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Opel Unveils New Models At Frankfurt

Opel's Product Offensive For 2002

New Models and Engines, Greater Safety and Comfort

  • New Combo on sale in November
  • Full-size curtain airbags available for Corsa, Astra and Zafira
  • ESP now on the Astra and all Omega six-cylinder models
  • New in the Omega: common-rail, six-cylinder diesel and five-speed automatic
  • Environmentally friendly, economical Zafira 1.6 CNG
  • Convenient electronic climate control in the Corsa, Astra, Astra Cabrio and Coupé

Rüsselsheim - Among the new models joining the Opel line-up in the 2002 model year is the new Combo which will premiere at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) as the "Tour" passenger car version. In addition, the new model year will see a number of new model variants, technologies and features. Opel`s top-of-line Omega, for example, is now available with a 2.5 DTI six-cylinder, common rail turbodiesel while the Zafira range now includes the natural gas-powered Zafira 1.6 CNG. The Astra Coupé and the Frontera can be ordered as attractive "Linea Blu" and "Olympus" special editions respectively. The electronic climate control system available as an optional extra means even more in-car comfort in the Corsa, Astra, Astra Cabrio and Astra Coupé (standard on the Turbo).

More technical innovations include full-size curtain airbags for the Astra, Corsa and Zafira compact van. These newly developed airbags with a volume of approximately 25 liters inflate across the side area of the interior like a curtain, within 25 to 30 milliseconds. In the event of a side impact, they protect the heads of occupants seated on the side of vehicle affected by the impact (first and second rows of seats) and reduce the risk of injury caused by broken glass. Active safety can be further enhanced by the use of electronic stability programs. Starting this fall, ESP will be a standard feature on the Astra 2.2 (optional for the 1.8 16V) and all Omega models with six-cylinder engines. At present, all Astra Coupé versions, the Astra Cabrio with 1.8 and 2.2 16V engines and the Zafira 2.2 (optional for the 1.8 16 V) are factory-fitted with ESP.

The modern navigation systems available for different Opel models from the Corsa to the Vivaro transporter in the 2002 model year also have new features. The new versions pin-point the vehicle's position even more precisely, to within five to ten meters, and offer dynamic route guidance via the Traffic Message Channel (TMC function). This latest innovation automatically processes the information received via the traffic message channel (if the radio is tuned to a station using TMC) and, wherever necessary, offers the driver an alternative route in order to avoid congestion.

New Combo: World Premiere at the IAA
The "Tour" passenger car version of the new Opel Combo will have its world premiere at the IAA in September. The Combo, which is targeted at the growing city delivery van and leisure car markets, combines the load capacity and practicality of a commercial vehicle with a passenger car's comfort and driving safety. Among the most striking features of the Combo with its harmonious "monocab" design are the responsive DSA (Dynamic Safety) chassis, two sliding doors (optional), a comprehensive selection of infotainment systems and a load capacity of up to 3200 liters (VDA test: 2880 liters). Three economical engines are available: a 64 kW/87 hp 1.6-liter gasoline engine and two 1.7-liter direct-injection turbodiesels developing 48 kW/65 hp and 55 kW/75 hp. In November, the Combo (which carries a twelve-year anti-perforation warranty) will be launched as a two-seater van; six months later, the five-seater Combo "Combi" people carrier will follow. In the fall of 2002, the five-seater, leisure and family-oriented "Tour" version will be launched.

Omega: New Common Rail Turbodiesel with Five-Speed Automatic
A large number of modifications will further increase the appeal of Opel's top-of-the-line Omega. The most important is the introduction of a common-rail turbodiesel rated at 110 kW/150 hp. The smooth-running 2.5 DTI, 24V, direct-injection, inline six-cylinder engine has plenty of torque (maximum 300 Nm between 1750 and 3000 rpm) and low fuel consumption (7.6 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers). The Omega 2.5 DTI's top speed is 208 km/h and it accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 10.5 seconds. From November, the Omega 2.5 DTI will be available with a new five-speed automatic transmission.

All Omega six-cylinder models will have ESP as a standard feature from November. As of now, they will be distinguished by a special honeycomb grille and a larger Opel badge. Next year, a DVD entertainment system for the rear passengers will complete the long list of extras available for the Omega station wagon. The system, developed by Opel and Johnson Controls and also available for the Zafira, can play DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) and audio CDs (Compact Discs) and also has connections for video games and a camcorder.

Zafira: Full-Size Curtain Airbags and "Green" Natural Gas Variant
Underlining Opel's expertise in alternative propulsion systems, the Zafira 1.6 CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) joins the highly successful compact van family fully equipped with the versatile Flex7 seat system. Its innovative "Monovalent plus concept" stands for considerably reduced operating costs and low exhaust emissions. The Zafira 1.6 CNG's powertrain, based on the 74 kW/100 hp 1.6 16V ECOTEC gasoline engine, has been optimized for natural gas operation. In addition to its four underfloor gas tanks with a volume of 111 liters, the model is equipped with a 14-liter fuel tank which is normally kept in reserve. The Zafira CNG is the only model classified as monovalent that can also operate on gasoline. The advantage: If the vehicle is running out of natural gas and there is not a filling station supplying this fuel nearby, the driver can switch to the gasoline operating mode. This increases the maximum action radius from 400 (using CNG only) to around 550 kilometers. The Zafira 1.6 CNG thus benefits fully from the tax exemptions for pure natural gas vehicles and has a further safety benefit: Unlike vehicles using liquefied gas as a fuel, which is heavier than air, the Zafira CNG is also allowed into multi-story car parks and garages.

The gasoline, diesel and gas versions of the Zafira also provide increased occupant safety in the new model year, with full-size curtain airbags for the outer seats in the first and second rows. The new protection system is standard from the "Elegance" version upward and can be ordered as an optional extra for the other versions. The Zafira's navigation system can now be combined with a color monitor.

Astra: Full-Size Curtain Airbags, Xenon Headlamps, ESP and Electronic Climate Control
For the new model year, the extensive Astra model range has been re-defined to facilitate customer choice. Full-size curtain airbags available as an optional extra (standard on the "Elegance") complement the Astra's safety package. ESP is standard with the 2.2 16V engine and an optional extra with the 1.8 16V unit. Xenon headlamps with dynamic beam leveling and a high-pressure headlamp cleaning system are standard in the "Elegance" version with the ECOTEC 1.8 16V, 2.2 16V and 2.0 DTI 16V engines and available as an option with the other models (except the 1.2 16V).

A new range of fresh, elegant fabrics brightens up the Astra's interior. The most striking feature in the cockpit of the 2002 models is the new graphic design of the instruments with their yellow background lighting. From the "Comfort" version upward, all three-door Astra hatchback models now have three head restraints at the rear as standard. The top-of-the-line "Elegance" has not only been upgraded with the details listed above but also has electronic climate control as standard and newly designed 15-inch alloy wheels. The electronic climate control system can also be ordered for the other Astra versions. Customers now also have a choice of two additional light alloy wheels.

Astra Cabrio: Production Capacity Increased, 2.2 16V with Automatic, Xenon Headlamps
As a result of strong demand, production capacity for the Astra Cabrio at Opel's Italian partner, Bertone, is being increased. For the 2002 model year, the elegant Astra convertible with its standard, electrically operated soft top will be even more attractive: electronic climate control and Xenon headlamps (standard on the 2.2 16V) including dynamic beam leveling and a high-pressure cleaning system are available as optional extras. The 2.2-liter engine can now be combined with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Astra Coupe: New "Linea Blu", Xenon Headlamps, Electronic Climate Control
"Linea Blu" is the name of the special edition that offers Astra Coupé buyers an attractive alternative. This new version is available with all three engines (1.8 16V, 2.2 16V and 2.0 16V Turbo) and has five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels, a body lowered by 10 millimeters, blue/black Alcantara and leather seat upholstery and special aluminum trim inside.

The Astra Coupé Turbo's factory-fitted features in the new model year include electronic climate control and Xenon headlamps with dynamic beam leveling and a high-pressure cleaning system. The latter are standard on the 2.2 16V version. Both features are available as optional extras for the other Coupé versions.

Corsa: Full-Size Curtain Airbags, Electronic Climate Control, Five-Door GSi
As of now, every Corsa is available with full-size curtain airbags while three rear head restraints are now standard in the three-door hatchback versions. From the "Comfort" version upward, electronic climate control with a Solar Reflect windshield is available. Three new versions of Opel's class-leading small car have joined the line-up for the new model year: Corsa customers can now choose a five-door hatchback version of the GSi. The 92 kW/125 hp 1.8 16V engine, which was so far available for the Sport and GSi only, can now be ordered for the Corsa "Elegance" as well. Opel will also offer the "Easytronic" automated manual gearbox in combination with the 1.0 12V engine from January 2002 on.

Agila: Electric Folding Soft-Top and Special "Color Edition"
The most recent addition to Opel's passenger-car range has become even more attractive, thanks to a new "open-air" package, the main element of which is an electric folding sunroof that extends over almost the entire length of the roof. It can also be ordered as an individual optional extra (Agila "Comfort" upward). The new Agila "Color Edition" in the colors "Aruba blue" and "Magma red" is based on the Agila "Elegance" and has air conditioning and the CDR 2005 sound system. The safety belts, gear lever knob and ventilation control match the blue or red exterior, as do the seat fabrics and head restraints.

Speedster: In-Door Storage Pockets and Standard Aluminum Package
The Opel Speedster now has practical storage pockets in the doors and the aluminum package (aluminum hand brake lever and window lifts) that used to be available at extra charge is now standard. A new version of this two-seat sports car with a green interior and the soft top in a matching color is also available.

Frontera: Facelift and New "Olympus" Edition
For the 2002 model year Opel's popular off-road vehicle has been given a discreet facelift with a modified grille, clear glass headlamps and new alloy wheels. The attractive Frontera "Olympus" special edition is also new and was designed in co-operation with the leading camera manufacturer of the same name. Available in star silver or midnight black and with three or five doors (long wheelbase), Opel's new top-of-the range off-roader features colors and interior design elements inspired by camera design. The leather-trimmed seats are dark gray, the instrument panel, center console and seat belts silver-gray. On the exterior of the attractive special model, the bumpers, radiator grille, side protection moldings and hardtop (only in "Star silver") are painted in the vehicle's body color.

Campo: Direct-Injection Turbodiesel and "Shift-on-the-Fly" Four-Wheel Drive
The Opel Campo pick-up now has a new, powerful and particularly economical 2.5-liter direct-injection turbocharged diesel engine with abundant pulling power (74 kW/100 hp), which replaces the former 2.5 DI and 3.1 TDS engines. The engine's maximum torque is 226 Nm, permitting a maximum speed of 140 km/h (4x4 versions: 135 km/h). The MVEG fuel consumption of the 4x2 versions is just 7.1 liters of diesel per 100 Kilometer (provisional figure). The new version can be recognized from outside by the modified engine hood with additional air intake opening. Another new feature on the 4x4 versions is that, as on the Frontera, the four-wheel drive mode can be engaged while driving at any speed of up to 100 km/h ("Shift-on-the-Fly").