Opel Antara: Elegant 4WD Crossover for Everyday and Leisure Use

The high-tech five-seat four-wheel drive crossover boasts the handling of a passenger car, generous interior space yet compact dimensions, innovative transport features such as "Flex-Fix", high levels of functionality and a raised seat position.

Four transverse engines with four valves per cylinder are available for the Antara. The most powerful is a V6 gasoline engine with a displacement of 3.2 liters and output of 167 kW/227 hp. This is complemented by two 2.0-liter common-rail turbo-diesel units with 110kW/150 hp and 93 kW/127 hp. Both engines come with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter as standard. The entry-level engine is a 2.4-liter, 103 kW/140 hp four-cylinder gasoline unit.


The Antara’s intelligent four-wheel drive system combines the benefits of
front-wheel drive - such as tractional stability when accelerating and increased driving dynamics - with those of permanent four-wheel drive. It features an electronically controlled electro-hydraulic differential which ensures optimal torque distribution between the front and rear axles in all situations. The drivetrain is fully integrated in the ABS and
ESP systems, enhancing vehicle control and active safety.

Comprehensive standard equipment ex works

A strong argument in favor of the Antara is also its comprehensive standard equipment, which boasts high-value features such as intelligent four-wheel drive with traction control, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Descent Control System (DCS), as well as Active Rollover Protection (ARP). Standard equipment also includes radio remote control central locking, air conditioning with pollen filter, front and rear power windows, electric heated/adjustable exterior mirrors, on-board info display as well as stereo CD-Radio CD 30 MP3 with remote controls on steering wheel and seven loudspeakers, and a roof-mounted antenna to ensure excellent radio reception. All Antara diesel models also feature a diesel particulate filter and electric heater Quickheat as standard.

Safety features are also extensive. The standard equipment range includes front airbags, thorax/pelvis side airbags for driver and front passenger, head curtain airbags for the front and outer rear seats, three-point safety belts and head restraints for all five seats,
seat-belt tensioners and belt-force limiters for the front seats, as well as ISOFIX mountings for fast and secure fitting of child seats with corresponding fixtures on the outer rear seats.

The Edition variant also features 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/60 R 17 tires and comfort features such as Electronic Climate Control (ECC), heated front seats, trailer stability program and Automatic Lighting Control (ALC).

The top Antara version, Cosmo, boasts an even broader range of standard features, including 18-inch aluminum rims with 235/55 R 18 tires, leather steering wheel and gearshift knob, seats in a fabric/leather combination, on-board computer, cruise control, Park Pilot, windshield in heat-absorbing glass, darkly tinted heat-absorbing glazing in rear and rain sensor.

Optional packages for the Edition and Cosmo variants allow for even greater personalization of the Antara. The Edition boasts an on-board computer, front and rear Park Pilot, and cruise control, foldable front passenger seat as well as mobile phone console with Bluetooth interface and voice control. The Cosmo package includes seats with leather upholstery, xenon headlamps with washer system and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), as well as exterior mirrors and front passenger seat that fold electrically.

Other optional extras include a towing hitch, transparent electric tilt and slide sunroof, stationary heating, innovative Flex-Fix carrier system, MP3-compatible stereo CD-Radio DVD Navi 100 with 6 x CD changer and mobile phone console, as well as a power adjustable driver’s seat in the Cosmo variant.

Expressive design language underlines claim to leadership

As dynamic as a sporty station wagon, as robust as a classic all-terrain vehicle: at first glance, the Antara’s distinctive design character is emphasized by an attractive contrast.
While the lower section clearly displays the new Opel crossover’s robustness, the body’s striking lines and taut surfaces unite stylish elegance with a sporty, athletic look.
Opel designers translated the Antara GTC concept’s dynamic design language into a
five-door, five-seat production crossover with a spacious, versatile interior. With its deliberately compact dimensions (length x width x height: 4575 x 1850 x 1704 mm), the four-wheel drive crossover takes up no more space than a mid-size passenger car.

Opel-typical details such as the crease on the hood and the grille accented by the wide chrome bar with its large Opel logo confidently emphasize the car’s high quality and brand identity. Carefully crafted side air vents with integrated turn indicator in the front fender also set fresh accents.

The interior echoes the style and elegance of a top-of-the-line sedan, with contoured seats that reflect the Antara's dynamic SUV character. In typical Opel style, all instruments and operating controls are ergonomically placed and clearly laid out. Large, distinctive instruments and a center console with central info display give the cockpit a driver-oriented layout. Eye-catching interior features include three large round air vents on the center console and a distinctively shaped handbrake.

Clever, innovative: Rear carrier Flex-Fix and FlexOrganizer for luggage compartment

The Opel Antara conveys a casual, easy-going lifestyle with its spacious interior, numerous compartments, as well as many clever and practical features. The sense of spaciousness created by the elevated seating position and large glazed surfaces is superb, and the Antara doesn’t just seem spacious: measurements confirm that passengers enjoy plenty of space. With 933 millimeters of rear legroom, for example, the Antara is at the top of its segment.

The trunk has a capacity of 370 liters up to the luggage compartment cover. Cargo capacity increases to 865 liters with the rear bench seat back folded down and up to
1420 liters when loaded to the roof. The rear seat back can be split 60:40 and both sections folded forward separately. With the front passenger seat also folded down (an option available from early 2007), objects up to 2.63 meters can be transported with the tailgate closed.

A storage box under the load floor ensures practical organization of the luggage compartment, as does the optional FlexOrganizer system, which is already familiar from the Astra and Vectra station wagon models. Nets, dividing walls, rods and hooks can be snapped into two rails on each of the side walls of the Antara's luggage compartment when needed.

The Antara also features numerous compartments and boxes throughout its interior, including a drawer under the passenger seat, sunglasses holder in the roof liner, nets on the front seat backs, a parking garage ticket holder left of the steering wheel, a net on the center console, compartments in the front and rear central arm rests, as well as storage boxes in the rear wheelhouses.

Available since spring 2007, the integrated rear carrier Flex-Fix boasts unbeatable practicality. Flex-Fix has the potential to set the new benchmark in flexible exterior transportation, just as the Zafira’s “Flex7” does for interior seating systems. In typical Opel style, its full on-board functionality eliminates the need for cumbersome assembly, dismantling or storage of parts. Just like in the new Corsa, the integrated rear carrier stows away almost invisibly under the rear bumper and can easily be pulled out to carry up to two bicycles.

As dynamic as a passenger car with the talents of an off-roader

With its agile handling, precise speed-dependant power steering and stiff chassis, the Antara is clearly designed as a dynamic vehicle with off-road abilities. The new crossover was tuned by Opel chassis experts at various circuits, including GM test centers in Pferdsfeld, Germany and Millbrook, United Kingdom. During the development phase,
the model prototypes covered over five million test kilometers worldwide.

The McPherson suspension in front and a four-link suspension in the rear provide a
high-quality chassis concept similar to that of the Opel Vectra and Signum models. The Antara comes standard with 225/70 R 16 tires. The Antara Edition has 17-inch alloy wheels and the top Antara Cosmo variant 18-inch. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is also available as an option.

The Antara’s four-wheel drive system combines the benefits of front-wheel drive − such as low fuel consumption and virtually effortless maneuvering − with those of four-wheel drive. While the engine normally powers the front wheels, the propulsion power can also be quickly and seamlessly distributed between the front and rear axle at a ratio of up to 50:50 when needed. The key element for this active function is an electronically controlled, electro-magnetically operated, electro-hydraulic differential on the rear axle. The compact and light four-wheel drive system is fully integrated in the ABS and ESP systems and supports the driver effectively in all driving situations, such as during heavy acceleration.

The braking system comprises large, stable ventilated disc brakes and a modern
four-channel ABS with brake assist function. The modern ESP system boasts numerous additional functions that further increase active safety, including Descent Control System (DCS), noteworthy as a standard feature in the Antara segment. DCS allows the vehicle to safely maintain a constant speed even down steep inclines without the driver needing to brake. Active Rollover Protection (ARP), another safety feature, can apply high braking pressure within milliseconds at individual wheels.

Powerful engines: Four units, output from 127 to 227 hp

A high torque plateau, plenty of traction power, durability, but all with low consumption. It is no wonder that diesel engines are in such high demand in SUV and crossover models. The Opel Antara is available with a newly-developed 2.0 CDTI engines with an output of
150 hp respectively 127 hp. Both engines feature newest generation common-rail technology with up to 1600 bar injection pressure, aluminum cylinder head and turbo charger with variable turbo geometry. Both variants come standard with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter, which requires no additives. The top diesel unit can be mated to a five-speed automatic transmission instead of the standard five-speed manual gearbox.

In addition to the two diesels, the ECOTEC engine range also includes two sophisticated gasoline units. The base unit is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 103 kW/140 hp and features double overhead camshafts, a balance shaft with two rotating counterweights, as well as electronic throttle control. The most powerful engine is the 3.2-liter V6 with 167 kW/227 hp.

With its standard five-speed automatic transmission incorporating ActiveSelect, the gasoline V6, a close relative of the 2.8 V6 ECOTEC unit in the Vectra and Signum models, accelerates the Antara to a top speed of 203 km/h. This engine's high-tech features include variable camshaft phasing for both induction and exhaust sides, as well as a variable intake manifold.