New Antara enters UK SUV market at under £20k
With a refreshed exterior design, new engines, revised chassis settings and an upgraded interior, the Vauxhall Antara combines off-road flair with practicality for the 2011 model year.
The all-new engine line-up comprising two diesel units (both meeting Euro 5 emissions standards) guarantees improved driving performance with significantly reduced consumption and emissions. Both the six-speed transmissions available – an auto and manual – are also newly developed for the Antara.
The 2.2 CDTI diesel engine comes in two output levels. The 163PS entry level unit develops maximum torque of 350 Nm at 2000rpm and is available with front or all-wheel drive and manual or automatic transmission. With fuel consumption of 44.8mpg, CO2 emissions of 167g/km combined with a 9.9-second 0-60mph time and top speed of 117mph, the powertrain offers an excellent blend of performance and efficiency.
The 184PS top-of-the-line diesel, producing maximum torque of 400Nm at just 2000rpm, comes standard with all-wheel drive and is available with both transmissions. Performance is enhanced further, with a 0-60mph time of 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 124mph, yet economy is still impressive, with a combined 42.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 175 g/km.
Intelligent all-wheel drive system with variable power distribution
The Antara’s electronically controlled all-wheel drive system combines the advantages of front-wheel drive – such as low fuel consumption - with the traction benefits of an all-wheel drive system.
While the engine normally powers the front wheels, prevailing driving conditions are continuously monitored by the control electronics. If poor traction causes front-axle slippage, the system seamlessly redistributes power. Depending on the driving situation and outside conditions, the power distribution range spans from 100 percent front-wheel drive to 50 percent on both front and rear axles, and all variations in between.
New chassis set up
To match its lively engines, the updated Antara now features a newly-tuned chassis that combines driving involvement and agility with a comfortable, supple ride. The speed-sensitive power steering has also been enhanced to offer more accuracy and feel.
Refinements to the chassis and active safety include improvements to the ABS system and the standard fitting of Hill Start Assist (HSA) which prevents roll-back when driving away on gradients. Depending on model variant and equipment, distinctive 17-, 18- or 19- inch alloy wheels complement the new Antara’s bold looks.
Refreshed design with clear brand identity
The new Antara’s exterior sports an updated front grille with chrome bezel, with the Griffin logo positioned on the chrome cross-bar. Re-designed fog lights, rear lights with new graphics and a distinctive protection panel at the front and rear of the car complete the exterior changes.
The refreshed interior offers new, upscale trim and upholstery, instruments with new graphics, a re-designed centre console with extra storage solutions, along with an elegant leather trim option called Light Titanium. Improved safety and comfort features include: an electric parking brake; a gear display for manual operation in the automatic variants;deactivation of front and side airbags on the front passenger side to enable mounting of a child safety seat; seat-belt pre-tensioners and belt force limiters for front passengers.
Compelling alternative in European mid-size SUV segment
With its attractive looks, state-of-the-art powertrain line-up, active chassis tuning and upscale interior, the Vauxhall Antara is a strong contender in its segment. The new crossover also offers excellent value for money: the 163PS Exclusiv with front-wheel drive is just £19,995 OTR.
The SUV and crossover segment will play a more important role in Vauxhall’s product portfolio, strengthening the company’s position in the European automotive market. The next step will be an all-new compact SUV planned for 2013. Vauxhall anticipates Antara sales of 15,000 units during 2011, rising to 20,000 thereafter. Around 80 per cent of these sales will be spread across key markets in the UK, Germany, Italy and Russia. The 163PS diesel variant is expected to be the biggest seller, accounting for around 75 per cent of sales.
