Carscoop's: Opel Antara –Vauxhall Antara SUV: Official pictures

These are the first official pictures of GM’s subsidiary Opel / Vauxhall Antara SUV. As you can see, the Antara is heavily based on the also new Chevrolet / Daewoo Captiva SUV. Although the two models seem to differ externally only at the front end, the Antara has a redesigned rear end with new lights, bumper and door. Other changes include new mirrors, larger side air-vents & a redesigned 3^rd side window. The only difference between Opel’s and Vauxhall’s version of the Antara is the chromed mask.

Inside, the Antara gets a redesigned centre console with round air-vents and a new instrument panel. It is still unknown if the Antara will be available as a 7 seater.

Mechanically, there are no changes between the Antara and the Captiva. Customers will have the choice between front-wheel and all-wheel-drive variants, the latter featuring an active on demand all-wheel-drive system. As driving conditions dictate, the rear axle is instantly employed via an electronically controlled electro-magnetic coupling to give maximum traction. The system also seamlessly interacts with the ESP and ABS systems, enhancing driver control of the vehicle and safety margins. The ESP itself has additional functions like HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist), HDC (Hill Descent Control), ARP (Active-Rollover Protection), FBS (Fading Brake Support) and TSA (Trailer Stabilization Assist).

Initially, there will be four available engines: the 1.8 Twinport 140 hp & 3.2 V6 225 hp petrol engines and a 2.0 TD common rail diesel engine, available with 130 & 150 hp.