrooms towards the end of the year.

The Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer is available on the British market with a choice between a 1.4-liter 100PS engine and a 1.7 CDTi diesel with 110PS. The equipment list of the new Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer includes air conditioning, curtain airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESP), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) and Active Safety Front Head Restraints.

Other trim levels include Exclusiv, SE and SRi, each come with a variety of standard and optional equipment, including FlexFold, which allows each section of the 60:40 split-fold rear seatbacks to be lowered at the press of a button housed in the walls of the cargo compartment.

Inside, the Flexfold seat system allows the rear seats to be folded in a 60:40 combination to reveal 500 litres of load space – 30 litres more than the Astra hatchback version.




Press Release

The new Astra Sports Tourer will enter the UK market later this year priced at just £16,575, over £500 less than the current entry-level Astra Estate, yet incorporating a long list of additional standard kit.

Built in Britain at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant, the Astra Sports Tourer range starts with the 1.4 (100PS) ES model, which gains an extra 10PS of power over the equivalent 1.4 Astra Estate. It also adds: air conditioning, curtain airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESP), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), an aux-in socket and Active Safety Front Head Restraints, all as standard.

Better still, the Sports Tourer’s premium over the 5-door hatch model starts from just £995, for which customers benefit from a larger cargo area (500* versus 470 litres, with rear seats up), despite retaining the same wheelbase as the new hatch.

Diesel pricing is equally aggressive, with the entry-level 110PS 1.7 CDTi ES Sports Tourer costing less than the outgoing 90PS 1.3 CDTi Astra Estate Life, yet packing more power and benefiting from sub-120g/km CO2emissions.

The Sports Tourer range comprises four trim levels: ES, Exclusiv, SE and SRi, but adds a variety of standard and optional equipment, including FlexFold, which allows each section of the 60:40 split-fold rear seatbacks to be lowered at the press of a button housed in the walls of the cargo compartment.

Joining the new Astra range, which has now sold over 30,000 units in the UK since it was launched at the end of last year, the Sports Tourer is likely to account for approximately 10 per cent of all sales. Illustrating the depth of Vauxhall’s engineering and manufacturing excellence, the Sports Tourer will be assembled solely at its Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire, while its upper-body structure has been 100 per cent engineered at Vauxhall Engineering Centre in Bedfordshire.

New Opel Meriva: Opening the door to greater flexibility [Video]

Geneva/Rüsselsheim. Innovative, versatile and stylish: the second generation Opel Meriva, making its world premiere at Geneva, raises the bar for automotive versatility. It is packed with a multitude of innovative features, engineered to optimize the flexible use of space and presented in a distinctive, contemporary design.

Opel created a new market segment for small, affordable monocabs when it launched the first generation Meriva in 2003. With its revolutionary FlexSpace rear-seating concept, high seating position and roomy cabin, it has always been big on flexibility yet small in size.

Now the second generation Meriva takes affordable, on-board flexibility to a new level. It introduces FlexDoors, innovative rear-hinged rear doors that facilitate cabin access - an industry first for a volume manufacturer. Greater interior stowage space is also enhanced by FlexRail, a revolutionary concept for adaptable center console storage. All this, in addition to an easy-to-use FlexSpace seating system and the option of Opel's unique FlexFix integrated rear bicycle carrier.

The Meriva's dynamic proportions brings elegance to the small monocabs. Its expressive exterior and interior styling carries forward Opel's new award-winning sculptural design language already introduced on the Insignia and Astra. A distinctive wave graphic for the rear side windows accentuates the Meriva's FlexDoors, while also improving the view for rear passengers, particularly children.


Entering a new era of doors

Meriva opens up a new dimension in rear seat access with its unique rear-hinged rear doors. Unlike some current designs, the Meriva's FlexDoors are full-sized. The use of a conventional B-pillar enables them to be opened independently, without the need for a clamshell overlap by the front doors.

FlexDoors make it easy to get in and out of the rear seat without any twisting or sliding. It's also more convenient for parents to reach in to help buckle up children. For optimum access, FlexDoors open up to 84 degrees, much wider than conventional doors. The Meriva's front occupants also enjoy the same wide-opening access.

When the front and rear doors are open at the same time, a natural safety zone is also created. A door no longer separates a child and its parent and parents can keep an eye on their kids, for example, when getting out of the car. It's also more convenient for the driver or front passenger to open a FlexDoor when stowing a jacket, briefcase or an umbrella behind the front seat, for example.

Apart from better ergonomics, FlexDoors add a touch of style. Stepping in and out of the vehicle not only feels much more natural, it looks cool and elegant.

The FlexDoors concept has been successfully market-tested with Meriva customers since 2006. A patented locking system including a highly-sophisticated FlexDoors logic ensures the passengers are always protected whenever the vehicle is in motion.


New dimensions in on-board versatility

Increased flexibility is extended to all areas of the new Meriva. The innovative FlexSpace rear seating system has been further developed and refined and it is now more intuitive to move or fold the seats down, making the system easy to use.

Throughout the cabin, storage space is considerably increased with convenient locations provided for items which are most commonly carried inside a car. The revolutionary FlexRail console system consists of exchangeable storage units that slide on aluminum rails located between the front seats. It provides convenient and adaptable storage for many different uses. The FlexRail system was made possible because of the high mounted gear shift lever and the electric parking brake.

The new, generously proportioned seats, similar to those of the Astra and Insignia, offer a class-leading range of adjustment - 240 mm forwards/backwards and 65 mm in height.


Monocab expression of new Opel design

Meriva moves forward Opel's new, expressive design language - sculptural artistry meets German precision - with the same focus on quality already seen on Insignia and the new Astra.
A lower, sweeping roof-line and Opel's signature blade side-body motif combine with the wave rear window line to give the new Meriva a fresh, distinctive character.

Inside, the wraparound wing-shaped instrument panel enhances the feeling of width and roominess, while the forward-leaning center stack also adds sculptured space. The cabin is available with six different levels of color and trim, the widest choice ever offered for a single Opel model.


Efficient performance

The new Opel Meriva will be offered with an engine line-up ranging from 55 kW/75 hp to 103 kW/140 hp. All engines comply with the Euro5 emissions standards.

The gasoline line-up will offer three variants of the 1.4-liter multi-valve engine. Variable valve timing, for improved breathing, is a feature of the entry 100 hp 1.4-liter, the only naturally-aspirated unit in the line-up. The choice is completed by the 1.4-liter Turbo engine introduced on the new Astra range, offered here in two output versions: 88 kW/120 hp or 103 kW/140 hp. The top-of-the-line 1.4 Turbo is equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The diesel line-up starts with a 55 kW/75 hp, 1.3 CDTI engine fitted with closed loop technology. This control system improves fuel consumption: Opel is the first to adopt it on such a small engine. The diesel offer is completed with the 1.7 CDTI motor (74 kW/100 hp) with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Later this year, the engine line-up will gain three additional diesel variants: A low CO2 emitting ecoFLEX variant will be powered by the 70 kW/95 hp 1.3 CDTI engine. Two variants of the 1.7 CDTI engine will also be available, developing 81 kW/110 hp and 96 kW/130 hp respectively; both are equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission.

The new Meriva benefits from a longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks, which contribute to improved handling and greater ride comfort.


New champion

"With the Zafira Flex 7 and the Meriva's FlexSpace seating concepts, we invented a new fully integrated, on-board flexibility," says Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales Opel/Vauxhall. "For the new Meriva, we wanted to engineer the new versatility champion in the automotive industry. I don't see any other car offering so many features that make life easier."

Designed and developed at Opel's engineering center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the new Meriva will be built in Zaragoza, Spain. It is scheduled to go on sale this summer.


New Opel Meriva now available starting at 15,900 euros

The new Opel Meriva premieres today at the 80th Geneva Motor Show and can now be ordered in Germany as well as in several other European countries. Prices for Opel's new flexibility champion start at 15,900 euros in Germany for the entry-level 1.4-liter (74 kW/100 hp) gasoline engine.

Opel created a new market segment for highly versatile yet small and affordable monocabs when it launched the first generation Meriva in 2003. The second generation Meriva is again a pioneer in fully integrated, on-board flexibility by introducing FlexDoors, innovative rear-hinged rear doors that facilitate cabin access - an industry first for a volume manufacturer. The Meriva's famous FlexSpace rear-seating concept has been further developed to become even more intuitive and easy to use. Greater stowage capacity is further enhanced by FlexRail, a revolutionary concept for adaptable center console storage, and Opel's unique FlexFix integrated rear bicycle carrier.


The Opel Meriva will be available in three equipment levels: Essentia, Enjoy and Cosmo.

As usual on its models, Opel offers an extensive active and passive safety equipment, such as: ESP, front airbags, side and curtain airbags, seat belt reminders front and rear, front seat belt force limiters and pretensioners, adaptive brake lights, the Opel Pedal Release System as well as ISOFIX for rear outer seats.

The Essentia entry level models already offer rich equipment with - of course - the FlexSpace and FlexDoors systems, but also the space saving Electric Park Brake (EPB), heated power exterior mirrors, power windows in the front, remote control for doors, tailgate and fuel filler cap locking, the FlexFloor (the floor can be raised to bumper height for ease of loading and under-floor stowage), a seat height adjuster for the driver as well as a height and reach-adjustable steering column.

The Enjoy level also adds air conditioning, a radio CD300 system with MP3 and the innovative FlexRail storage system between the front seats that features a tray with cup holder. Side and curtain head airbags are standard as of Enjoy (optional on Essentia). For the interior, the customer can choose between three colour combinations.

Compared to Enjoy, the upper Cosmo execution adds front and rear power windows, front fog lamps, a board computer, cruise control, a leather steering wheel with controls, the flexible front armrest from the FlexRail system as well as 16-inch alloy wheels. The Cosmo trim level is available in two colour combinations for the interior.

True to the Opel philosophy of making innovative technology affordable, equipment such as the halogen directional AFL headlights (Adaptive Forward Lighting), the heated steering wheel, the panorama sunroof, Hill Start Assist or the AGR*-certified ergonomic front sport seats - a unique feature in the segment - are also available.

The new Opel Meriva will be offered with an engine line-up ranging from 55 kW/75 hp to 103 kW/140 hp. All engines comply with the Euro 5 emissions standard.


* AGR: Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (Action for Healthy Backs) - an independent panel of ergonomics experts and doctors in Germany.



Source:Opel