Astra Cabrio - New Top-of-The-Line Turbo
FOR RELEASE: January 10, 2002Three Opel premieres At The Brussels Motor Show
- Astra Cabrio: New Top-of-The-Line Turbo
- Zafira: powerful 2.2 DTI direct-injection turbodiesel
- Frontera: new "Avenue" makes an elegant impression in the city
Rüsselsheim/Brussels: The most powerful Opel convertible of all time is making its first appearance at the International Motor Show in Brussels from January 17 to 27, and helping to celebrate the centenary of this event. The Astra Cabrio Turbo is the top-of-the-line version of Opel's successful open-air model, some 15,000 of which have already been built since its launch last year. Along with this elegant, sporting four-seat convertible with its 141 kW (192 hp) 2.0-liter ECOTEC engine, the motor show in Belgium's capital will also see the premiere of the Zafira 2.2 DTI, with a power output of 92 kW (125 hp). In addition, Opel is exhibiting a new version of the four-wheel-drive Frontera, the "Avenue". This particularly elegant version comes without a rear-mounted spare wheel and has a tire repair kit on board instead. The Frontera Avenue is designed especially for customers who seldom need the full off-road capabilities of their Frontera. In addition to these premieres in Brussels, Opel is also exhibiting the Signum2 and Vivaro Concept V design studies, the new five-seat Combo Tour, the sporting Astra Coupé Linea Blue and Zafira OPC models as well as three particularly pro-environmental vehicles: the Corsa Eco, the Zafira CNG and the Zafira-based HydroGen3 fuel-cell concept car.
The new high-performance version of the Astra Cabrio originated in the project teams within Opel´s Olympia turnaround program, which has the continued improvement of the brand image as one of its objectives. The rapid development of attractive top-of-the-line variants plays a key role. In the case of the Astra Cabrio Turbo, this initiative has led to an automobile that combines excellent performance and handling with a high level of refinement. The electronic stability program (ESP) is standard equipment.
In technical terms this new version is largely similar to its sister-model, the Astra Coupé Turbo, which is also built by the specialists at Carrozzeria Bertone in Grugliasco near Turin, Italy. The elegant two-door convertible sets new parameters in its class, accelerating to 100 km/h from a standing start in 8.0 seconds and reaching a top speed of 242 km/h. The turbocharged engine develops maximum torque of 250 Nm. Its excellent pulling power suits it ideally to the elegant Astra Cabrio, all versions of which are characterized by a spacious interior for four passengers, by a full equipment package and a high-quality, electrically-powered soft top as standard.
The Astra Cabrio Turbo has a further upgraded, exclusive equipment specification. The center console features aluminum or bronze trim matching the color of the seat belts. The standard equipment also includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a remote control for the power soft top and a windbreak to protect the occupants from turbulence. Other standard items are air conditioning, cruise control, a special steering wheel with perforated leather-covering, a multi-information display and a high-end audio system with steering-wheel controls. Numerous paint finishes, four soft top colors and various seat cover colors, in leather as well as fabric, provide the customer with a wide range of combination options.
Zafira 2.2 DTI: Successful Compact Van Now with Even More Powerful Diesel
Opel's best-selling seven-seat van celebrates another premiere in Brussels. A 2.2 liter ECOTEC power unit which generates 92 kW (125 hp) and a maximum torque of 280 Nm, makes the Zafira 2.2 DTI the most powerful diesel in this segment. With its new 2.2 DTI 16V engine, the Zafira 2.2 DTI has a top speed of 187 km/h and takes only 11.5 seconds to accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h. It is also impressively economical, needing only 6.9 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (MVEG combined).
Frontera Avenue: Elegant Off-Roader for City Streets
The new "Avenue" edition of the Opel Frontera is also premiering in Brussels. The Avenue is an ideal choice for elegant city driving, yet its shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive that can be driver-engaged at up to 100 km/h ensures that full off-road capability is always there when needed. This new, long-wheel-base version of the Frontera dispenses with the usual rear-mounted spare wheel. This improves the driver's view to the rear when maneuvering and parking, reduces the vehicle's overall length and improves access to the load area. Instead of the conventional spare wheel, a repair kit with air compressor and sealant is supplied so that a flat tire can be repaired quickly and conveniently. Visual features that add to the Frontera Avenue's elegant looks are the body-colored side protection moldings and bumpers and the high-quality seat upholstery.
As on the other versions of the Frontera, the extensive standard equipment package includes full-size air bags for the driver and front passenger, air conditioning, power windows, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps and remote-control central locking. All Frontera engine options are available: 2.2 16V, 2.2 DTI 16V or 3.2 V6.
The International Motor Show in Brussels was held for the first time in 1902. Due to interruptions during and after the two World Wars, this year's display of cars and motorcycles is the 80th in the series. The exhibitors occupy 13 halls with a total stand area of 114,000 square meters. The first motor show of the year in Europe is open to the public from January 17 to 27.