!NEW! Opel Brings Three New Models to China

New Opel range in China

Opel unveiled its new brand positioning in China this evening as it introduced three new models during Opel Brand Night at the Beijing Olympic Exhibition Hall SAVOR Center. Opel will begin offering the Insignia Sports Tourer (ST) station wagon, Zafira Tourer MPV and Astra GTC coupe in China later this year.

On photo from left: Opal Liu, Product Planning Manager, GM China Opel Operations; Chin Lim Ong, Director, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing, GM China; Cynthia Chen, Director, GM China Opel Operations

“Opel is pleased to show the people of China the humanity, spirit, vitality and environmental responsibility of GM’s German brand,” said Chen Wenxin, Director of GM China Opel Operations. “By expanding our product offerings, Opel aims to provide a wider range of driving choices to help local consumers enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.”

New Zafira Tourer MPV, Insignia ST and Astra GTC on OPEL Brand Night

The new models represent three of the most popular types of vehicles in China: station wagon, MPV and coupes. They complement the mid-range Opel SUV, the Antara, which is currently sold in China. The price of the Insignia ST will be announced next month at Auto Shanghai 2013 and the model will go on sale at all major Opel dealerships across China shortly thereafter. The Zafira Tourer and Astra GTC will go on sale in the second half of 2013 with pricing to be announced closer to sale.

China’s growing younger generation tends to seek out distinctive and fresh products to enrich their lifestyles and set them apart. They demand high-quality details and stylish character in the things they buy. Opel products are well suited to meet the demands of these younger consumers, due to their German engineering, innovative brand spirit and the company’s environmental consciousness.

Opel Insignia Sports Tourer (ST)

The Opel Insignia Sports Tourer (ST) station wagon has exciting styling and powerful performance that turns heads whether zipping through city streets or cruising in the countryside. Its interior is characterized by a practical spacious design and cutting-edge technology.

The Insignia ST is aerodynamic, yet its full-bodied extended-wheel design makes it nearly twice the size of a coupe and gives it a very powerful look. The contours along the sides of the car give it a sculpted appearance. A three-dimensional center line design runs from the front to the back, mirroring classic Opel styling cues. The Insignia ST has a large dramatic cabin, supple leather seats and nickel-titanium finishes wrapped in soft materials, all which reflect its sporty spirit. 

The ECOTEC 2.0 liter turbocharged direct-fuel-injection engine in the Insignia ST has the best power per liter performance in its class at 81 kW/L. Its maximum power is 162 kW, while its peak torque is 350 Nm, and it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 8.1 seconds. Its six-speed automatic transmission is the perfect partner for the engine. While guaranteeing smooth and accurate shifting with low noise, it also effectively lowers fuel consumption for overall fuel efficiency of 9.6 liters per 100 km.

The smart FlexRide system significantly enhances performance and control. The driver can switch between the three driving modes of "normal," "sport" and "tour" according to the driving experience desired. The Insignia ST can also handle a variety of road surfaces thanks to its adaptive 4X4 system.

The Insignia ST has the most advanced extra-long wheelbase in its class. Its reconfigurable interior space, storage areas and luggage rack provide a range of options for taking trips and transporting cargo. Many convenient functions are provided as well, such as a wide-view electric sunroof, ergonomic seats, a smart parking guidance system and Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) Bi-Xenon headlamps.

Opel Zafira Tourer MPV

Combining a modern design with the interior space of an MPV, the Opel Zafira Tourer has a dynamic look, responsive handling and advanced technologies to meet the varying demands of driving enthusiasts as well as those looking for an ideal family vehicle.

The distinctive front end is defined by bold “boomerang” graphics in the lighting units that sweep from the headlights to the fog lamps. Together with the iconic Opel center crease on the hood and strong trapezoidal grille, this creates a dynamic, progressive look that is unexpected for a vehicle in this segment. The panoramic windshield seamlessly flows into a generous wide-view glass sunroof, creating a bright and airy atmosphere for occupants.

Another distinctive feature of the Opel Zafira Tourer is the Flex7 seating system. It provides first-class comfort and the unique feeling of travelling in a “lounge on wheels” by maximizing interior space and ergonomics. The cargo volume is 1,860 liters with all seats folded down, making the Zafira Tourer ideal for a business trip or extended vacation.

The Zafira Tourer also has more than 30 storage compartments, including the multi-functional FlexRail center console. The console comes with a large storage box as well as cupholders that slide on aluminum rails to the desired position, enabling flexible use of the generous storage space between the front seats.

Opel Astra GTC Coupe

The Opel Astra GTC is a sporty compact coupe with a striking design, dynamic performance, and attention to details that make driving pleasurable.

The most prominent feature of the Astra GTC’s appearance is its large panoramic windshield. It melts into the A-pillar and extends seamlessly from the hood to the roof back to the B-pillar. With no cross-member to spoil the view, it offers the driver and passengers a unique experience and a completely new sense of space and visibility with an almost unlimited field of vision, similar to the view from a jet’s cockpit.

The HiPerStrut front suspension system reduces the amount of camber change on the Astra GTC’s front wheels during cornering, improving grip and reducing torque steer. Steering feel is enhanced through a reduction in the steering system’s friction levels. The result is improved handling and more direct steering response, which sports car drivers prefer.

Designers paid great attention to the interior design details and finishes. The Astra GTC’s cockpit combines sculptured shapes and dynamic lines. Its distinct sporty character is enhanced by new, high-quality fabrics, fresh colors and materials on both trim levels. In addition, its multi-functional steering wheel, storage box at the left side beneath the wheel, adjustable armrest and center console give it daily-use functionality.

Opel Astra GTC offers comfortable seating for five adults with a flexible luggage compartment. Front seats offer the widest range of adjustments available in the segment and are ergonomically enhanced with eight-way adjustments.  The vehicle’s optional four-way lumbar and upper leg extension adjustments are certified by the independent back health experts from AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken - Action for Healthy Backs).

Opel Antara SUV

The Opel Antara has been offered in China since 2008.  This mid-range SUV features a unique exterior design, dynamic power and a functional interior that showcase its crossover features.

The Antara inherits Opel’s sporty DNA plus an off-road capability. It has a 2,707-mm wheelbase and a width of 1,850 mm, ensuring a roomy ride. It also has more than 20 storage spaces and flexible seats that can be folded down at a 60:40 ratio to maximize interior space for both the driver and passengers. 

The Antara is powered by a 2.4 liter ECOTEC aluminum four-cylinder D-VVT engine with dual-overhead camshafts and 16 valves. The gasoline engine delivers 123 kW/167 horsepower and 230 Nm/4,600 rpm for sustainable power. It also comes with an Active Select^® six-speed automatic transmission and the ITCC adaptive 4X4 system. As a result, the Antara has exceptional power, handling and relatively low fuel consumption. In addition, Opel has improved the Antara’s safety performance with the addition of a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and the Descent Control System (DCS).