Revised Opel Corsa ecoFLEX Consumes 4.1lt/100km or 57.4MPG

Following the introduction of the new Astra ecoFLEX range, GM’s European arm Opel presented a revised version of its eco-friendly Corsa ecoFLEX model. Thanks to improved engine control and lower vehicle weight, Opel says that fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of the MY 2009 Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX have been reduced by a considerable 9 percent in comparison to the MY 2008. Its combined fuel consumption is now just 4.1 (57.4 MPG US) instead of 4.5 liters of diesel per 100 km, and at 109 g/km, it emits 10 grams less CO2 per km than before. -Continued

Like its Astra counterpart, the Corsa ecoFLEX’s 1.3-liter diesel engine has been recalibrated and adapted to a longer transmission gear ratio while to improve its aerodynamics, Opel’s engineers lowered the car by 20mm, changed the air intakes and fitted low resistance smaller tires (175/70 instead of 185/70) with lighter 14” steel wheels. Moreover, engineers managed to reduce the car’s overall weight by 45 kg or 100lbs.

The Corsa ecoFLEX is available in Europe with a 5-speed manual transmission as a 3-door model in the equipment variants Corsa and Edition. According to Opel, its performance figures are similar to its predecessor, with the engine developing an output of 75 HP and a maximum torque of 170 Nm. The Corsa ecoFLEX’s top speed is 168 km/h or 105 MPH.

New Opel Astra ecoFLEX: Lower Emissions and 4.5lt/100km or 52.3 MPG

GM’s European subsidiary Opel has launched a new eco-friendly version of the subcompact Astra model with lower CO2 emissions and reduced fuel consumption thanks to a series of modifications. The most economical Astra in range which is available as a 5-door, 3-door and station wagon, comes equipped with a tweaked 1.7-liter turbo diesel engine producing CO2 emissions of 119g/km and fuel consumption of just 4.5lt /100 km or 52.3mpg US / 62.8mpg UK on the combined cycle. -Continued

Matted to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the 1.7 CDTI common-rail diesel engine has a maximum output of 110 HP, torque of 260 Nm at 2,000 rpm (192-lbs/ft) and a top speed of 188 km/h or 117mph.

To achieve these fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures, Opel’s engineers selected a longer axle ratio, optimized the engine management system and reduced the engine idle speed. In addition, the Astra ecoFLEX’s curb weight has been reduced by 30kg or 66lbs, while aerodynamics have been improved by lowering the suspension, modifying the front air intakes and fitting a drag-reducing lower engine compartment panel. Engineers also reduced the power steering pump’s idle speed and fitted low rolling-resistance 15-inch tires (16-inch optional).

SCOOP: New Opel Zafira Grows up but Doesn't get FlexDoors

Opel and its sister company Vauxhall are pushing ahead with the development of the next generation Zafira minivan, which was caught here testing by our scoop photographers. The new seven-seat model is expected to grow in dimensions offering improved passenger and luggage space. Unlike the latest Meriva that boasts a pair of suicide doors, the new Zafira will continue to use conventional rear doors.

The sleeker shape of Opel's newcomer can easily be seen beneath the harlequin camouflage, while the pictures suggest that the minivan takes styling cues from both the Insignia and new Astra, including the wing-shaped head lamps.

The interior design will also be more or less inspired by the Astra, while the car's flexibility is reported to have been improved by a revamped three-row flexible seating system providing independent seating for all seven passengers.

The new Zafira will use hardware from the Astra range, so expect a suite of turbocharged diesel and petrol engines, including more eco-friendly and frugal EcoFlex versions and possibly even a sporty OPC / VRX variant.

Look for the next generation of Opel's people mover to make its world premiere at a major international motor show this year with European sales to start in late 2011 or early 2012.

There's no official word about a North American variant, but given that the Zafira is essentially the minivan version of the Astra (which itself forms the base for the new Buick Verano), as well as the fact that Ford is preparing the U.S. launch of the Focus-based C-Max, we wouldn't completely rule out the possibility.

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Vauxhall's Corsa VXR gets the Blues: New Special Edition of 192HP Hot Hatch

To mark the launch of the subtly refreshed Corsa VXR, Vauxhall is introducing a new limited edition version of its hot hatch with an additional kit and a special blue paintjob as standard.

In detail, the new Corsa VXR Blue Edition is finished in an Arden Blue metallic paint and comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, dark-tinted glass, bespoke interior air vents and Recaro seats, which equate to a £445 saving compared with the cost of speccing a ‘standard’ VXR with this kit.

Other standard features include a lowered sports suspension, uprated brakes and switchable Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).

Powering the VXR Blue Edition is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four producing 192PS, which allows for a 0-60mph [96 km/h] sprint time of just 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 140mph [225 km/h]. An overboost feature increases maximum torque to 260+Nm when the driver needs more power.

The price for the limited edition Corsa VXR is set at £19,425 (including 20% VAT), with Vauxhall claiming that it undercuts key rivals such as the Citroen DS3 R and the Mini Cooper Works by up to £3,600.

The sport hatch is available for order now with the first examples to arrive in dealerships in late February.

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Opel Astra ecoFLEX Gets Start/Stop Technology, Returns 60.3 mpg

With an average fuel consumption of 4.1 lt/100 km (57.4 US mpg) and CO2 emissions of 109 g/km, the diesel-powered Opel Astra 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX hatchback was already a frugal and eco-friendly proposal. However, GM's European division decided to do further improve the Astra's green-credentials by adding a rather effective Start and Stop system.

The new start and stop technology helps the hatchback version of the Astra ecoFLEX reduce its CO2 emissions from 109 to just 104 g/km and its combined fuel consumption from 4.1 liters to 3.9 liters per 100 km, which is equal to 60.3 mpg. The Sport Tourer estate version of the Astra ecoFLEX consumes on average 4.1 lt/100 km and emits 109 g/km of CO2.

All ecoFLEX models come equipped with an active aero shutter incorporated in the front grille that channels more air towards the engine at slow speeds for improved cooling and closes at higher speeds to smoothen the airflow around the fascia. The aero shutter is complemented by refined underbody aerodynamics.

Under the bonnet there's a 95HP 1.3-liter diesel engine, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is offered as standard.

In Germany, the base price of the Astra ecoFLEX is €19,780 while customers can also benefit from additional tax breaks.

By Csaba Daradics

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Detroit Motor Show: GM to Launch Opel in Australia Next Year

Last September, we reported that Nick Reilly, Chairman of Opel, hinted at the launch of the German brand in Australia. GM's European division made it official today at, announcing that Opel is set to enter the Australian market in 2012.

Nick Reilly, said at the Detroit Auto Show: “This launch is an important part of our international expansion strategy. With its growing demand for German design and technology, the Australian car market is an excellent opportunity for Opel. Australian drivers have a strong affinity with Opel vehicles.”

In a statement released to the press, Opel said the company’s offerings will include the Insignia, Astra and Corsa, with the full model line-up to be announced closer to the actual start of sales.

GM's Australian subsidiary, Holden, will most likely continue to offer its RWD Commodore and Caprice range with the rest of the lineup comprising of rebadged Chevrolet and Daewoo models such as the Barina Spark, Captiva and Cruze. The Opel brand will be positioned more upmarket targeting Volkswagen.

Following the previously announced launch of the brand in Chile and Israel, Australia becomes the third export brand for Opel, which is looking to strengthen its exports and increase sales. The German company said other markets that are under consideration include Argentina, the Middle East and an expansion in South-Africa and China.

Gallery: Opel's European Range