Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Driving Report Opel Antara: Scottish acquaintance

What does a car manufacturer to show its new model in mid-February, just completely soaked Scotland? In the midst of a permanent change to rain, frost, snow and more rain we experienced now, the new Opel Antara and asked ourselves that question. The answer was surprising: The Scottish countryside is right for our new car.

The shy Scottish morning sun on frost and black ice was the photographer the right light, to bring the gentle, pleasing curves of the Antara advantage. But because the Scots are not more known for their edgy national character? However - in front of the castle-like Hotel Cameron House on Loch Lomond, he was not out of place.

In its 18-inch wheels it holds its own in this environment. To the Scottish roads where the time every few kilometers, a sign warns against flooding, reassured by the knowledge of the all-wheel drive as well as the certainty, even on muddy roads are to be controlled without risk a dry track.

In a National Park we noticed then that the wild primeval landscape might have something to do with the Antara: For the rugged and wild nature in the neighborhood, he a stark contrast from engineering knowledge and design that forms the gently rounded hills in the background seems to be incorporated.

Enough of the search for parallels and contrasts. One thing is clear: When fuel consumption, the Antara should now include the Scots under the cars. We were traveling by Antara 2.2 CDTI (120 kW / 163 hp) and six-speed manual version in the "Design Edition". The five-door and five-seater has a length of 4.60 meters, width 1.85 meters and 1.76 meters in height.

With a weight of 1.8 tonnes is one of the Antara soon enough to the compact sport Untility Vehicles (SUV), but stands up with a large face against the wind. Against this background, the 6.6 liters of diesel per 100 km, the Opel gives as average, an acceptable value. The stronger with 135 kW / 184 hp 2.2 CDTI version is listed with the same value.

Both diesel and petrol engines of 4.2 Ecotec with 123 kW / 167 PS (uses 9.1 liters of Super) have been developing, such as the new six-speed manual transmissions and six-speed automatic transmission. We had the opportunity, all three powertrains in vehicles with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with the automatic switch to drive.

All combinations left a harmonious impression fit power development and transmission. like the best us of the 163-horsepower diesel, of the Opel expects that he will share with his colleagues about 90 percent more of the approach, so stay left for the gasoline engine only ten percent. In view of the few changes to the exterior, one might be inclined to characterize the second edition of the Antara as a facelift.

But under the sheet he has experienced with the new engines and transmissions more than just an ordinary little facelift, which is also driving shows that the steering was precise, that car is tottering on curves less, front and rear suspension have been modified so that the Antara can also point to the Scottish roads full of frost upheavals that he does not only more agile and comfortable, but can handle surprisingly well with short and hard impacts well.

The interior matches the exterior. The Antara is presented well above of what a few years ago was accustomed to 08/15-Hartplastik-Innenräumen vehicles from Korean production. The Korean General-Motors plant while it rolls from the same band as the Chevrolet Captiva, differs from the other engines but by a different suspension, larger wheels and provide a more upscale amenities.

The prices are the basis of the two versions apart grown by almost € 2000, can be due to differences but hardly comparable. In the second edition of the two models further apart. Particular attention is placed at the Opel Antara to the interior noise. They were reduced by 50 percent. With his pleasant, well-designed interior, its versatility and ride comfort can convince the Opel Antara and travel as a family vehicle - even in the Scottish early spring.

(Ampnet / Sm) Data Opel Antara 2.2 CDTI Drive Automatic Design Edition length x width x height (m): 4.60 x 1.85 x 1.71 Engine: Four-cylinder turbo diesel engine with direct injection, 2231 ccm Power: 120 kW / 163 hp at 3800 rpm Max torque: 350 Nm at 2000 rpm Average fuel consumption (EU standard): 7.5 l diesel emissions: 199 g CO2 per kilometer speed: 184 km / h Acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h: 10.8 seconds Turning circle: 12.25 m Empty Weight / Payload: 1750 - 1936 kg / 433-669 kg Maximum towing capacity: 1700 kg (manual 2000 kg) Luggage capacity: 420 liters to 1420 liters Base price: € 34 180

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