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Vauxhall Antara -
Fun, Flexible and
Fuel-efficient
(24/08/2007) |
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write a Review about the Vauxhall
Antara
It’s a dilemma faced by thousands of
car buyers every year – they want the style and practicality of a 4x4,
but feel unable to justify the compromised dynamics, economy and
performance of a big off-roader.
Now Vauxhall can offer a car which
fulfils all their needs – the stylish Antara. The technically
sophisticated five-seater combines dynamic, stylish design with
intelligent four-wheel drive, high levels of flexibility, generous
interior space, a raised driving position.
Two engines are available for the
Antara – a petrol and a diesel. A 2.4-litre, 140PS four-cylinder petrol
engine and a 150PS, 2.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel expected by
Vauxhall to be the top seller, taking more than 90 percent of sales.
Both engines are linked to an
intelligent active four-wheel drive system which combines the benefits
of front-wheel drive - such as fuel economy, predictable handling and
increased driving dynamics - with the grip and security of permanent
four-wheel drive when it is needed.
The newly-developed 2.0 CDTi engine
with an output of 150PS is expected to take more than 90 percent of
sales in the UK. This engine includes newest generation common-rail
technology with up to 1600 bar injection pressure, an aluminum cylinder
head, a turbocharger with variable vane geometry and a maintenance-free
diesel particulate filter,
This particulate filter consists of a
solid, honeycomb-shaped ceramic body with microscopic channels. Soot
particles collect on the surface of these channels and are regularly
burnt off to prevent the filter blocking. Instead of using a complex
system of fuel additives to remove these particles, multiple targeted
injections raise the diesel engine’s exhaust-gas temperature to 600
degrees Celsius - the soot particulate’s ignition temperature - for the
duration of the burning process in the filter. All this happens without
the driver even being aware.
With both transmissions it delivers
excellent performance. Accelerating from 50 to 75 mph in fifth gear
takes only 12.6 seconds (automatic: 9.7 seconds). According to
government figures, consumption is only 37.7mpg on the combined cycle
(automatic: 29.4mpg). In combination with the 65-litre fuel tank, this
provides an operating range of around 540 miles. Top speed is 111mph
(automatic: 108 mph).
The comprehensive standard safety
package includes front airbags, thorax/pelvis side airbags for driver
and front passenger, head curtain airbags for the front and outer rear
seats as well as a crash-optimised chassis with four load paths. Other
safety features include three-point safety belts and head restraints for
all five seats. The front seats are equipped with seat-belt tensioners
and belt-force limiters. The outer rear seats come with ISOFIX mountings
for fast and secure fitting of child seats.
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