Opel Antara. The missing link / Opel test drives

The start of Opel Antara sales was awaited with great impatience. And no wonder — the first photos of the production version, endowed with sporty notes, captured the attention of many people. The exterior easily recognizes the brand features of current Opel models, which are discernible in the shape of the fenders and wheel arches. These design details perfectly rhyme with the body lines and angular optics. The quite appropriate chrome trims and moldings complete the picture.

In the interior, the resemblance to other Opel models is even more pronounced. Something is borrowed from the Corsa, something from the Astra, and something from the Zafira. At the same time, there is no feeling that the parts are taken from different worlds. All elements and solutions look harmonious. Convenience is also in perfect order. For instance, the instrument panel is perfectly readable, and the steering column switches are at hand. True, the center console is slightly overloaded with buttons, but figuring them out intuitively is not difficult.

The steering wheel, or rather its triangular cross-section, looks like a controversial point. A driver who has not encountered such a thing will feel discomfort. You will have to get used to it, as well as to the non-latching steering column switches. The handbrake, shaped like a sword, is made originally. And next to this blade, there is a similar handle for the passenger — so there is something to hold on to off-road. Confusing them is as easy as pie.

2007 Opel Antara
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso

The comfort of the driver and passengers is largely facilitated by the impressive dimensions of the crossover and the Flex 7 interior transformation system already proven on the Opel Zafira. Each passenger is free to adjust the seat to their liking. The range of adjustments deserves an excellent rating. It is important that the trunk has hardly suffered due to the spacious cabin. The minimum volume with the rear seats raised is 865 liters. If the seats are folded, the compartment grows to 1420 liters.

In Europe, the Antara is available with three engines: two gasoline — 2.4 and 3.2 liters, and one diesel — 2.0. As is often the case, the Russian buyer is unlikely to see the diesel modification. And with gasoline options, the choice is still small. Here you can buy a 140-horsepower version with a 2.4-liter engine paired with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic, or a version with a 3.2-liter engine.

For the test, we took a car with an automatic transmission (2.4 L) — it is the most in demand in Russia. If the price of the car approaches $40 thousand, they no longer skimp on options. First of all, we measured acceleration. This was the test we were waiting for the most. Even on the way to the test site, we noticed that the Antara accelerates without enthusiasm. The technical specifications state that the crossover reaches 100 km/h in 14.3 seconds. Such acceleration cannot be called fast, especially given the 2.4-liter displacement. Our testers managed to improve it, but only by 0.1 seconds. The reason for such sluggishness can be attributed to the not-ideal 5-speed automatic and a mass of almost two tons.

2007 Opel Antara
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso

Such dynamics, of course, are disappointing. But credit must be given: the car passed the other tests with dignity. In handling tests, the crossover demonstrated good maneuverability and excellent suspension balance. There are rolls, but they are not critical. It passed the moose test according to VDA SUV standards at 67 km/h on entry and 49 km/h on exit. In a loaded state, the figures dropped by 1 km/h. The long high-speed lane change was conquered by the Antara at 123.4 km/h without load and at 121.5 km/h with load. Slalom — at 58.2 km/h, and in a loaded state — 56.5 km/h. By the end of the 18-meter snake, body oscillations increase greatly, and it becomes difficult to dampen them within the permissible corridor. The only way out is to reduce speed.

Control over the car during the exercises did not cause any particular complaints. Yes, sometimes the steering wheel "bites" when passing the zero position during sharp alternating loads. But this drawback is familiar to most power steering systems. More important is that the steering wheel does not lose informativeness at any speed.

2007 Opel Antara
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso

With braking, unlike sluggish acceleration, everything is in order. To stop the crossover from 100 km/h in a curb weight state, 40 meters are needed. During emergency braking from 140 km/h, the distance will be 78 meters. When stopping on uneven surfaces, the Antara requires active steering correction. This should not be forgotten in winter and in the off-season.

Another pleasant surprise is the silence in the cabin. At idle, the gasoline engine is practically inaudible. Even at maximum rpm, the sound of the engine is barely distinguishable. The main source of noise while driving is the exterior mirrors. The whistle of the air flowing around them appears after 100 km/h. But even at maximum speed, the cabin remains quiet. This is a huge plus.

Based on the test results, the Opel Antara generally deserves praise. But German engineers have room to grow. As a wish for the future — to install a more powerful engine and a more modern transmission. We will check this next time on the version with a 3.2-liter engine.

Body:

+ attractive appearance;

2007 Opel Antara
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso

+ convenient trunk;
- noise in the cabin.

Ride comfort:

+ independent suspension;
- light steering wheel.

Powertrain:

+ very torquey engine;
- the automatic negates all the dynamics.

Handling:

+ large ground clearance;
+ small overhangs;
+ protective plastic along the entire lower part of the body.

Safety:

+ 8 airbags.

Environmental friendliness:

+ average fuel consumption.

Our assessment

The Opel lineup has gained the missing Antara crossover. The car is endowed with a modern appearance, a convenient and functional interior. The driving qualities are at an acceptable level. Everything is spoiled only by the engine, which is too weak for such a balanced car. Let us hope that with the 3.2-liter gasoline engine it will be more agile.