With the Antara, Opel makes a strong comeback in a segment that has long been dominated by non-European brands. Opel already led the field in this segment before, with a vehicle that stood out at the time: unveiled in 1991, the Frontera was one of the first SUV models ever. It was number one in its segment across Europe for a number of years and was also the Opel model with the highest conquest rate. Unlike the Antara with its unibody construction, the Frontera had a ladder frame design typical of off-road vehicles. In total, around 285,000 units were sold in Western and Central Europe up to 2003, with 37,500 sold in its peak year of 1993.History
The Antara's intelligent active four-wheel drive system combines the benefits of front-wheel drive - such as tractional stability when accelerating and increased driving dynamics - with those of permanent four-wheel drive.
It features an electronically controlled electro-hydraulic differential which ensures optimal torque distribution between the front and rear axles in all situations. The drivetrain is fully integrated in the ABS and ESP systems, enhancing vehicle control and active safety. Initially, three transversally-mounted engines with four valves per cylinder are available for the Antara. The most powerful is a V6 gasoline engine with a displacement of 3.2 liters, and output of 167 kW/227 hp. Opel expects the 110 kW/150 hp, 2.0-liter common-rail turbo-diesel to be the top seller. Within a few months, it will be joined by a second version which produces 93 kW/127 hp. Both engines come with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter. The entry-level engine is a 2.4-liter, 103 kW/140 hp four-cylinder gasoline unit with two overhead camshafts and one balance shaft.
The new Opel Antara crossover will start at nearly $34,000 for a basic 2.4L model, with a 2.0L turbodiesel and 3.2L V6 available. Opel is expecting a 2.0L turbodiesel to be its most popular seller. The most popular model for Saturn would likely be the V6 version. AWD is standard. The four-cylinder models are available with manual and automatic transmissions, while the V6 is available only with an automatic.
As part of GM aligning its Opel and Saturn brands, the concept was rebadged and was shown at this year's New York Auto Show as the Saturn PreVue concept. Unlike the three-door GTC concept, the production Antara will be a more conventional five-door model.The 2007 Opel Antara launches in the German market later this year, while the Saturn version of the Antara will likely reach the States sometime in 2007.