Opel Astra, 2010

Opel Astra, 2010

The new Opel Astra brings into the compact class its own interpretation of the brand's award-winning design language of combining sculptural artistry with German precision first seen in the Opel Insignia. Its strong sporty lines and elegant details add to a new handsome look.

The exterior of the new generation Opel Astra, which debuts in September 2009 at the IAA in Frankfurt, boasts a strong cab-forward, fluid silhouette. Inside, high quality materials and a total re-think of the design add to the excitement of driving a compact car. Moreover, Opel has added innovative extras - higher quality materials, more storage, improved seats and safer bumpers - to give the Opel Astra comfort, health and safety features not usually seen in the compact class.

The exterior design gives Opel philosophy a new twist
Designers have given Opel's new philosophy an interpretation fitting for the compact class using the same wing and blade styling cues first introduced on the mid-sized Insignia. Sculpted into the side panels of the new generation Opel Astra, the blade sweeps rear ward and upward, connecting with the side window line, giving the car balance and harmony. Eagle eye-shaped headlamps that encompass the prominent signature wing daytime running lights give the Opel Astra face a low, sporty character.

A graceful flowing silhouette connects the muscular shoulder lines with an expressive rear to make it sporty yet elegant. On the front fascia, the next generation Opel Astra re-interprets the new Opel face by using the small upper grille to frame the new Opel logo, while emphasizing the bigger, bolder lower opening so as to create a sportier look.

The inside, design cues used to create driver-focused styling
Echoing the flowing forms of the bodywork, the hallmarks of the interior are sweeping lines and shapes that are executed with care. Interior designers achieve that, for instance, by creating bold, dynamic shapes that use materials intelligently. Everything drivers and passengers touch has been given a refined, high quality feel. In addition,
The interior also continues Opel's recurring wing and blade motifs. In this execution, the blade theme is expressed in details like the shape of the door grab handles and the trim for gearshift molding and steering wheel. The wing design cue is immediately evident in the warm, inviting wraparound instrument panel that embraces front seat occupants. It arcs across the cabin into the top of the door moldings.

Health, safety and comfort added via storage, seats and bumper improvements
The Opel Astra has added practicality through greatly increased storage and clever solutions for a compact class car that include a mini glove box on the driver's side and a drawer under the front passenger seat.
New, high quality seat technology brings added comfort and help to backs. In addition, safety was a major consideration in design. A new, intelligent bumper is intended to minimize damage in front and rear collisions, reducing injury to pedestrians and passengers and saving money in repairs and insurance.

The execution matched by great components and perceptual quality
Opel designers and engineers believe quality execution also must be matched by what the customer sees and feels. Such perceptual quality is particularly important in the interior, where the appearance and tactile properties of all materials must be on a par with their high standard of fit and finish.

The quality of the materials used in the new Astra is evident in such things as the grained, soft-touch surfaces, the textured panels, the quality of the d�cor, the chrome trim elements, and the feel of operating buttons and switches.

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Opel Insignia Hatchback, 2009

Opel Insignia Hatchback, 2009

 

 

The new Opel Insignia highlights breathtaking design: Both body styles boast a flowing, muscular yet elegant silhouette with a coup� roofline. Designers of the new car deliberately created similar versions to retain the beauty of Opel's latest mid-sized car. The length of both the notch and hatchback, at 4,830 mm, and the wheelbase of 2,737 mm remain the same.

The Insignia's fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and driving dynamics benefit from the aerodynamic efficiency that was perfected during more than 650 hours in the wind tunnel. The result: A class-leading drag coefficient of 0.27.

Offering both the notchback and hatchback from the start is particularly important for markets such as the U.K. and France, where 5-door sedans traditionally enjoy a high market share of the mid-size class segment. German and Spanish customers, on the other hand, generally prefer notchback sedans. Prices for the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria and Switzerland will be announced July 22 in London and cars will hit German dealerships before the end of the year. Opel expects both models to sell in about equal numbers.

From the beginning, the Insignia will be launched with a broad line-up of motors. Seven engines will be available; all meet Euro 5 emissions standards and come coupled with six-speed transmissions. The four gasoline engines range from a four-cylinder 115 hp unit to a V6 with 260 hp. Three new direct-injection turbo-diesels exclusively developed for the Insignia feature a displacement of 2.0 liters and power outputs spanning from 110 to 160 hp.

The newly developed chassis can be enhanced with the innovative, integrated FlexRide mechatronic system, as well as the sophisticated Adaptive 4x4. Its lightning-fast distribution of torque over the four wheels ensures top stability and traction while improving dynamic handling performance.

READ MORE - Opel Insignia Hatchback, 2009

Opel Insignia, 2009

Opel Insignia, 2009

 

The Opel Insignia elegant styling can be summed up as sculptural artistry meets German precision - a mantra that will be chanted in Opel models moving forward. With the Insignia, Opel successfully has brought the sporty coup� design to the mid-size sedan class without making any concessions in interior space. The Insignia offers three centimeters more knee room than the Vectra. The car also proves to be particularly efficient aerodynamically with a spectacular Cd of 0.27 which positively influences the economic, dynamic and acoustic qualities of the car. Both body variants have identical 4.830 mm length and share the same wheelbase of 2,737 mm.

The new car will hit dealerships in Germany before the end of 2008 and other markets as of January 2009 with a line-up of seven engines. All meet Euro 5 emissions standards and come with six-speed transmissions, either manual or automatic. The four gasoline engines range from a four-cylinder 115 hp unit to a V6 with 260 hp. The three new direct-injection turbo-diesels exclusively developed for the Opel Insignia feature displacement of 2.0 liters. They offer outputs spanning from 110 to 160 hp and excellent torque values ranging from 260 to 350 Nm. All combinations compare competitively in CO2 emissions.

Powerfully Sculpted Lines Give Opel Insignia its Dynamic Look
The design of the new Opel Insignia signals a paradigm shift for Opel by adding emotion back to the brand. Both the notch and hatchback of Opel's new car feature a flowing, muscular silhouette with a sporty roofline. The designers created a powerfully sculpted shape for the body and used the same design cues in the interior, giving the Insignia a premium feel.

Opel has a long successful tradition of building very aerodynamic cars. Just remember the spectacular 1990 Calibra and its Cd of 0.26. With a drag coefficient of 0.27, the Opel Insignia is more streamlined than competitors with underbody shields. The Insignia's fuel consumption and driving dynamics benefit from its sleek, flowing styling which was optimized during more than 650 hours in the wind tunnel.

Redefined design vocabulary
Like the signature crease on the hood, a blade form has been chiseled into the side, signposting a styling element that becomes another defining characteristic of future Opel cars. Other unmistakable design elements include a distinctive radiator grille with a newly-designed Opel emblem as well as sweeping front and rear light forms. The dynamic tapered shape of the wing lighting signature is another Opel Insignia DNA detail.

Echoing the exterior design, the shapes and surfaces of the interior also articulate this promise of exciting mobility and are crafted with high quality materials. The new car's dashboard wraps around from the instrument panel to the door in a very sophisticated way, embracing the occupants. The bold exterior "blade" graphic is echoed in the shape of the interior door grab handle, the steering wheel or the central gear-shift lever.

The designers focused on painstakingly refining the surfaces, carving the crisp intersecting lines and colors; testing the textures, feeling the materials and ensuring all the surface finishes were of the highest quality. At the same time, practical needs - such as good ergonomics and numerous storage compartments - also were given top priority. The orangish-red ambient light that warms the interior also will be found in future Opel models.

Powertrain
The new Opel Insignia launches with a exceptionally broad range of seven engines that all meet Euro 5 emissions standards. The four gasoline engines range from 115 to 260 hp completed with three new 2.0 liter turbo-diesels featuring power outputs of 110, 130 and 160 hp. In the coming months, the powertrain range will be expanded with new, more powerful motors. In addition, an ecoFLEX version with especially low CO2 emissions will join the lineup. In each of their respective power output category, these engines are among the best or the best in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The three diesel and four gasoline engines all come with a six-speed manual gearbox. The top diesel and gasoline units also are available with a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive (see chassis chapter) versions, too, can be ordered with the 2.0 Turbo and 2.8 V6 Turbo gasoline engines and later with the more powerful diesel engines.

Opel Insignia Gasoline Engines
The 2.0-liter turbo is new in the Opel mid-size class segment. The 220 hp direct-injection engine is closely related to the sporty unit in the Opel GT. The all-aluminum engine is a powerhouse generating 350 Nm of torque from 2000 to 5200 rpm, with twin balancer shafts to ensure smooth running. Offering strong power allied to economic fuel consumption, it makes a perfect partner for the dynamic, comfortable Insignia. This engine also illustrates the downsizing policy at GM as this 2-liter 4 cylinder can compete with the competitors 5- and 6 cylinders in performance but with lower fuel consumption and emissions.

The entry level gasoline engines are the 1.6 ECOTEC (85 kW/115 hp) and 1.8 ECOTEC (103 kW/140 hp) recently introduced on other models of the Opel range. The top of the line gasoline engine is the 2.8 V6 Turbo developing a generous 191 kW (260 hp) and 350 Nm of torque between 1800 and 4500 rpm.

All gasoline engines feature camshaft phasing - on both intake and outlet sides for the four cylinder units, and on the intake side for the V6. Variable valve timing increases torque at low rpm and plays an important role in reducing fuel consumption as well as meeting new Euro 5 emissions standards.

Opel Insignia Diesel Engines
The new-generation Opel diesel engines in the Insignia feature 2.0-liter displacement, more power and torque, as well as excellent fuel economy. The Opel Insignia launches with 3 versions of the 2.0 CDTI engine developing respectively 81 kW/110 hp, 96 kW/130 hp and 118 kW/160 hp. This last engine variant also powers the Opel Insignia ecoFLEX with lower fuel consumptions and CO2 emissions. All versions come with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter as standard and meet Euro 5 emission levels.

The engines have two overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and common-rail, multiple fuel direct injection, together with a variable geometry turbocharger for a rapid throttle response at low rpm. Thanks to the large 70-liter tank, the diesel models boast a driving range of over 1200 km between visits to the gas station.

READ MORE - Opel Insignia, 2009

Styling Serbian Opel the new Astra from 13 999

Based on the tradition started by the Opel 1936th with the first Kadett, Astra is a constant for decades among the top three most popular cars on the European list of best-selling compact car - that is the segment in which the waste 27 percent of the total car market.Astra makes selling a third of all Opel cars sold. With 4.42 meters, the new Astra offers increased passenger space and comfort

READ MORE - Styling Serbian Opel the new Astra from 13 999

2012 Opel Astra 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX reduce

With an average fuel consumption of 4.1 lt/100 km (57.4 US mpg) and CO2 emissions of 109 g/km, the diesel-powered Opel Astra 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX hatchback was already a frugal and eco-friendly proposal. However, GM's European division decided to do further improve the Astra's green-credentials by adding a rather effective Start and Stop system.The new start and stop technology helps the hatchback

READ MORE - 2012 Opel Astra 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX reduce

2012 Opel Astra 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX reduce

With an average fuel consumption of 4.1 lt/100 km (57.4 US mpg) and CO2 emissions of 109 g/km, the diesel-powered Opel Astra 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX hatchback was already a frugal and eco-friendly proposal. However, GM's European division decided to do further improve the Astra's green-credentials by adding a rather effective Start and Stop system.The new start and stop technology helps the hatchback

READ MORE - 2012 Opel Astra 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX reduce

Opel Insignia: Some very interesting comments from owners!!!

I have posted a couple of reviews for my Opel Insignia (a 5,000 km review and a 10,000 km review) and I have received some very interesting comments regarding problems, as well as cases where the dealers don't have a clue how to fix the damn thing. I would like to thank everyone for their time and for sharing their experiences. Especially, the 10,000 km review has some very interesting comments from Sweden and I just wanted to make everyone aware of it.

READ MORE - Opel Insignia: Some very interesting comments from owners!!!

Seven new scale models arrived - Part 2

• Mitsuoka Orochi Kabuto by HPI Resin 
• Morgan Aero 8 2006 by Spark 
• Opel Insignia Sports Tourer OPC by Schuco

READ MORE - Seven new scale models arrived - Part 2

Installation of 4300K DRL LEDs

Almost one month ago, the new 4300K DRL LEDs arrived (earlier post), but unfortunately I was so busy that I didn't manage to install them up to now. Finally, yesterday I managed to do it, while I replaced also the H7 DiamondVision bulbs with the BlueVision ones (earlier post).

Although the photos show a colour difference between the DRL and the H7 bulbs, in real life the colour really matches well and I am very happy with the result! Of course, the 4300K LEDs are way better than the OEM DRL bulbs.

READ MORE - Installation of 4300K DRL LEDs

4300K LEDs for my Insignia's DRL arrived

Today, the 4300K DRL LEDs finally arrived (earlier post). Since it's a very busy week, I hope tha during this week I will be able to post some live photos showing the result!

READ MORE - 4300K LEDs for my Insignia's DRL arrived

First photo showing 4300K LED coming for my Insignia's DRL

For a few months now, I am using LEDs in the place of the OEM DRL bulbs and there is a series of posts in Opel Autos blog where you can read all the story.

The new 4300K LEDs, made by Per-Accurate, will soon be shipped and this is the first photo received showing the colour! Stay tuned for more news and live photos showing the final result.

Below are some photos showing the DRL OEM bulb versus the aftermarket DRL LEDs which I have currently installed.

READ MORE - First photo showing 4300K LED coming for my Insignia's DRL

Latest spy shots of upcoming Astra Sports Tourer

Those latest spy shots provide a clear indication of how the end of the upcoming Astra Sports Tourer will look like. The styling has been clearly inspired by the Insignia Sports Tourer.

Source: Carscoop

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Opel Astra wins red dot design award

An international expert jury has recognized the new Astra with the internationally known �red dot� award in the product design category.

This prize is added to the impressive list of awards already attributed to the new Astra since it went on sale in December 2009. So far, the elegant compact has received 16 awards, including the 2010 Golden Steering Wheel award. The Astra was also named 2010 Car of the year in several countries like Spain.

The international red dot design award � presented since 1955 under the aegis of the Design Zentrum North Rhine Westphalia in Essen, Germany � ranks among the largest and most renowned design prizes in the world. It is granted to products by an international panel of design experts who base their criteria on degree of innovation, functionality and formal quality.

Red dot awards have been presented to many companies known for their innovative design, including Apple, Nokia � and Opel. Five other Opel models �the Insignia, the Flextreme Concept ,  GT, Astra GTC, the 1998 Astra G � already are featured in past red dot design yearbooks archived in the center�s museum in Essen.

Source: Opel Media Online

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Opel/Vauxhall Insignia and Buick Regal named to the top ten list for 2010 World Car of the Year Award

The Opel/Vauxhall Insignia and Buick Regal have made the top 10 list of global vehicles selected for the 2010 World Car of the Year Award.  The winner will be selected by a jury of 59 international automotive journalists. The top three finalists in all award categories will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 and the winner of 2010 world Car of the Year will be announced at the New York Auto Show on April 1.
 

Source: GM Media

READ MORE - Opel/Vauxhall Insignia and Buick Regal named to the top ten list for 2010 World Car of the Year Award

10,000 km review of my Opel Insignia 1.6T Sport

Following the 5,000 km review of my Opel Insignia, now the time has come for the 10,000 km review. The are only two major things that need shorting out. As you may have read in the �Known technical issues of Opel Insignia� post,  the are some known technical problems with Insignias and I have got two of them.

The first one has to do with the fact that water accumulates in the sill area of front doors. I had noticed in the past after a car wash, but back then, the lad in the dealer said it's normal and happens in all cars, strangely though neither my Honda nor my Volvo had this issue.... Anyway, now that's winter, this phenomenon is frequent and in my next visit to the dealer, I will tell them to fix it.

Second and most irritating issue is the noise from the rear disc brakes. Opel knows about this and this is due to the defective brake pads used, causing also score marks on the rear brake discs. I haven't done anything yet, cause in some cars, the brake pads were replaced with ones having the same part number and the problem was never solved. So, I am waiting for the new ones to come, which hopefully will not suffer from the same problem.

Other minor issues resolved included greasing of the ignition lock, as the key was stack in a couple of occasions and didn't return into 'run' position, and elimination of the vibration under the navi display.

After having 8,500 km on the clock, I noticed also a drop in the average fuel consumption by a liter per 100 km.

READ MORE - 10,000 km review of my Opel Insignia 1.6T Sport

Known technical issues of Opel Insignia

Technical Service Bulletin
Ref. Number 09-FR-49
TIS/TSB Ref. Number E0002540
Group A-10
Release Date 04/09/2009

Door Sill - Water Accumulation

Vehicles:
Insignia 2009-Onwards
Insignia Sports Tourer 2009-Onwards
All Engines

Complaint:
Water accumulates in sill area of front and rear doors.

Cause:
Poor fit of sealing clips allows water entry.
Production
Modified weatherstrip in production as of VIN WOLGM67C191115427.

Remedy:
In case of customer complaint apply additional drain holes (diameter 5 mm) into weatherstrip
Check in door below window glass if the weatherstrip clips are tight. If the weatherstrip clips are loose or can be pulled out easily, replace the clips.

 

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Technical Service Bulletin
Ref. Number 09-FR-64
TIS/TSB Ref. Number E0002581
Group H-05
Release Date 07/12/2009

Rear Brakes � Score Marks on Brake Disc

Vehicles:
Insignia 2009-2010 All Engines

Complaint:
Score marks on rear brake discs.

Cause:
Defective brake pads.

Remedy:
In case of customer complaint the brake pads and brake discs can be replaced.
Note: Scoring has no impact on braking performance.

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Service Update:

09-P-034 Insignia - Ignition Lock

Constant quality controls revealed that on a certain number of Insignia, MY 2009, the ignition key might stick and does not return into 'run' position. After 15 seconds the "Transport mode" becomes activated and the battery charging telltale flashes.

We advise Vauxhall Authorised Repairers to grease the ignition lock and program the Body Control Module (BCM) on all affected vehicles listed in the VIN information file.

READ MORE - Known technical issues of Opel Insignia