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2011 Vauxhall Antara Price Review

February 2011
Filed under: VAUXHALL Car News | VAUXHALL Headlines
The all-new engine line-up comprising two diesel units (both meeting Euro 5 emissions standards) guarantees improved driving performance with significantly reduced consumption and emissions. Both the six-speed transmissions available - an auto and manual - are also newly developed for the Antara. The 2.2 CDTI diesel engine comes in two output levels. The 163PS entry level unit develops maximum torque of 350 Nm at 2000rpm and is available with front or all-wheel drive and manual or automatic transmission. With fuel consumption of 44.8mpg, CO2 emissions of 167g/km combined with a 9.9-second 0-60mph time and top speed of 117mph, the powertrain offers an excellent blend of performance and efficiency.

The 184PS top-of-the-line diesel, producing maximum torque of 400Nm at just 2000rpm, comes standard with all-wheel drive and is available with both transmissions. Performance is enhanced further, with a 0-60mph time of 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 124mph, yet economy is still impressive, with a combined 42.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 175 g/km.

Intelligent all-wheel drive system with variable power distribution

The Antara's electronically controlled all-wheel drive system combines the advantages of front-wheel drive - such as low fuel consumption - with the traction benefits of an all-wheel drive system.

While the engine normally powers the front wheels, prevailing driving conditions are continuously monitored by the control electronics. If poor traction causes front-axle slippage, the system seamlessly redistributes power. Depending on the driving situation and outside conditions, the power distribution range spans from 100 percent front-wheel drive to 50 percent on both front and rear axles, and all variations in between.

New chassis set up

To match its lively engines, the updated Antara now features a newly-tuned chassis that combines driving involvement and agility with a comfortable, supple ride. The speed-sensitive power steering has also been enhanced to offer more accuracy and feel.

Refinements to the chassis and active safety include improvements to the ABS system and the standard fitting of Hill Start Assist (HSA) which prevents roll-back when driving away on gradients. Depending on model variant and equipment, distinctive 17-, 18- or 19- inch alloy wheels complement the new Antara's bold looks.

Refreshed design with clear brand identity

The new Antara's exterior sports an updated front grille with chrome bezel, with the Griffin logo positioned on the chrome cross-bar. Re-designed fog lights, rear lights with new graphics and a distinctive protection panel at the front and rear of the car complete the exterior changes.

The refreshed interior offers new, upscale trim and upholstery, instruments with new graphics, a re-designed centre console with extra storage solutions, along with an elegant leather trim option called Light Titanium. Improved safety and comfort features include: an electric parking brake; a gear display for manual operation in the automatic variants;deactivation of front and side airbags on the front passenger side to enable mounting of a child safety seat; seat-belt pre-tensioners and belt force limiters for front passengers.

Compelling alternative in European mid-size SUV segment

With its attractive looks, state-of-the-art powertrain line-up, active chassis tuning and upscale interior, the Vauxhall Antara is a strong contender in its segment. The new crossover also offers excellent value for money: the 163PS Exclusiv with front-wheel drive is just テつ」19,995 OTR.

The SUV and crossover segment will play a more important role in Vauxhall's product portfolio, strengthening the company's position in the European automotive market. The next step will be an all-new compact SUV planned for 2013. Vauxhall anticipates Antara sales of 15,000 units during 2011, rising to 20,000 thereafter. Around 80 per cent of these sales will be spread across key markets in the UK, Germany, Italy and Russia. The 163PS diesel variant is expected to be the biggest seller, accounting for around 75 per cent of sales.

ENGINES & TRANSMISSIONS

New 2.2 CDTi diesel

Performance: Improved performance, lower consumption, fewer emissions
Two power outputs: 163 & 184PS
New six-speed transmission: one manual and one auto version
Drivetrain: front-wheel or variable all-wheel drive
The updated engine line-up for the refreshed Vauxhall Antara combines strong performance with low fuel consumption and emissions. Both powertrain variants of the Antara meet Euro 5 emissions standards. Two newly-developed six-speed transmissions - one manual and one automatic - further improve the Antara's efficiency.

2.2 CDTI diesel engine: one of the most efficient in its class

The 2.2 CDTi engine is available with a choice of power outputs: a 163PS version, which can be combined with front or all-wheel drive as well as with manual or automatic transmission, and a 184PS unit, also available with both transmission types, as well as standard all-wheel drive.

With maximum torque of 350Nm from 2000rpm and combined fuel consumption/emissions of 44.8mpg/167g CO2, the 163PS unit is an attractive entry-level engine for the Antara range. Zero to 60mph acceleration of 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 117mph ensure that drivers aren't short-changed on the performance front, either.

The 184PS top-of-the-line diesel combined with all-wheel drive produces maximum torque of 400Nm at just 2000rpm. In this form, the Antara achieves a 0-60mph time of 9.6 seconds and top speed of 124mph, combined with fuel consumption of 42.8mpg and emissions of 175g/km.

This new diesel unit is among the most efficient engines in its capacity class. Its high specific power output, low emissions and reduced NVH are achieved by use of:

Engine block with high structural rigidity (reduced noise and vibration)
Engine block cooling jacket with horizontal cooling-fin design (optimised cooling)
Dual-mass flywheel (reduced drivetrain vibration)
Oil-pump integrated balance shaft module (compactness, reduced engine vibration)
New DOHC aluminium cylinder head with variable swirl control (flow and swirl properties)
Watercooled turbocharger with charge air cooling and variable turbine geometry (cylinder charging and driveability)
Maintenance-free camshaft chain drive with automatic chain tensioner
Fuel injection pressure up to 1,800 bar (mixture preparation)
Compression ratio reduced to 16.3:1 (increased power, reduced emissions and combustion noise)
Optimised pre-heating system (improved cold-weather starting)
Exhaust gas recirculation with highly efficient cooling system (emissions reduction)
Maintenance-free close-coupled diesel particulate filter (DPF)
Pistons with oil-spray cooling
Optional manual or automatic transmission

Two new six-speed transmission systems, one manually-operated and one automatic, combine efficiency with ease of operation. High-tech details like precision-designed "Monoblock" gear wheels and upgraded bearing elements in the manual gearbox ensure fluent gear changes and minimise friction and vibration.

A widely-spaced final drive ratio allows excellent response in first gear combined with a relaxed cruising gait in top gear. In addition, drivers have two programs available at the push of a button, depending on whether they want to "cruise" or drive more enthusiastically. The transmission also includes an automatic stage-by-stage braking system, which prevents unwanted up-shifts while the vehicle is coasting downhill.

Optional front-wheel or all-wheel drive

Depending on their needs, Antara buyers can specify their Antara with either front- or variable all-wheel drive. The latter combines the advantages of front-wheel drive - such as low fuel consumption - with additional power, grip and safety.

The all-wheel drive Antara uses a system called ITCC (Intelligent Torque Controlled Coupling) which uses an electromagnetic pilot coupling and hydraulic multi-plate wet clutch housed in a single rear axle module unit. This combination ensures an ultra-quick response to changing road conditions, while also making the unit compact, lightweight and maintenance-free.

Working together, the ITCC and electronic stability control (ESC) continually compare wheel-speed, steering angles and accelerator position, and if traction is poor across the front axle, the system reacts within 0.1 seconds to seamlessly re-distribute power as required. Depending on driving conditions, the torque distribution range spans from 100 per cent front-wheel drive to 50 per cent across each axle, and all variations in between.

CHASSIS & DYNAMICS

Enhanced agility and more ride comfort

Completely re-tuned chassis
Advanced assist systems for high active safety
A wide range of modifications and fine-tuning has improved every element of the new Antara's dynamics, compared with the outgoing car.

Changes to the front axle include revised McPherson strut settings with increased spring rates, as well as a new upper strut mount, which is softer in the horizontal and vertical plane, but stiffer diagonally. Allied to a modified shock absorber layout and reinforced anti-roll bar with enlarged bearings and softer guide sleeves, the Antara has a higher roll resistance, more direct steering feel and improved ride comfort.

The multi-link rear suspension, with three transverse and one trailing link per side, has also been re-designed and fine-tuned. The trailing arms are now hydraulically damped for better structural isolation. Revised strut mounts and coil springs with increased rates also minimise the impact of road shocks. In combination with a reinforced anti-roll bar, a wide track (1,562mm front, 1,572mm rear) and a wheelbase which is long for this class of vehicle (2,707mm), these measures guarantee improved road contact, increased stability and better balanced ride comfort.

The new Antara's speed-related rack and pinion power steering system features a modified steering gear link and a reinforced intermediate shaft with a ball guide. As a result, the system has increased rigidity, better feedback to the driver and minimal effort during manoeuvering.

Large, ventilated disc brakes front and rear are allied to a four-channel ABS system and brake assist function to ensure confidence-inspiring deceleration at all times and in all road conditions.

A wide range of leading-edge assist systems further enhance active safety. They include:

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) including ARP (Active Rollover Protection) and CBC (Cornering Brake Control)
HSA (Hill Start Assist) to eliminate roll-back on gradients
DCS (Descent Control System), which keeps the car at a maximum crawl speed of 10 km/h by braking the front wheels without any intervention by the driver when driving down steep slopes
Electronic yaw control AOD (Active on Demand), which helps to minimise understeer or oversteer by modulating drive torque between the front and rear axles
TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) monitors pressure with the aid of sensors integrated in the wheels and activates an individual wheel warning in the driver display if pressure losses exceed 0.3 bar
EDC (Engine Drag Control) increases engine torque if there is any danger of the wheels locking (triggered by high engine-speed leaps when downshifting or quickly releasing the clutch during low traction)
Standard equipment on all-wheel drive variants includes automatic vehicle-level control, which maintains a constant ground clearance when loaded or pulling a trailer.

And the Antara has a lot more to offer in terms of utility. All-wheel drive variants can tow loads of up to 2,000 kilograms (front-wheel drive: 1,500kgs) and the trailer stability program (TSP) also ensures any swaying tendencies of the car-trailer combination are recognised by a yaw sensor and effectively prevented by a reduction of engine power and controlled braking.

In addition to enhanced handling characteristics on the road, all-wheel drive Antaras also offer impressive off-road capability, aided by: electronically controlled variable front/rear power distribution, a 176 mm ground clearance, a 450 mm wading depth, an overhang angle of 20 and 24 degrees front and rear, as well as a ramp angle of 18 degrees.

Depending on specification, the Antara is fitted as standard with 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels (tyre size: 235/65 R 17 and 235/55 R 18). A new, eye-catching 8 x 19-inch wheel is available as an option with 235/50 R 19 tyres.

BODY, PACKAGING & PASSIVE SAFETY

Excellent comfort and exceptional functionality

Versatile interior with innovative features
First-class acoustic comfort / exceptional passenger safety levels
Taking up no more space than a normal mid-size car, the new Antara measures just 4,596mm x 1,850mm, making it an ideal vehicle for either urban or off-road driving. The elevated seating position (vehicle height: 1,717 mm) offer an unrestricted all-round view of the road, while the excellent powertrain characteristics and precise handling ensure agility, lively performance and trouble-free manoeuvering.

The interior features ample room for occupants front and rear, while the rear passenger compartment features tiltable backrests and legroom of 946mm, which is among the most generous in the segment.

The Antara's luggage compartment holds up to 402 litres of cargo with its rear seats up; this grows to 795 litres when the back seat is folded down and up to 1,391 litres when loaded to the roof. The rear backrest (split 60:40) and the front passenger backrest can be folded down to accommodate objects up to 2.63 metres in length.

Redesigned interior with high-quality ambience

The upgraded Antara's interior features a standard electric parking brake operated by the push of a button. As well as making the car easier to use, especially during town driving, it also liberates more space, which has allowed designers to integrate a larger stowage area for everyday items. The well thought-out storage system is rounded off by a pull-out compartment under the front passenger seat, a holder for sunglasses in the roof lining, nets on the front seat backs and a parking ticket holder in the dashboard. The rear passenger cabin also offers practical storage spaces which can be expanded with a multifunctional centre armrest (optional).

An under-floor compartment beneath the cargo area helps keep things tidy, while the optional FlexOrganiser system includes two standard rails on both of the rear side walls into which various (optional) elements such as nets, partitions, rods or hooks can be clipped. This means that the luggage compartment can be divided into sections that secure the load and keep it from shifting.

Acoustic comfort improved

Vauxhall's engineers have paid special attention to the new Antara's NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) qualities, and have devised a raft of measures to improve cabin refinement, such as:

Hydraulic engine bearings (engine movement, idling vibrations)
Linkage of all-wheel drive components (noise transmission)
Electronic all-wheel drive control (transmission noise)
Chassis (road noise transmission)
Front frame structure (modified anchor points)
Front splash wall (insulation from engine noise)
Air intake and exhaust systems (flow noise)
Upper body structure (low-frequency rumbling noise)
Windscreen with additional lamination (engine and wind noise)
Rubber door seals (engine and wind noise)
Body seals (wind noise)
Body water repellent (wind noise)
Rear body area (noise insulation from cargo area)
Other areas benefiting from NVH improvements are on the front console, the C and D pillars, the wheelarch liners, steering column, gearshift and door trim. The efforts made by the acoustic specialists lead to a convincing result: the perceptible noise level in the Antara's cabin was reduced by over 3dB (A) and thus more than halved.

The performance features of the on-board electronics were also enhanced. They now include systems for efficient control of the electrical on-board system and battery charge status ("RVC", Regulated Voltage Control) as well as for optimisation of noise insulation and energy efficiency of the engine fan in the diesel versions.

High levels of passive safety

Complementing the chassis and assist systems' active safety gains, the Antara also offers extensive passive safety features. They are based on a rigid bodyshell structure made up of 37 percent high-strength steel.

The side beam, cross bar and front axle distribute energy from a frontal collision along optimised load paths, thus helping to prevent deformation of the passenger compartment. B-pillars constructed of tailored blank metal sheets with varying thickness ensure safety in the event of a side-impact collision. A reinforced rear structure with large longitudinal beams and a fuel tank positioned in front of the rear axle round off the body safety measures.

In the event of minor accidents at low speed, special crash boxes at the front and rear absorb the collision energy and thus limit potential repair costs. Vauxhall has also taken precautions in terms of long-term quality: all of the corrosion-prone areas of the body are galvanized on both sides.

The Vauxhall Antara's passive safety is further enhanced by extensive restraint and add-on systems including:

Front airbags
Side airbags for driver and front passenger
Head curtain airbags in front and rear/outer seats
Three-point safety belts on all five seats
Seat belt pre-tensioners and belt force limiters in front
Height-adjustable headrests on all five seats
Belt warning for driver and front passenger seat
ISOFIX mountings on outer rear seats to secure child safety seats
Seat occupation recognition with front passenger-side deactivation of front and side airbag to mount a child seat
DESIGN

Elegant crossover with clear brand connection

Exterior: Fresh and modern design enhancements for 2011
Interior: Upscale ambience and additional functionality
More than ever before, the new Vauxhall Ampera combines the rugged looks of an off-roader with a hint of urban chic.

Exterior changes to the 2011 model include a newly designed front grille whose dynamic V form continues in the crease on the hood up to the A-pillars. The front grille's chrome bezel with its trademark chrome bar, carry the bold Griffin logo and new fog lamps, accentuating Vauxhall's sculptural design language and the crossover's upscale look.

Dark toned cladding around the doorsill and floor areas as well as distinctive underside protection are a clear sign of the Vauxhall Antara's offroad intent. The rear features balanced proportions and a symmetry that sets it apart from the competition.

Clear contours reflect robustness and quality, while curves in the right places of the underbody, waistline and the roof form a harmonious unit. The Antara's eye-catching looks are rounded off by large rear wrap-around lights with newly designed surface graphics and elegant alloy wheels in a choice of 17-, 18- or 19-inch diameter sizes.

Interior with new instruments, new materials and additional storage space

The Antara's updated interior offers improved comfort and quality. New levels of standard equipment include an electric parking brake and seats offering either manual six-stage or optional power eight-stage adjustment.

The refreshed interior also includes instruments with new bezels and distinctive, easy-to-read cluster graphics. New panelling and upholstery materials, the new (optional) leather trim and elegant interior lighting create a high-quality look and feel.

TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT

Comfort, functionality and individuality

Electric parking brake and Hill Start Assist standard
Three equipment variants and upscale options available
The 2011 Antara model comes as standard with an electric parking brake that ensures easy drive away on gradients, particularly in combination with Hill Start Assist (HSA) which is also standard. New safety features include deactivation of front and side airbags on the front passenger side when a child safety seat is mounted, optimised seat-belt pretensioners on the front seats and a tyre repair kit.

Customers have a choice of three equipment versions: Antara Exclusiv FWD, Exclusiv AWD or SE AWD. Standard features include:

Antara Exclusiv FWD

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Traction Control (TC)
Hill Descent Control System (DCS)
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Fog lamps
Roof rails
Front and side airbags in front
Head curtain airbags in front and outer rear
Airbag deactivation passenger side
Seat-belt pre-tensioner
Seat-belt warning buzzer
ISOFIX child seat mountings outer rear
Tyre repair kit
Electric parking brake
Power windows front and rear
Heated power side-view mirrors
Leather steering wheel
Air conditioning
Radio CD 30 MP3 with AUX-in and steering wheel controls
12-volt sockets in front, rear and cargo area
Centre armrest in front
Pull-out storage compartment under passenger seat
Storage pockets on front seat backs
Cargo space cover
Rear seat backs fold down in 60:40 split
17-inch alloy wheels with 235/65 R 17 tyres
Exclusiv AWD

In addition to the standard equipment in the Exclusiv FWD, the Exclusiv AWD variant offers:

Electronically controlled all-wheel drive
Automatic Lighting Control (ALC)
Trailer Stability Program (TSP)
Dark tinted glazing in rear
Electronic climate control
Leather gearshift knob
Graphic info display (GID)
Parking assist front/rear
On-board computer
Cruise control
Heated Front Seats
18-inch alloy wheels with 235/55 R18 tyres
SE

Beyond the equipment in the Exclusiv AWD, the SE offers:

Chrome exterior door handles
Chrome exhaust
Heat-absorbing windshield
Rain sensor windscreen wipers
Illuminated make-up mirror on both visors
Centre armrest in rear with storage compartment
Leather seat facings
Alloy wheels 19 inch / tyre size: 235/50R19
Xenon headlamps
Headlamp cleaning system
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Heated, power adjustable and folding side-view mirrors
Interior and exterior (driver side) automatic dipping mirrors
SE Nav

184PS engine
Mobile Phone System with Bluetooth
DVD100 Navigation System
Numerous choices for individualisation

The possibilities for personalising the new Antara begin with a choice of six exterior colours: Olympic White, Sovereign Silver, Placid Grey, Thunder Grey, Carbon Black and Cream White. Depending on equipment variant, the interior trimsavailable are: Jet Black cloth/Morrocana with Exclusiv models, or Saddle Brown for the top-of-the-line SE variant.

High quality accessories

The Vauxhall Antara can be equipped with an extensive range of accessories, ranging from roof boxes, roof-rack systems and a trailer hitch to exclusive alloy wheels, child seats and trays and floor mats for the cargo area. Bluetooth-compatible audio systems with steering wheel controls and a USB interface in the front console to connect external media players and Apple iPhones are also available.

TECHNICAL DATA

Engines 2.2 CDTI
(163 PS) 2.2 CDTI
(184 PS)
Emissions standard compliance Euro 5 Euro 5
Number of cylinders / valves per cylinder 4/4 4/4
Displacement cmテつウ 2231 2231
Bore x stroke mm 86 x 96 86 x 96
Max. output kW / hp 120 / 163 135 / 184
at rpm 3800 3800
Max. torque Nm 350 400
at rpm 2000 2000
Compression ratio 16.3 : 1 16.3 : 1
Transmission
6-speed manual with FWD/AWD */* -/*
6-speed automatic with FWD/AWD */* -/*
Trailer load in kg
Unbraked at 12% gradient 750 750
Braked at 10% gradient (M6/AT6) 2000 / 1700 2000 / 1700
Braked at 12% gradient (M6/AT6) 2000 / 1700 2000 / 1700

Driving performance, fuel consumption and emissions
Performance Fuel Consumption (mpg) CO2
Maximum speed (mph) 0 - 62
mph (seconds) Urban Extra-
urban Combined Emissions
in g/km
(combined)
FWD
2.2 CDTI (163 hp) - M6 117 9.9 34.4 54.3 44.8 167
AWD
2.2 CDTI (163 hp) - M6 117 9.9 32.8 50.4 42.8 175
2.2 CDTI (163 hp) - A6 113 12.0 27.4 44.1 36.2 205
2.2 CDTI (184 hp) - M6 124 9.6 32.8 50.4 42.8 175
2.2 CDTI (184 hp) - A6 119 10.1 27.4 44.1 42.8 205

* Data according to 1999 / 100 / EC

Vehicle dimensions in mm
Length 4596
Width 1850
Height (at kerb weight) - with/without roof rack 1761/1717
Wheelbase 2707
Track, front 1569
Track, rear 1576
Turning clearance in m
Wall-to-wall 12.25
Kerb-to-kerb 11.87
Luggage compartment dimensions in mm
Floor length to rear seat backs 928
Floor length with rear seat backs folded down 1740
Floor length with rear seat back and front passenger seat back folded down 2635
Width at wheel arches 968
Maximum width 1320
Height of sill 796
Height boot-lid opening 1855
Width at beltline 1111
Luggage compartment capacity (l) according to ISO 3832
Luggage compartment to top of rear seat backs 420
With rear seat backs folded forward, up to top of front seat backs 865
With rear seat backs folded forward, up to ceiling 1420
Weight and axle load in kg
Kerb weight incl. driver (according to 70/156/EC) 1885-1996
Permissible gross vehicle weight 2258-2370
Payload 373/374
Maximum axle load, front / rear 1250 - 1350
Maximum roof load 100
Fuel tank capacity (in litres) 65
All road capabilities (at kerb weight)
Fording depth up to 450 mm
Approach angle 20テつー
Departure angle 24テつー
Ramp angle 18テつー
Ground clearance 176 mm

PRICING

ANTARA prices
Price (テつ」) VAT (テつ」) Total (テつ」) On-the-road
RRP (テつ」) CO2
(g/km)
Exclusiv
2.2CDTi 16v (163PS) 15825.00 3165.00 18990.00 19995.00 167
2.2CDTi 16v (163PS) 4X4 17783.33 3556.67 21340.00 22345.00 175
2.2CDTi 16v (163PS) 4X4 auto 18741.67 3748.33 22490.00 23795.00 205
SE
2.2CDTi 16v (163PS) 4X4 19491.67 3898.33 23390.00 24395.00 175
2.2CDTi 16v (163PS) 4X4 auto 20458.33 4091.67 24550.00 25855.00 205
2.2CDTi 16v (184PS) 4X4 20375.00 4075.00 24450.00 25455.00 175
2.2CDTi 16v (184PS) 4X4 auto 21333.33 4266.67 25600.00 26905.00 205

ANTARA options
Exclusiv SE Price (テつ」) exc.
VAT Total テつ」 inc.
VAT
EXTERIOR OPTION
Two-coat metallic or pearlescent paint ? ? 391.67 470.00
RETAILER-FIT OPTIONS
Navigation NX501E ? ? 916.67 1100.00
* 3D navigation system with 6-inch colour touch screen
* 44 country European mapping
* USB iPod connection in glovebox
* Mobile phone system with Bluetooth
* DVD/DivX playback
Rubber-backed velour carpet mats ? ? 80.00 96.00
Tow bar with 7-pin electrics1 ? ? 495.83 595.00
Tow bar with 13-pin electrics1 ? ? 537.50 645.00
? = Optional at extra cost
1 = Please note: All New Antara models feature tow bar provision with Trailer Stability Programme and Electronic Stability Programme as standard

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