General Motors today revealed the 2007 Opel Antara crossover SUV. The car is based on the Antara GTC concept, which was first shown in 2005, and then shown again this year as the Saturn PreVue concept. GM is actively aligning its Opel, Saturn, and Vauxhall brands. Thus, this 2007 Opel/Vauxhall Antara is almost certainly the 2007 Saturn Vue. See the full gallery after the jump…
High ground clearance, large wheels and robust protective elements all round are defining characteristics of the new Antara, as are its compact dimensions (length x width x height: 4.57 x 1.85 x 1.70 meters). It takes up no more space than a mid-size passenger car, while at the same time offering ample interior room. The interior echoes the style and elegance of a top-of-the-line sedan, with sporty contoured seats that highlight its dynamic SUV character. In characteristic Opel style, all instruments and operating controls are ergonomically placed and arranged. The large, well-designed instruments and center console with central info display give the cockpit a driver-oriented layout. On board are innovative infotainment systems familiar from other Opel models, including DVD navigation and Bluetooth functionality.
Initially, three transversally-mounted engines are available for the Antara, all of which have four valves per cylinder. The top-of-the-line unit is closely related to the six-cylinder engines of the Vectra and Signum models. The Antara’s V6 gasoline engine has 3.2-liter displacement, output of 165 kW/224 hp, and comes with an automatic transmission with ActiveSelect function. Opel expects the 110 kW/150 hp, 2.0-liter common-rail turbo-diesel to be the top seller. It is available with a five-speed manual gearbox, or with the same automatic transmission as the V6 engine. The entry-level engine is a 2.4-liter, 104 kW/141 hp, four-cylinder gasoline unit with two overhead camshafts and one balance shaft.
The Antara’s intelligent active four-wheel drive system 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.
Other standard functions include Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Active Rollover Protection (ARP), and (unusually for the Antara´s segment) Descent Control System (DCS). DCS enables the Antara to be driven safely on steep slopes at a constant speed, which is pre-selected by the position of the gas pedal. Trailer Stabilization Assist (TSA) is available as an option. The McPherson suspension in front and a four-link suspension in the rear provide a high-quality chassis concept similar to that in the Opel Vectra and Signum models. The braking system comprises large-sized ventilated disc brakes on all wheels.
05/10, 10:02 AM
posted by:
Sean Gulden
It looks like a Hyundai Tuscon.
05/10, 10:40 AM
posted by:
ksmith
I’m usually a big GM fan, but they botched the exterior of this one. There’s only a passing resemblance to the concept. I knew it would be a four door, but they shouldn’t have messed with the front clip. The interior however, looks pretty swanky. Let’s hope the Saturn version isn’t cost cut to hell when it gets here. Oh yeah, give us a stick stirring oil burner.
05/10, 11:03 AM
posted by:
Garris
Surprisingly, not nearly as swoopy as the concept hinted. Nevertheless, it’s still quite nice, especially the interior, and fits perfectly into Opel/Saturn’s new look.
05/10, 11:20 AM
posted by:
Saud
Wow. That is seriously good.
05/10, 11:52 AM
posted by:
ned
just not very exciting
05/10, 12:20 PM
posted by:
Anonymous
Did Ford design it?
j i m
05/10, 12:47 PM
posted by:
Robert
What is it with Ford and GM, can they not design any more cars… All they do is rebadge everything… How original…
05/10, 1:03 PM
posted by:
Derek
Robert, they dont sell Opel in America, Why does this bother you if they do it at a Saturn Dealer? Just shut up and buy the better Saturns instead of complaining about GM selling better cars. If they rebadged the Chevy Equinox for Saturn, then you have a valid point.
05/10, 1:06 PM
posted by:
BB
Not exciting as I had hoped. Maybe Saturn will have a more exciting exterior. The Antara looks like a Mercedes ML and a Hyundai Tuscon mix.
05/10, 2:22 PM
posted by:
John
It looks like a face-lifted Honda CR-V, with Antara concept styled-face lifts.
This SUV shares no physical features with the concept!
This is horrible!
05/10, 5:25 PM
posted by:
.:: tosta mista ::.
The design work is great! This car, however, is also GM’s Chevrolet Captiva (Chevrolet models in Europe are Daewoos from Korea). Recently, I went to the Lisbon International Motor Show, where the Captiva was introduced for the first time to the portuguese public. I noticed that from the side, it looked like a shrunken Audi Q7, but judging from the photos provided above, the interior didn’t look as good as the Opel Antara, though.
Here is a photo of the Captiva: http://www.salao.autohoje.com/letras/chevrolet.htm
Leftlane, I think what you stated in the article is wrong. The Vauxhall (sold only in the UK) and Opel brands are exactly the same here in Europe, the only thing that changes across the model range is the griffin badge, except for the Vauxhall Monaro, which is Australia’s Holden Monaro.
05/10, 9:58 PM
posted by:
manny
wow… so, this shares what with the concept? the name? nice styling job gm…
though its still a hell of a lot better than any vue…
05/11, 1:29 AM
posted by:
Jim Press
It’s gonna sell. Guarantee. Sorta reminds me of new CR-V, but you guys don’t know anything about that yet. I have spies.
05/11, 1:39 AM
posted by:
Robert
Hey Derek I know they dont sell Opel in America you moron… My point is they don’t design anything anymore, just swap badges and then sit back and think its gonna save their company…. I tell you what, you buy the crappy, GM product Saturn, cuz no matter how they label it its still a ****ty GM, I’ll stick to my BMW….
: -)
05/11, 6:34 AM
posted by:
canut4ever
Definitely light years ahead of the ugly Vue and Chevy Equinox. It has a nice modern DOHC engine to boot unlike the Equinox with a Chinese built ohv engine.
05/14, 8:55 PM
posted by:
Beach
Dont know Y they did away with the Frontera in the 1st place
08/29, 9:32 PM
posted by:
Jerry
Again, I got my hopes up that GM might finally offer something that I would consider buying. But alas, the actual vehicle (boring) bears little resemblance to the concept vehicle (way cool). Is there any question why GM is struggling? No. They produce ugly vehicles with rapidly depreciating values. Unbelievable.