Automobiles Review

Tag: Opel Astra

  • Buick Verano comes to Europe under the disguise of 2013 Opel Astra

    2013-Opel-Astra-Sedan-THUMB2013 Opel Astra Sedan is a notchback based on the GM’s Delta II platform. It was designed initially in US and Asia and at first was included in the Buick Excelle GT and then in Buick Verano. Now, the platform is going to be included in the Atra line-up whixh is scheduled to go on sale in Europe later this month.

    The new Opel model is going to be offered with literally a wide range of engine choices. In fact, seven powerplants are going to be available at launch. The gas engines included are four and their horsepower range is from 100 to 180 (74 to 132 kW).

    2013 Opel Astra Sedan
    2013 Opel Astra Sedan

    On the other hand the three diesel engines will deliver a power range from 95 to 130 hp (70 to 69 kW) and will feature the two ecoFLEX motors with Start/Stop technology. The seventh engine is also a gas one, and namely is the 1.6-liter turbochared, direct-injected SIDI Ecotec.

    The Astra line-up consists of the new four-door sedan, the five-door hatchback, the Sports Tourer station wagon and the racy GTC coupe. The new Astra notchback sedan (Length/Width/Height: 4,658/1,814/1,476 mm) has a wheel base of 2,685 mm which means that it provides a generous interior space.

    In addition it has a separate trunk, which offers 460 liters of volume. By folding the 60:40 split rear bench flat the luggage volume can be increased up to a maximum of 1,010 liters.

    As you can see the new Astra has a very stylish and sleek silhouette, which is thanks to the well-balanced and harmonious automotive design. In addition, the new Astra includes a large array of technological highlights: Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL+) with bi-xenon headlamps, the adaptive FlexRide chassis system, the highly ergonomic AGR (“Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V”), navigation system Navi 900 top unit, etc.

    2013 Opel Astra Sedan
    2013 Opel Astra Sedan
    2013 Opel Astra Sedan
    2013 Opel Astra Sedan

    Source: Opel via Autoblog

  • Opel Relies on LPG with EcoFLEX 1.4

    2012-Opel-LPG-ecoFLEX-thumb-Opel are now diversifying their EcoFlex range with with two new, LPG adapted (Liquid Petrolium Gas) additions. The Astra 5-door hatchback and the Astra Sport Tourer will get the more grunty engine while the Meriva will keep it simple with a less powerful and less thirsty version of the former.

    This is not Opel‘s LPG debut however. They have been building LPG adapted cars since 2009. Last year, Corsas have started rolling out of the factory with 1.2, LPG modified EcoFlexes that deliver a nimble 83 hp figure and return 110 g/km CO2 which is absolutely not bad for a non-diesel. Now the Astra and the Meriva represent a follow up: they will both get a 1.4 Turbo EcoFLEX designed to sip LPG or run on petrol depending on the driver’s choice. The Meriva engine is slightly underpowered, producing 120 horse powers, 175 Nm of torque while the Astra hatch/Sport Tourer have 140 hp and 200 Nm of torque at their disposal. Carbon dioxide emission figures are 124 g/km and 129 g/km/132 g/km respectively on the combined cycle. Running costs can drop by up to 15% if one prefers driving on LPG and because the engines are Euro 5 rated, road taxation wont be much of a problem. The Astra and the Meriva certainly wont be the last to come with LPG as there are plans to start production of LPG powered Insignia and Zafira models later this year.

    2012-Opel-LPG-ecoFLEX-medium2-
    EcoFlex Astra Sort Tourer (2013)

    The systems are perfectly fitted to cause minimal discomfort to the passengers and driver – the LPG tank is separate and embedded where one would expect to see the spare-wheel (The wheel itself still comes as standard). And because of having a normal petrol tank, just like any other car, the Opels have a combined range of more then 1400 miles if both containers are full. Transition from Petrol to LPG and back is done seamlessly with an ON/OFF button on the center console.

    Opel EcoFLEX engine (2013)
    Opel EcoFLEX engine (2013)

    LPG integration is part of Opel‘s initiative to lead the “green” market by offering neat alternatives to pure petrol and diesel cars. The new EcoFLEX units will make a fine addition to an already broad portfolio of electric cars and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) vehicles.

    LPG, already familiar to Eastern Europe, is now gathering popularity in Western Europe as well. Over 80 % of the LPG Opels produced have went on the Italian market. The overall infrastructure which allows LPG cars to keep moving is widespread with 6,400 LPG filling stations in Germany alone. Other LPG friendly countries include France, the Netherlands, Belgium and even Britain.

    2013 Opel 1.4 LPG EcoFLEX
    2013 Opel 1.4 LPG EcoFLEX
    2013 Opel 1.4 LPG EcoFLEX
    2013 Opel 1.4 LPG EcoFLEX
    2013 Opel 1.4 LPG EcoFLEX
    2013 Opel 1.4 LPG EcoFLEX

    Source: Opel

  • Opel Marks 150 Years of Existence

    2012-Opel-Astra-150-years-Opel-edition-thumbOpel is preparing to celebrate 150 years of business this year and to do it properly they are planning to release special “150 years Opel” edition of the Corsa, Meriva, Astra and Insignia line. The cars will come with additional equipment and styling that would normally cost much more as an option (one can save up to 2100 euros). An even more festive jubilee trim package – “150 years Opel” – will guarantee exclusivity and character.

    The Corsa and Meriva editions both come with 16-inch alloy wheels and tinted, heat insulating Solar Protect glazing at the back. Other comfort tech that warms up the heart includes the heated steering wheel, cruise control and fog lights. The Corsa flashes chromed exhaust pipes regardless of the engine choice. The other three models can also come with the same exhaust system but they largely depend on the engine choice. The Astra gets 17-inch wheels, all of that equipment excluding the fog lights.

    The top of the line Insignia rolls on 18 inch wheels, makes use of the same rear view window Solar Protect glazing seen in the other cars, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, fog lights and a cleaning system for the head lights. Air-conditioning is automatic and the new Navi 900 Europa infotainment system gives the term “interactivity” a whole new meaning.

    2012 Opel 150 years edition
    2012 Opel 150 years edition

    If people are oblivious to all of those bonuses, they can still recognize the anniversary editions by the “150 Adam Opel” emblem, the aluminum door step with “OPEL” engraved on it. The interior is coated with premium quality fabric and leather-like Morrocana material.

    The jubilee trim package adds more glitter to an already glamorous product. The Corsa and Meriva both get an adjustable panoramic roof or sunroof abd separate air conditioning for both the driver and the front passenger. Corsas can further be personalized with the ‘jubilee plus’ option which gives a park assist system and 17- inch alloy wheels. The Astra gets a more premium upholstery treatment and so does the Insignia. The latter also gets a glazed panoramic roof, an electric sunroof and zonal air-conditioning.

    2012 Opel Astra 150 years Opel edition
    2012 Opel Astra 150 years Opel edition
    2012 Opel Astra 150 years Opel edition
    2012 Opel Astra 150 years Opel edition

    Source: Opel

  • Senner Opel Astra

    Senner Tuning has announced a new tuning package for the latest Opel Astra, which is just astonishing even without any modifications. However, the tuning specialists have developed both styling and performance upgrades.

    The 1.4 liter turbocharged petrol gets  a performance upgrade boosting the engine from 140PS (103 kW) and 200Nm (147 lb-ft) to 165PS (121 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft). The engine control system was adapted by SENNER, and the BMC sport air filter was installed. The stainless steel muffler with a 140×90 mm pipe on the right and left side is custom made. Furthermore, there is a power converter – tuning for the electric acceleration pedal.

    The exterior package includes a matte black Steinmetz front grille, a roof spoiler, a front spoiler lip with a sword, a set of side shafts in two-color design and a rear skirt insert.

    The tuned vehicle stands on nice Alutec rims in dimensions 8J x 19” fitted with 235/35R 19 Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta.  Last, but not least, the suspension can be adjusted to your own taste.

    All in all, this conversion costs approximately € 11 900.

    Senner Opel Astra
    Senner Opel Astra
    Senner Opel Astra
    Senner Opel Astra
    Senner Opel Astra
    Senner Opel Astra
    Senner Opel Astra
    Senner Opel Astra
    Senner Opel Astra
    Senner Opel Astra
    Senner Opel Astra

    Source: Senner

  • Irmscher Opel Astra GTC

    Irmscher are ready with their tuning package for Opel Astra GTC. The tuning company offer both styling and performance upgrades.

    The aerodynamics kit includes a new grille, front spoiler lip, roof spoiler and a rear diffuser, which houses quad exhaust tips. Irmscher also offers complete sports exhaust system with oval tips.

    Furthermore, the stance is improved by lowering the vehicle with 30mm. Irmscher Astra GTC stands on enormous 21” alloy wheels fitted with low profile 245 tires.

    The interior boasts leather upholstery and a set of Irmscher pedals.

    The 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol engine is boosted to 220PS (162 kW) and 274Nm (202 lb-ft), which is an improvement of 40PS (30 kW).

    Irmscher Opel Astra GTC FrontSide
    Irmscher Opel Astra GTC FrontSide
    Irmscher Opel Astra GTC
    Irmscher Opel Astra GTC
    Irmscher Opel Astra GTC

    Source: Irmscher

  • Opel Astra Sport Tourer refined by Irmscher

    Imrscher Opel Astra Sport Tourer is one of the latest projects of the tuning company. It boasts a front lip spoiler, a revised grille, aggressive side skirts, and a larger rear spoiler. The styling package also improves the downforce.

    The tuned Sport Tourer also has a suspension kit, which lowers the ride height by 30mm.

    Last, but not least, Imrscher Opel Astra Sport Tourer received a set of 18″ “Turbo Star” alloys and there is an option for 20″. (more…)

  • 2011 Opel Astra Sports Tourer is priced at 18 000 Euro

    Opel Astra Sports Tourer now can be ordered and the first deliveries will start later this year. The entry level Sports Tourer is the 1.4 ecoFLEX developing 100hp. Furthermore, the car comes with he lowest insurance rating of all the compact class wagons evaluated by the Gesamtverband der Deutschen Versicherungswirtschaft (GDV) in Germany. (more…)

  • VOGTLAND’s triple impact

    VOGTLAND, the German-based suspension expert has released three individually-tuned show rides – BMW 1 Series, BMW X6 and Opel Astra – which perfectly demonstrate the versatility of the brand’s high-end vehicle components. Refined with the motto “less is more” in mind, the VOGTLAND rides boast fresh new wheel/tire combinations and suspensions. (more…)

  • Irmscher Astra i1600 revealed at Tuning World Bodensee 2010

    At the last week’s Tuning World Bodensee, Irmscher, the Opel cars aftermarket expert has presented its latest masterpiece, the Irmscher Astra i1600. (more…)

  • Irmscher refines the new Astra – Already?

    Frankfurt Motor Show, the place that we are talking about over and over in the last two weeks, is going to be busy place not only for the car makers, but for the car tuners as well. One of that tuners is Irmscher, they will present the latest Opel Astra in more sportier and perfectly finished look that ever. (more…)

  • Opel launches LPG Range – Pricing Announced!

    Opel now offers five LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) powered Corsa, Meriva, Astra station wagon and Zafira models with a wide performance range, expanding its line of environmentally friendly ecoFLEX models with alternative propulsion. (more…)

  • JMS Astra H Styling

    The Opel Astra is a beautiful and widespread car. To improve the unique look of the car and to make it more sprortier the JMS tuners developed a special program. For the perfect driving performance JMS offers a H&R monotube coil over kit with 55mm/45mm owering (1057 euro). (more…)