Lightly Refreshed Opel Meriva Debuts at the Brussels Auto Show

The updated Opel Meriva made its world premiere at the Brussels Motor Show (January 16-26) following the release of the first official photos in October.

The facelifted Meriva features subtle changes compared to the model launched in 2010, including a wider grille with more chrome, redesigned darkened headlights with available LED daytime running lights, and smoked LED taillights with a rearranged interior design. The small MPV also gets chrome trim highlighting the window wave-shaped beltline and newly-designed 17- and 18-inch wheels.

The cabin gets the new IntelliLink infotainment system with integrated navigation and voice control. The system’s 7-inch display also serves as a monitor for the newly-available rear-view camera. Opel’s FlexRail central console was redesigned for improved functionality, while legroom for the central rear passenger is now increased thanks to shorter rails.

In terms of powertrains, the facelifted Meriva gets the new generation 1.6-liter CDTI diesel unit that debuted in the Zafira Tourer. The engine produces 136 PS (134hp) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque while averaging 4.4 liters per 100 km (53.4 mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 116 g/km. Emissions are reduced by 10 percent compared to the engine’s predecessor, the 130PS (129hp) 1.7-liter unit.

Opel says one upcoming 109hp (110PS) version of the same engine will enable fuel consumption as low as 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 mpg US), with CO2 emissions of 99 g/km.

All engines available in the restyled Meriva comply with the Euro 6 emissions standard. Like the diesel, the 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline units (120PS and 140PS) are now also offered with a reworked low-friction six-speed automatic transmission.

The facelifted Opel Meriva is already available to order, with deliveries starting after the Brussels Motor Show. Prices start from €15,990 ($21,790) in Germany. 

By Dan Mihalascu

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2013 Adam Sales Helped Opel Increase Market Share in Europe

Rising sales of the Adam city car in 2013 helped Opel and Vauxhall increase their market share in Europe in 2013, despite a declining auto market.

In recent years, Opel has struggled to maintain market share because of a lack of new products and management disruption. The carmaker launched the Adam a year ago hoping to revive sales in Europe, where buyers now prefer smaller cars that are cheaper to buy and run.

Opel said that its European market share (including sister brand Vauxhall) was 5.61 percent in 2013, up from 5.59 percent in 2012, according to preliminary sales data. In Germany, the brand expanding its market share from 6.9 percent to 7 percent.

The introduction of the Opel Adam had an important role in the brand’s increased deliveries last year, according to with Peter Christian Kuespert, Opel's vice president of sales and after-sales. In Germany, Opel sold 21,000 Adam city cars last year, while sales of the Mokka compact crossover reached 20,000 units.

The subcompact segment represented the biggest slice of the market in 2013, totaling about 25 percent of new car registrations last year, according to data from JATO Dynamics. Opel still has to replace the Corsa subcompact, which is one of the oldest products being offered in Europe. Launched in 2006, the Corsa competes with more modern vehicles like the Renault Clio, Ford Fiesta and Peugeot 208. Corsa sales declined 14 percent in 2012.

By Dan Mihalascu

Story References: Reuters

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Opel Plops New 200PS 1.6-Liter Turbo in Astra GTC Making it The Most Powerful Non-OPC/VXR

The Opel/Vauxhall Astra GTC, equipped with the new 200 PS (197 hp) 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine, is the most powerful non OPC/VXR model that the manufacturer offers and is able to crack 62 mph (100 km/h) in an impressive 7.9 seconds, before topping out at 143 mph or 229 km/h.

This equates to a 30 percent boost over the previous turbo 1.6, though the increase in performance doesn’t seem exactly proportional.

Efficiency is up too, and it is claimed that equipped with the new power plant, the GTC is able to achieve a combined figure of 51 mpg UK or 6.6 l/100 km while expulsing 154 g/km CO2.

Engineers also say it’s now more refined than before, and it’s “the only unit in its class to feature twin balancer shafts for smooth running, while a host of sound engineering measures have been made for low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).”

Along with the new engine, there’s also a new IntelliLink infotainment system that features sat-nav, voice control, Bluetooth and photo viewer, all accessed through a 7-inch touchscreen.

In Germany, the Astra GTC equipped with the 200 PS motor starts at €25,500, while UK buyers will be asked to part with at least £20,995 for one.

By Andrei Nedelea

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