Opel Antara 2008

Just one year after the three-door GTC crossover concept car’s enthusiastic reception at the IAA 2005, the production version of the all-new Opel Antara now makes its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show (September 30 to October 15).

The technologically sophisticated crossover for everyday and leisure use combines dynamic, elegant design with intelligent four-wheel drive and agile handling. At the same time, the Antara boasts generous interior space yet compact dimensions, innovative transport features such as the integrated rear carrier “Flex-Fix”, high levels of functionality and a raised seat position. Initially, the Antara is available with a 2.4-liter, 103 kW/140 hp gasoline engine, a 167 kW/227 hp, 3.2-liter V6 gasoline unit or a 2.0-liter, 110 kW/150 hp diesel. Within a few months, this common-rail turbo-diesel unit will be joined by a second version which produces 93 kW/127 hp. Both CDTI engines come with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter as standard.



Further Opel highlights in Paris are the new Corsa, which enters the market in three and five-door versions in October, and the performance-enhanced Vectra OPC, which now offers even more dynamics with a 280 hp engine and modified chassis. Opel also presents OPC versions of the Astra, Meriva and Zafira in Paris, and provides an overview of its diverse model range, including the Astra GTC with panorama windshield, the Tigra TwinTop and Astra TwinTop cabrio-coupés, as well as the new Opel GT roadster, which will be at dealerships next spring.

This year, the Opel stand is in Hall 5.2, together with all other GM brands in Paris.

New Corsa: Exciting, individual and dynamic

The new Opel Corsa is presented to the public in Paris shortly before its market launch in October. The fourth model generation boasts exciting design with sporty, athletic contours, a newly developed chassis for driving dynamics and agility at the highest level, as well as a new high-quality interior with plenty of space and feel-good ambience. In addition, the new Corsa is available with new high-tech features such as curve and cornering light, heated steering wheel and variable progressive power steering (Corsa Sport), as well as numerous clever ideas like “Flex-Fix”. The Corsa is available with three gasoline and two common-rail turbo-diesel engines, which all feature four-valve technology. They cover an output range of 60 to 90 hp and have displacements of 1.0 to 1.4 liters. A new 125 hp, 1.7 CDTI engine with diesel particulate filter as standard will follow shortly.

Vectra OPC: Now with 280 hp and modified chassis

The 2007 model editions of the Opel Vectra OPC and Vectra Station Wagon OPC (available from October) are on display for the first time in Paris, and are more attuned to sporty drivers’ demands than ever before. Thanks to an optimized induction system, modified engine components and new correspondingly tuned control software, the 2.8-liter V6 gasoline engine with twin-scroll turbocharger now produces 206 kW/280 hp instead of the previous 188 kW/255 hp. This enables the sedan to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds (6.5 for station wagon) − an improvement of four-tenths of a second. The more dynamic handling is assisted by the modified spring/shock absorber setting and correspondingly newly tuned IDSPlus2 software. In addition to the optimization of pitch, roll and turn-in characteristics, the difference between the normal chassis setup and the Continuous Damping Control’s (CDC) sport setting, which is activated by the SportSwitch, has been further increased.

VW Touran

Volkswagen has revealed the first images of its new Touran compact MPV, ahead of its world public debut at the Paris Motor Show later this month. With a fresh new appearance and innovative technologies, yet still boasting all the practical features for which the Touran has become renowned, the revised seven-seater people carrier looks set to continue the model’s success.

The new Touran will be the first Volkswagen available with ParkAssist, an optional parking guidance system developed by Volkswagen engineers. ParkAssist enables automatic parking, using front and rear ultrasonic sensors to detect available parking space and a control unit to calculate the ideal manoeuvring path. Acoustic and visual displays guide the driver to the correct parking start position, then once reverse gear is selected the car parks itself in under 15 seconds. All the driver has to do in this time is accelerate and brake – the Touran does all the steering. The system is likely to be available in the UK from June 2007.



In appearance, the revised Touran has a new radiator grille and headlights which are similar to those of the recently launched Eos coupé cabriolet. At the back, new rear lights and a modified bumper distinguish the new generation Touran. Inside, new fabrics and stainless steel trim, plus an MP3-compatible radio/CD player among other items give an upmarket feel and make the cabin a nicer place to be.  In the UK, the Touran line-up of S, SE and Sport remains, while engines will be rationalised to include two petrol and four diesel units. These will be a 1.6-litre 102 PS and 1.4-litre 140 PS TSI; and 1.9-litre 90 and 105 PS TDI plus 2.0-litre 140 and 170 PS, the latter with DPF (diesel particulate filter).

The new Touran will go on sale in the UK early next year; prices will be confirmed closer to launch. The current Touran went on sale in the UK in summer 2003 and has proved very successful with sales of over 32,700 units since launch.

2008 Mercury Mariner

The Mercury Mariner continues to be one of the company's leading vehicles to attract new customers, and the new 2008 Mariner and Mariner Hybrid are expected to accelerate the pace.

On sale in the first quarter, Mariner's exterior is cleaner than ever, including body-color moldings and minimal cladding. The higher beltline adds to a sophisticated, urban look. The right amount of satin aluminum accents – almost like jewelry – help the Mariner stand out.

The upscale design cues are carried through to Mariner's interior, with satin pewter accents and chrome finishes. Contrasting fabrics, colors and textures – design cues from the fashion and furniture industry – deliver a unique tactile and sensory experience for drivers and passengers alike.

Owners will find the interior quieter and more comfortable as well, thanks to a new acoustic windshield laminate, thicker side glass, a new headliner material and interior carpet volume that has increased by 25 percent.

Driving dynamics, already a strong point on the Mariner, have been improved with revisions to the front and rear suspension, new speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering (EPS) and a new braking system.

Three powertrains are available – a standard 2.3-liter I-4, an optional 3.0-liter V-6 and a full hybrid electric version. For 2008, modifications have been made to the hybrid control system software to improve the transition between gasoline and electric operation. The Mariner Hybrid also is now available in either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Previously, it was offered only as a four-wheel-drive model.

A long list of standard safety equipment continues to be a key Mariner selling point. All models feature Ford's Safety Canopy™ side air curtains and side air bags in the front seats. Mariner also features standard ABS and, on non-hybrid models, standard AdvanceTrac® with RSC®, Ford's exclusive roll stability control and active safety system.