|
By Samuel Ee
New Opel dealer Auto Germany is launching its new showroom at 7 Ubi Close with a bang by introducing a trio of new models.
All three may have Opel's Ecotec 1.4-litre turbocharged engine to drive the front wheels but they come in completely different packages.
The first is the Opel GTC sports coupe. Short for Gran Turismo Compact, the GTC 1.4 Turbo (main picture) is actually a three-door hatchback but with racy, coupe-like styling.
Its overtly sporty character is denoted by the aerodynamic kit, flared wheel arches with 17-inch alloy wheels, and a black leather interior with red-and-silver stitching on the sports seats. With 200 newton-metres of torque channelled to the two front wheels, Opel has specially designed the GTC with HiPerStrut front suspension to avoid torque steer and radical camber change.
It decouples the steering from the wheel motion geometry to virtually eliminate torque steer and maximise traction under heavy acceleration. Paired with the rear Watt's link torsion beam suspension, the result is improved handling and ride comfort.
 |
| The Zafira (left) uses MacPherson struts and four-link independent rear suspension; Astra Sports Tourer's (right) neat rear end features a sculpted tailgate with a wraparound rear screen. |
Also new to Singapore is the Zafira Tourer compact MPV. The Zafira is a familiar name, having been a popular model slightly over a decade ago. But in its latest form, the seven-seater is unrecognisable as part of its extensive re-styling to help position Opel as a premium brand within the mass market segment.
| Opel Astra Sports Tourer |
Price: $129,999 (with COE)
Engine: 1,362cc turbocharged
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Max Power: 180 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Max Torque: 235 Nm @ 1,950-5,000 rpm
0-100kmh: 10.8 secs
Top speed: 198 kmh
CO2 emissions: 159 g/km
Distributor: Auto Germany 69223288
|
The sporty new Zafira gets so-called boomerang headlights, Opel's signature wing running lights and slim A-pillars for the steeply-racked windscreen.
The panoramic windscreen makes the interior feel airy and spacious. The three rows of seats are comfortable and versatile. There are now three individual second row seats, all of which can be adjusted independently for extra legroom or luggage space, while the third row can be folded completely into the floor as before. As for storage space, Opel says there are 34 different possibilities.
| Opel Zafira Tourer 1.4L Turbo |
Price: $129,999 (with COE)
Engine: 1,362cc turbocharged
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Max Power: 140 hp @ 4,900-6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 200 Nm @ 1,850-4,900 rpm
0-100kmh: 10.9 secs
Top speed: 197 kmh
CO2 emissions: 169 g/km
Distributor: Auto Germany 69223288
|
Unlike the GTC, the Zafira uses MacPherson struts and four-link independent rear suspension.
New here too is the Opel Astra Sports Tourer. Based on the Astra five-door hatchback but with a longer roofline, the pretty Astra Sports Tourer's neat rear end features a sculpted tailgate with a wraparound rear screen.
The extra length allows for up to 500 litres of load volume with all the seats raised. When the 60/40 split rear seats are folded, the load capacity trebles to 1,550 litres.
| Opel GTC |
Price: $132,999 (with COE)
Engine: 1,362cc turbocharged
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Max Power: 140 hp @ 4,900-6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 200 Nm @ 1,850-4,900 rpm
0-100kmh: 10.3 secs
Top speed: 200 kmh
CO2 emissions: 159 g/km
Distributor: Auto Germany 69223288
|
The Sports Tourer's 1,853 mm-long load floor is also flat, which means it is easy to use.
Auto Germany is owned by the Alpine Group, which also holds the Chevrolet franchise. The company took over the Opel dealership on Jan 1, 2012 and operates from a four-storey plus one basement building.
It is also offering a standard five-year warranty for all new cars, from three years previously, plus a novel free three-year maintenance package.
samuelee@sph.com.sg
This article was first published in The Business Times.
 
| 
