PRESS RELEASE: NEW OPEL AGILA: FRIENDLY, DYNAMIC, FLEXIBLE
- Design: Five doors, seating for five adults
- Functional: Versatile thanks to practical details
- Styling: Balanced proportions, distinctive lines
- Powertrain: Two gasoline engines, one turbo-diesel, automatic transmission
Rüsselsheim/Venice July 11, 2007. With five doors and five seats, the new Opel Agila is not only as practical as its predecessor, which sold over 440,000 units, but is now also much more dynamically designed. The small, versatile Opel will be unveiled to the public at the IAA in Frankfurt (September 13 – 23, 2007) and makes its market premiere in spring 2008. It boasts balanced proportions, soft curves and a distinctive side graphic. Its passengers still sit high and upright, but the roofline has been dynamically lowered and now blends into a smooth arc toward the rear. This helps create the Agila’s aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.35 – a relatively low figure for a vehicle of this size. The urban car is now 20 centimeters longer, six centimeters wider, but seven centimeters lower than its predecessor.
The front boasts typical Opel styling. With its round headlamps integrated into almond-shaped lamp units that echo the new Corsa, the Agila sees the world through wide eyes. The tapering of the front and rear bumpers are also typical Opel elements, just like the crease in the hood. The rear also features several rounded details. The positioning of the narrow vertical light units, which are accented by the spherically styled rear lights, allowed designers to create a large, easy load-through tailgate.
The same is true for the interior: the boring days are over. A wide selection of fresh colors and modern styles create an ambience that’s enhanced even more by the spacious headroom. The versatile five-seater’s high seating position ensures good visibility, while the high placed gear stick and height-adjustable steering wheel with radio remote controls ensure easy operation. The rev counter is housed separately on the instrument panel. All other information readouts are given on large, distinctive, round instruments.
As an urban car it also offers plenty of compartments and boxes for storing all passengers’ belongings. But it’s not just car essentials that the new Agila stows away easily. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the new Opel urban car boasts a surprisingly large luggage compartment. Its standard capacity up to the luggage compartment cover is 225 liters, large enough for a stroller, for example. One turn of a handle drops the rear bench seat back, increasing the load volume to an impressive 1050 liters – a top value in this segment. The rear bench seat and back also splits 60:40 for even greater versatility.
All Agila models have a wide range of standard equipment, including safety features such as ABS, front and side airbags for driver and front passenger, front passenger airbag deactivation and mountings for the ISOFIX child seat system. And thanks to the five doors as standard, small children can be secured into a child seat quickly and safely. Standard comfort features in the entry-level version include speed-dependent power steering, height-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, rear window washer with interval selection and power tailgate with touchpad. The Enjoy model boasts an even greater range of standard features.
Two gasoline engines make their world premiere in the new Agila. Supplied by cooperation partner Suzuki, they share the same design - aluminum cylinder block and head, as well as two overhead camshafts. The entry-level unit is the almost one-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine. The four-valve unit produces 65 hp (48 kW) and has a top speed of 160 km/h1. The 1.2-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine produces 86 hp (63 kW), accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in less than
12 seconds and has a top speed of 174 km/h (values for five-speed manual version). This engine is now optionally available with a four-speed automatic transmission – an especially attractive alternative for city driving.
The fuel-saving master among the Agila engines is the 1.3-liter common-rail turbo-diesel. Developed by GM Powertrain, the diesel engine is a true multi-talent and also offers an especially efficient alternative in the Corsa and Astra model lines. In the new Agila it produces 75 hp (55 kW), has a top speed of 162 km/h and a zero to 100 km/h sprint of 13.5 seconds. The powerful diesel unit with a maximum torque of 190 Nm is very economical: on average it consumes less than five liters per 100 km, which represents a CO2 per kilometer value of under 130 g (finalized values not yet available).
Make the Agila even more agile – that was the aim during chassis development. The new dynamic look is also reflected in the car’s responsiveness. The Agila’s chassis, which features A-arms and McPherson struts in front and a torsion beam axle in the rear, is tuned for driving fun. Depending on the market and equipment variant, the Agila also features an Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
Young, single seeks…”: … New Opel Agila
- Target group: Young and youthful people with active lifestyles
- Growth market: Increasing sales expected in urban car segment
- Success story: Over 440,000 first-generation Agila models sold in Europe
“Young and youthful women are Opel’s first target group with the new Agila. This modern urban car perfectly suits their city lifestyle as it combines compact dimensions with a stylish exterior, high levels of functionality and plenty of driving fun.” -Alain Visser, Executive Director European Marketing Opel
Unlike many of its competitors, Opel’s latest model has five doors and five fully fledged seats. And with its large and versatile luggage compartment, it provides many practical uses combined with compact dimensions and excellent value for money.
When it comes to the lifestyle of active women today, the watchword is balance. Job, fitness, shopping, meeting friends and getting from A to B – a car makes everything easier to manage, and preferably one that is as versatile as its owner. The new Opel Agila meets all of these great demands. It’s a stylish urban car – a mini monocab – which is compact and maneuverable for tight parking spaces, yet boasts an interior that is spacious enough even for bulky sport and hobby equipment. It also has enough seats to ensure comfort for family and friends. Men and women of all ages will appreciate how easy it is to get into and out of the new Agila, and children too. ISOFIX child seat mountings are standard on board for small children.
Around 1.1 million customers in Western and Central Europe bought a vehicle from the urban car segment in 2006, with the Agila achieving a 6.6 percent market share. Market researchers also predict strong growth in this segment from 2008, forecasting annual
mid-term sales of 1.3 million units in Western and Central Europe. This predicted growth is supported by two factors: firstly, the arrival of new, attractive models in 2008, such as the second-generation Agila. And secondly, the dimensions of urban cars are now very close to those of cars in the next-largest car segment, the supermini.
The modern urban car’s greatest potential is in Southern Europe, where the first-generation Agila had its largest fan base. Italy was by far the largest Agila market, with a share of 57 percent, followed by Germany with 23 percent. Since its launch in 2000, over 440,000 Agila models have been sold across Europe.
Design: Distinctive charm, inside and out
- Friendly: Bold front with large headlamps
- Flowing: Rounded lines create natural charm
- Cheerful: Fresh interior colors
“With its rather cheeky look, the new Agila fits perfectly into the current Opel model portfolio. And its big friendly eyes and smiling radiator grille will win many hearts”. - Uwe Müller, Agila Designer
The Agila has always been practical. “But the objective for the second-generation Agila was even greater: we wanted to give our smallest car considerably more charm without compromising its functionality,” says Chief Designer Uwe Müller, describing the new Agila’s concept phase.
Mission accomplished! The new Agila boasts balanced proportions, soft curves and distinctive side graphics. Its passengers still sit high and upright, but the roofline has been dynamically lowered and now blends into a smooth arc toward the rear. This helps create the Agila’s aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.35 – a relatively low figure for a 3.74-meter long vehicle.
The front boasts typical Opel styling. With its round headlamps integrated into almond-shaped lamp units that echo the new Corsa, the Agila sees the world through wide eyes. Another Opel design element is the spoon-shaped trim around the fog lamps and the tapering of the front and rear bumpers. The front bumper is further emphasized by the typical crease in the hood.
A round recess proudly displays the large Opel logo, and also serves as an organic fusion between the distinctively chromed, smiling radiator grille and the hood. The rear also boasts several rounded elements. The positioning of the narrow vertical light units, which are accented by the spherically styled rear lights, allowed designers to create a large, easy load-through tailgate.
The new Agila is also a forerunner for style elements that will play a greater role in Opel designs in the future. These include the dynamic line stretching from the front wheel arch under the beltline toward the rear and the carefully crafted lower edge of the body flanks. The red-tinted instrument illumination made its Opel world premiere in the celebrated Opel GTC Coupé concept car, which was presented in March 2007 at the Geneva Motor Show.
The same is true for the interior: The boring days are over. “A wide selection of fresh colors and modern styles creates an ambience that’s enhanced even more by the spacious headroom,” says Interior Designer Belinda Müller. Grey on grey is out. The center console, instrument panel trim and upholstery in cheerful color accents such as orange or blue create a pleasant atmosphere on board (more about this in the “Life on board” chapter).
The style and tailoring of the materials are also a major step forward. The versatile five-seater’s high seating position ensures good visibility, while the high placed gear stick and height-adjustable steering wheel with radio remote controls ensure easy operation. The rev counter is housed separately on the instrument panel. All other information readouts are given on large, distinctive, round instruments.
Life on board: Best Conditions for the Urban Jungle
- Everything to hand: Many practical compartments
- Everything stowed away: Large and very practical luggage compartment
- Everything on board: Extensive equipment ex works
“It’s charming and looks good. The new baby Opel Agila is also really practical, thanks to its versatile functionality and extensive equipment.” - Sara Nicholson, Opel European Marketing Manager
Everything a woman needs to survive in the urban jungle, and often a little bit more, can be found in her handbag. And the bag itself is also a fashion statement. This is not the only similarity with the new Opel Agila – as an urban car it also offers plenty of compartments and boxes.
Storage space for the smaller – and somewhat larger – essentials for everyday car travel can be stored in:
- A large closed compartment on top of the instrument panel with coin holder and space for up to three CDs
- A pocket on the back of the front passenger seat
- The spacious glove compartment
- The front door panel boxes, which can also hold a road atlas or one-liter plastic bottle
- A small compartment beneath the air conditioning control for a wallet, mobile phone, etc.
- A cup and a bottle holder in the center tunnel (can also hold a 1.5-liter plastic bottle)
- An additional compartment (Enjoy) beneath the luggage compartment floor with special sections for a warning triangle, first aid kit, etc.
- A sunglasses holder on the driver’s side
But it’s not just car essentials that the new Agila stows away easily. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the new Opel urban car boasts a surprisingly large luggage compartment. Its standard capacity up to the luggage compartment cover is 225 liters, large enough for a stroller, for example. One turn of a handle drops the rear bench seat back, increasing the load volume to an impressive 1050 liters – a top value in this segment. Folding the rear bench seat flat (can split 60:40) creates a completely flat load floor.
The entry-level Agila Essentia already has a wide range of standard equipment, including safety features such as ABS, as well as front and side airbags for driver and front passenger. The outer rear seats are fitted with mountings for the ISOFIX child seat system, and thanks to the five doors as standard, small children can be secured into a child seat quickly and safely. Standard comfort features in the entry-level version also include speed-dependent power steering, height-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, rear window washer with interval selection and power tailgate with touchpad.
“All inclusive” is the motto of the Agila Enjoy, which boasts an even greater range of standard features, including:
- Remote control central locking
- Air conditioning
- On-board computer
- Rev counter
- Power heated exterior mirrors
- Power windows in front
- Height-adjustable steering wheel
- Front fog lamps
- Radio with MP3-compatible CD player
- Radio remote control on steering wheel
- 60:40 split, flat-folding rear bench seat and back to form a flat load floor
- 15-inch wheels
Engines and Chassis: Moving forward
- Spirited: Gasoline engines with 1.0 and 1.2-liter displacements
- Powerful: Efficient 1.3-liter turbo-diesel
- Comfortable: New four-speed automatic for 1.2-liter gasoline engine
“The new Agila cuts a fine figure in all situations, and its agile chassis and three lively engines with low consumption and CO2 levels provide plenty of driving fun.”
Hans Demant, Opel Managing Director
Two gasoline engines make their world premiere in the new Agila. Developed by Suzuki, they share the same basic design - aluminum cylinder block and head, two overhead camshafts, multi-point injection - and differ only in number of cylinders, displacement and output.
The entry-level unit is the almost one-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine. The four-valve unit produces 65 hp (48 kW), has a maximum torque of 90 Nm and accelerates the Agila from zero to 100 km/h in 14.8 seconds. The version fitted with the five-speed manual transmission has a top speed of 160 km/h. When it comes to fuel, the Agila 1.0 is especially frugal, requiring only 5.3 liters/100 kilometers, which represents 126 g CO2 per kilometer.
The 1.2-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with 16 valves produces 86 hp (63 kW), and has maximum torque of 114 Nm. The Agila 1.2 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in
12 seconds and has a top speed of 174 km/h (values for five-speed manual version). Despite the increased dynamics, the four-cylinder engine with manual transmission remains very economical: it requires an average of 5.7 liters/100 kilometers, which represents 135 g CO2 per kilometer. A brand new addition to the Agila model line is the option of a four-speed automatic transmission with the larger gasoline engine – an especially attractive alternative for city driving.
The fuel-saving master among the Agila engines is the 1.3-liter common-rail turbo-diesel. The direct injection unit already impressed long-distance drivers in the first-generation Agila with its economy and propulsion power. Developed by GM Powertrain, the diesel engine is a true multi-talent and also offers an interesting alternative in the Corsa and Astra model lines. In the new Agila it produces 75 hp (55 kW), has a top speed of 162 km/h and a zero to 100 km/h sprint in 13.5 seconds. The powerful diesel unit (maximum torque of 190 Nm available at 2000 rpm) is very economical. On average it consumes less than five liters per 100 km, which represents a CO2 per kilometer value of under 130 g. Fuel tank capacity is 45 liters.
Overview of Agila Engines:
Make the Agila even more agile – that was the aim during chassis development, to interpret the new dynamic look into corresponding agility. The Agila’s chassis, which features A-arms and McPherson struts in front and a torsion beam axle in the rear, is tuned for driving fun, and ABS is fitted as standard. Depending on the market and equipment variant, the Agila also features an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and head curtain airbags. With this system fitted, the Traction Control Support System (TCSS) can be switched off, which is helpful when traveling through deep snow with snow chains, for example.
Five doors, seating for five adults, the high luggage compartment volume, numerous storage boxes and brand-typical flexibility already take the extensively equipped new Opel Agila well above its competitors as a top urban car. But what would the practicality be without the attractive looks, which the new model now has with its distinctive interior and exterior styling. Agile performance is ensured by the chassis tuned for driving fun and the three spirited engines. The additional touch of driving comfort is provided by the newly available four-speed automatic transmission.
Could Opel give birth to a new incarnation of the Calibra Coupe based on the stunning GTC Concept? British magazine Autoexpress sure thinks so and so do we. Opel officials might have not confirmed a production version of the GTC shown at this year’s Geneva Show, but they sure as hell haven’t disconfirmed the rumours. A couple of months ago we interviewed a high-rank Opel designer who told us when we asked about a possible production version of the GTC that they we’re surprised with the positive feedback and there’s certainly an empty space in their range for a mid-size sports coupe. In other words, Opel’s definitely thinking about it. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below
Pics Via: Autoexpress
