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Monday, September 27, 2010

Vauxhall Antara 2.0 | super speed cars

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 It’s a dilemma faced by thousands of car buyers every year – they want the style and practicality of a 4×4, but feel unable to justify the compromised dynamics and performance of a big off-roader.

From the Spring of 2007, Vauxhall will offer the car which fulfils all their needs – the stylish Antara. The technically sophisticated five-seater combines dynamic, stylish design with intelligent four-wheel drive, high levels of flexibility, generous interior space, a raised driving position and clever features such as “Flex-Fix”.

Initially, two transversally-mounted engines with four valves per cylinder are available for the Antara  a petrol and a diesel. The entry level engine is a 2.4-litre, 140PS four-cylinder petrol unit with two overhead camshafts and a balancer shaft to ensure smoothness and refinement.

Vauxhall expects the 150 PS, 2.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel to be the top seller, and a few months after launch it will be joined by a second version which produces 127 PS. Both engines come with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter.

Vauxhall Antara’s intelligent active four-wheel drive system combines the benefits of front-wheel drive – such as predictable handling and increased driving dynamics – with the grip and security 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.

Vauxhall re-enters four-wheel drive segment
-  Crossover segment has highest growth rates in Europe
-  As diverse as its target groups and equipment versions
-  Vauxhall aims to revive success of 1990s

Since 1998, the total share of the SUV market in Europe has doubled from three to six percent, with continued growth expected. An increasing number of active families with children who enjoy outdoor hobbies and sports prefer versatile and practical crossover vehicles that also look good.

With the Antara, Vauxhall makes a strong comeback in a segment that has been dominated by non-European brands. Vauxhall led the field in this segment before, with a vehicle that stood out at the time: unveiled in 1991, the Frontera was one of the first small 4x4s and was number one in its segment in the UK and across Europe for a number of years.

Vauxhall Antara embodies the new crossover character and is poised to revive Vauxhall’s success in this segment. It has everything it takes including a bold, dynamic design and comprehensive standard equipment.
The new model boasts safety features such as intelligent four-wheel drive and the latest ESP system as standard, as well as numerous comfort elements such as full climate control, central locking, front and rear electric windows and the stereo CD-Radio CD 30 MP3 with seven loudspeakers as well as a silver-effect front and rear underbody protector. The entry-level model includes 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control, heated front seats, Automatic Lighting Control (ALC) and a front centre armrest. The Antara S goes one step further, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, leather/Morrocana/fabric seats, onboard computer, cruise control, Park Pilot, rain sensing wipers, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and chrome door handles. The range topping Antara SE has the sort of standard specification which makes rivals’ options lists look sparse. Full leather, an electric sunroof, sat nav, a Bluetooth phone system, xenon headlamps and electric folding door mirrors are all included.

Vauxhall Antara – Design
-  Expressive design language from Antara GTC concept
-  As stylish looks and high quality materials

At first glance, the Antara’s distinctive design character has bold contrasts. While the lower section clearly displays the new 4×4′s robust nature, the body’s striking lines have the look of a sporty, muscular car.

The designers visualised the Antara as a versatile vehicle that is both dynamic and comfortable for long journeys. Carefully crafted details such as the crease on the bonnet and the grille confidently emphasise the car’s high quality and brand identity. With its compact dimensions (length x width x height: 4575 x 1850 x 1704 millimeters), the crossover takes up little more space than a mid-size passenger car such as an Astra estate (4515x1753x1496).

The interior brings new levels of style and quality to the class. Contoured seats reflect Vauxhall Antara’s dynamic character and all instruments and operating controls are ergonomically placed and clearly laid out.

Eye-catching interior features include three large round air vents on the centre console and a distinctively shaped handbrake reminiscent of a thrust lever in an aircraft, just like in the Zafira. The passenger grab handle on the centre tunnel has the same shape.

The comprehensive standard safety package includes front airbags, thorax / pelvis side airbags for driver and front passenger, head curtain airbags for the front and outer rear seats as well as a crash-optimised chassis with four load paths. Other safety features include three-point safety belts and head restraints for all five seats. The front seats are equipped with seat-belt tensioners and belt-force limiters. The outer rear seats come with ISOFIX mountings for fast and secure fitting of child seats.

Post Title Vauxhall Antara 2.0 | super speed cars

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