Test Drive Opel Antara since 2007 SUV
Intercontinental Crossover
After leaving the Frontera Arena, what happened in 2004, it seemed that Opel decided to focus on the production of exclusively passenger cars, and only monolods. However, the market of crossovers, especially compact urban SUVs, which year in a row is experiencing a real boom. So one of the leading German companies, especially with good partners in the GM concern, was simply a sin to give this market segment to compete. After all, there is experience, and the crossover platform can be borrowed from the fraternal Chevrolet Captiva. So did, creating Opel Antara, to try out which I had a chance in the winter Moscow. Do not seek special similarities
The fact that Antara is based on the Captiva platform, does not mean that these cars are twins brothers. Yes, the length of the wheelbase, as well as the body rods generally the same, but the German car is shorter than almost 6 cm, and at the expense of the rear. From here more shot down and solid appearance, in which there are many elegance and branded traits. Therefore, the model is immediately and unequivocally identified as Opel, there can be no doubt. From here, by the way, the public interest in a few years has time to forget that Opel makes SUVs. Repeatedly during the test I had to answer numerous questions. People more often interested where Antara is going and how much it costs. I will answer a little later on the last question, but about the place of assembly I will say at once the production of the model has been established in St. Petersburg, at the Arsenal factory. And there are no complaints to the performance of any complaints.
In the cabin immediately note that with Captiva there are practically no common details, and the stylistics as a whole is typical for the latest Opel models. The instrument shield is three round dial tachometer, speedometer and fuel level pointer in the tank. The same yellow display on the silver central console, and again three round ventilation deflector. Gray rotating climate control handles and minor keys Magnitols are scattered generously, which makes even people familiar with the last Opel models interface, sometimes look into the instruction manual. For example, to select the desired radio wave, I had to search for the desired key for a long time. By the way, the ANTARA audio system though alone, but sounds good. You can also manage the buttons on the ram.
In general, the Ergonomics of the salon personally arranged me. The seat is pleasantly surprised by a good profile, developed lateral support and a complete set of mechanical adjustments. The steering column can be submitted or from ourselves, move up and down. Overview, thanks to high landing, very good. The only inconvenience is the original handle of the parking brake makes it pretty bending a hand in the elbow. Well, the niches and compartments are also not enough for shallow boot. There is no ashtray, instead of it is offered a plastic glass, and the only place where you can install the door pocket. Naturally, to use it in this case is decisively inconvenient, since he is at the very feet. As to the quality of finishing materials, the plastic to the touch turned out to be very tough, albeit as a textured. The back sofa is enough space for three. The floor is absolutely smooth, the usual tunnel is not in the middle. Moreover, the backs of the chairs can be adjusted along the angle of inclination, although the movement range is small. Naturally, the seats are unfolded both entirely and in parts, increasing the volume of the luggage compartment with a standard 420 to 1420 liters. By the way, in contrast to the congregation of Chevrolet Captiva, Opel Antara is offered only in a 5-seater version.
Confident traffic
For Opel Antara, two gasoline engines are offered: 4-cylinder 2.4-liter (140 hp), and 3,2-liter V6, developing 227 hp I got a test version with a weak engine aggregated with a 5-speed ACP.
This engine is borrowed from Captiva, but at the expense of some improvements develops by 6 hp. more. But, Frankly, the dynamics still not impressive. Of course, the acceleration is sluggish you will not call, but it does not cause sports excite. The engine tangible tangible from the bottom, but throughout the rest of the speed range, up to the operation of the electronic stopper, it is impossible to achieve a jerk from it. In the city, it allows you to confidently touch off, but unscrew the motor to the limit revolutions does not make any sense only the fuel consumption increases.
Yes, and the ACP is quite thoughtful. If the upward transmission switches smoothly and pretty quickly, then down the situation is reverse, the pause is quite noticeable. Such settings are beaten for quick driving, especially with the fact that the manual gear shift mode does not particularly change the driver sensations. Fortunately, with noise insulation from Antara all in perfect order. The sound of the motor penetrates the salon only on high speeds, and thoughtful aerodynamics allows you to quietly talk even at high speeds. And the all-wheel drive transmission works well. It is arranged in the same way as on Chevrolet Captiva rear wheels are connected when slipping the front. True, in this process, without a hint, it does not cost, as if the electromagnetic coupling hesitates. However, in any case, such settings should not be better affected by active safety, since Antara demonstrates almost advanced reactions. If in turning to add gas, the body begins to go into the nose to the outward of the viege, and the smooth slide occurs with all four wheels, passing, in the event of an unnecessary speed, into the skid. It is not difficult to pay it, and the stabilization system, which is included in the standard equipment equipment, is sensitive to what is happening and, if necessary, quickly, although quite sharply interferes with the management process.
Body rolls, unlike all the same Captiva, are practically not noticeable on Antara. It's all about fairly hard pendants, which were explicitly tuned by German engineers. As a result, on a straight line, Antara behaves perfectly tenaciously holds for the roadbed, and even the king of our roads does not knock it down from the course.
The reverse side of the medal is direct transfer of all chosel and irregularities. Against this background, there is a little discouraging insufficient, from my point of view, the informativeness and ease of the steering, the rabble is heavy only at high speeds. However, this is a typical feature of most crossovers, and Opel in this sense can boast of quite clear and rapid reactions to the rabbar turns. But there are no complaints to the brakes.
The off-road Antara feels confidently as long as all the wheels retain reliable contact with the road. It is possible to slip through the settlement of the power intensity of the suspension is very worthy, or storming the city border 200-mm clearance allows. However, serious obstacles of the PARKEnter, of course, not on the teeth, the absence of interstole blocking stops Antara at the first hint of a diagonal hanging, even the anti-slip system does not save.
And yet I would shove the soul, if I hadn't said that the car leaves, in general, a pleasant impression. Original and attractive design, interesting interior (although not without omission), confident behavior on the road and good noise insulation. In other words, Opel Antara will be able to make a serious competition to classmates like Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V or Nissan X-Trail. And I can only say about the price of 897 thousand rubles.
Andrei Osipov
Photo Opel
