The Opel brand – distributed in South Africa by Unitrans – is planning to go big in 2020 with three major model range launches.
The planned arrival of the Astra – with its adjusted styling – happens in the second quarter, followed by the Zafira Life andthe Vivaro Cargo panel van in the third quarter; both boasting 2,0-litre turbo-diesel engines to extend the Opel range in the LCV sector. Finally there is the new-generation Corsa that will be hitting the streets during the third and fourth quarters, offering a comprehensive model range to satisfy the B-segment category.
Opel Astra
The Astra’s front grill will now conform to the new Opel design language with its slim, double-wing chrome winglets embracing the brand logo and flowing outwards to the Eco-LED headlamps. Opel’s design philosophy ‘Sculptural Artistry meets German Precision’ is further enhanced by the hood’s signature Opel crease and new fog light design.
Opel Corsa
Opel is going full-speed ahead into the future with Corsa ‘Number 6’ – the latest generation of the small car, which celebrated its world premiere at the 2019 Frankfurt International Motor Show.
Recently, the small car won the title of ‘Best Buy Car of Europe in 2020’. The AUTOBEST jury, made up of international journalists from 31 countries, chose the Opel newcomer as the winner and the award for the new Corsa completes an AUTOBEST hat-trick for Opel, with Corsa generations four and five taking overall victory in 2007 and 2015 respectively. No other model has been named ‘Best Buy Car of Europe’ in three successive generations.
A real highlight is the adaptive glare-free IntelliLux LED matrix light, which Opel also offers for the first time in the small car segment. In addition, there are numerous state-of-the-art driver assistance systems such as Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Detection, as well as radar-based Adaptive Speed Control.
With a length of 4,06 metres and reduced weight of 980 kg, the 5-seat Corsa’s handling, clear layout and practicality remain exemplary. The coupé-like roofline is 48 millimetres lower than its predecessor – without any detriment to head space as the driver sits 28 millimetres lower. The low centre of gravity benefits driving performance and handling.
“Aerodynamics is just one area where Opel is increasing the efficiency of its automobiles,” says Managing Director: Engineering, Christian Müller. “Advanced powertrains are the other tools we are using to significantly cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. All these technologies are fully embraced by our new Corsa.”
As with all the other newly developed cars, Opel optimised the Corsa’s aerodynamics at the Research Institute of Automotive Engineering and Vehicle Engines in the wind tunnel of the Stuttgart University. The new Corsa’s design includes an active aero shutter, smooth underbody and rear roof spoiler to make the model as clean through the air as possible.
With a reduction in frontal area of 2,13 m2 versus the previous model, the new Corsa achieves a drag coefficient of 0,29, and the new generation version already meets the future Euro 6d emissions standard.
Opel Zafira Life
The Zafira Life offers practicality, connectivity, comfort and safety for 9 occupants.
“Our new Opel Zafira Life is the ideal family, leisure and business van with space for up to nine occupants. Here, every passenger enjoys comfort – never mind where they sit,” says International Marketing Director: Opel/Vauxhall, Tobias Gubitz.
Especially practical in everyday life, the spacious 2,0-litre turbo-diesel van is less than 1,90 m high and drives easily into normal underground garages – an important feature for use as a hotel shuttle, but also for any user who wants to park hassle-free.
In addition to the highly flexible space and comfort, the Zafira Life scores with numerous technologies that make travelling even more relaxed and safer. The portfolio includes, among others, state-of-the-art driver assistance, infotainment systems and IntelliGrip electronic traction control. This modern technology is combined with the typical Opel-look and attractive proportions with short overhangs.
Opel Vivaro Cargo Panel Van
The light commercial vehicle offensive gains traction with the safer, more comfortable and practical third-generation Vivaro 2,0-litre turbo-diesel van, which continues to build its strong reputation as a cargo carrier or ‘office on wheels’, placing it as the perfect partner for professionals in this rapidly growing market for mid-size delivery vans.
Keeping Opel’s momentum, the new, third-generation Vivaro is now safer, more comfortable and more practical than ever, thanks to Opel’s ongoing vision to produce vehicles to suit the various requirements in a competitive industry.
