Opel Antara test drive since 2007 SUV

Missing link

Opel Antara. Price: from 897 000 rub. On sale: since autumn 2007

The start of sales of Opel Antara was looking forward to. Still, the first photos of a serial car, which are distinguished by sports features, attracted the attention of many. In appearance, the branded features of modern Opel models are traced, which are guessed due to the shape of wings and wheel arches. These design elements are successfully combined with body lines and chopped optics. The image is completed by quite appropriate chrome linings and moldings.
In the cabin you can find even more similarities with other Opel models. They took something from Corsa, something from Astra, something from Zafira. There is no feeling of foreignness. All decisions and details are well combined. As for convenience, then everything is in order. Say, the dashboard is perfectly read, steering wheel switches are easily available. True, the central console is somewhat overloaded with buttons, but intuitive everything is clear.
A controversial solution can be called a steering wheel, or rather, its triangular section. An unusual driver feels discomfort. You need to get used to it, just like unfixed steering wheel switches. The handbrake is originally made, which resembles a sword shape. And next to this blade they placed about the same pen for the passenger to stay during the off -road. Confused no wonder.
The comfort of passengers and the driver is greatly facilitated by the impressive dimensions of the crossover and the FLEX 7 internal space organized by Opel Zafira. Each passenger can configure seats at personal discretion. The control range should be recognized as excellent. It is important that the luggage compartment was almost not affected by a spacious salon. The minimum volume with the extended rear seats is 865 liters. If the seats are folded, then the trunk will increase to 1420 liters.
In Europe, Antara is offered with three engines: two gasoline 2.4 and 3.2 liters, and one diesel 2.0. As often happens, the Russian buyer will most likely not see the diesel version. With gasoline options, the choice is also not rich yet. You can buy a 140 -horsepower version with a 2.4 liter engine, which works in combination with a 5 -speed mechanics and a 5 -speed automatic or with a 3.2 liter engine.
For our tests, we have chosen a version with automatic transmission (2.4 l), as the most popular in Russia. We do not save on options if the price of the car is selected by $ 40 thousand. At first we have accelerated. The results of this particular test were all awaiting the most. Also, on the way to the training ground, they noted that Antara accelerates slowly. The technical data indicates that 100 km/h the crossover should type for 14.3 s. You can’t call such acceleration fast, given that under a hood of 2.4 liters. Our testers managed to improve this result, but not much, only 0.1 s. The reason for such sluggishness can be attributed to the imperfect 5 -speed automatic and the weight of the car in almost two tons.
Such dynamics cannot but upset. But in fairness, we note that the rest of the trials of the car passed with dignity. In tests for controllability, the crossover showed good maneuverability and excellent balance of the suspension. The rolls are present, but are not critical. The elk test according to the VDA SUV standards overcame at a speed of 67 km/h at the entrance and 49 km/h at the output. In a loaded state, these figures decreased by 1 km/h. A long speed rearrangement submitted to Antara at a speed of 123.4 km/h in an unloaded state and 121.5 km/h in a loaded one. Antara was overcame by slalom by 58.2 km/h. In a loaded form, the speed decreased to 56.5 km/h. By the end of the eighteen meters, the snakes are much increasing, which becomes difficult to extinguish in the framework of the permissible corridor. The only way out to reduce speed.
Control over the car did not cause special complaints when performing exercises. Yes, sometimes he bites the steering wheel, which is observed when passing the zero position during harsh alternating loads. But this disadvantage is observed in most hydraulic power states. It is much more important that the steering wheel does not lose informativeness at any speed.
With braking, unlike unhurried acceleration, everything is fine. To stop the SUV with 100 km/h, in an unloaded state, 40 m is needed. With emergency braking with 140 km/h, the braking distance will be 78 m. During a stop on the heterogeneous coating, Antara requires intense adjustment by the steering wheel. This should not be forgotten when operating in the winter and in the off -season.
What else can an Opel newsletter be pleased is the silence in the cabin. At idle, the gasoline engine is practically inaudible. And at maximum speed the sound of the motor is barely distinguished. The largest source of noise during movement is external mirrors. The whistle of the air that streamlines becomes heard after 100 km/h. But even at maximum speed, the salon should be recognized as quiet. This is a solid plus.
As our tests showed, in general Opel Antara deserves praise. But German engineers have something to strive for. As a council for future modernization, we recommend that you install a more powerful engine and the transmission is more gloomy. This is what we will check the next time on the version with a motor of 3.2 liters.
Body:
+ attractive appearance;
+ convenient trunk;
- Noise in the cabin.
Driving comfort:
+ Independent suspension;
- Light steering wheel.
Power unit:
+ a very burdened engine;
- The machine is negotiating all the dynamics.
Cherry qualities:
+ large road clearance;
+ small overhangs;
+ Protective plastic along the entire lower part of the body.
Security:
+ 8 airbags.
Environmental friendliness:
+ average fuel consumption.
Our assessment
The OPEL lineup was replenished with the missing crossover Antara. The car has a modern appearance, a convenient and functional interior. Its running qualities at an acceptable level. Everything spoils only the weak engine for such a balanced car. Let's hope that with a gasoline engine of 3.2 liters it will be more quick.

Author: Maxim Egorov
Photo: Sergey Krestov
   
 

A source: Magazine 5 wheel [March 2008]