With a smile on his face still fresh facelift and indisputable advantage of an excellent consumer, of the start/stop, the little Opel proved to be a good travel companion. Corsa’s career has just entered the sixth year, but lower class German model gives no sign of fatigue lowest trade. Nor would it be like, given that newly has undergone facelift in 2011. In terms of technical advantages, however, the tested model relies on the advantage given by adding the start/stop 1.3 CDTI ECOTEC engine, already known for some excellent consumption figures. The version available to test, Enjoy, the car has a price of 13.900 euros with TVA.

Visually, the car has to offer a view of more than agreeable. As happened in market timing, Corsa’s design is guided by his elder brother, the Astra compact, but nobody can deny the individuality of small Opel. Lights, revised during the facelift last year, received a black fairing, extending over the front grille. Here, we see chrome grille that dominates the new emblem of the German manufacturer, embossed in the entire ensemble. Bumper also received a “smile” again, and fog lights are now bounded by some chrome trim give a touch of elegance to the car. Bottom does not change as great as the front, standing out here just upgraded emblem. The interior is remarkable tandem of center console inspired silver and ornaments of “piano black” from the vents, chrome trim plus the tools and gear or door handles. The center console emits a high-tech air, although one would have preferred a more ergonomic organization of the myriad of buttons on the board.

A new very high end of the current board is the “eco” clear signal of the adoption system Start/Stop. Sound system controls are centrally located and is organized around the volume knob, similar to those for air conditioning. At nightfall, with the ignition lights, light yellow translucent released the main buttons induce a pleasant atmosphere. Strangely, however, the sound volume level is indicated by the audio display, a shortcoming offset somewhat by the presence of very intuitive commands located on the steering wheel. Dashboard is divided into two quadrants, among whom is the trip computer display. A white ball in terms of design idea of  not going to put clocks horizontal figures, but to guide them as edges quadrants.

Interior space is the direct result of external form, which provides important centimeters to the head. Four people can travel in satisfactory condition at the board’s Opel Corsa ecoFLEX 1.3 CDTI ECOTEC and luggage will not be any left them at home. Even if the volume boot fit in typical small class, with the normal configuration 285 liters with the seats folded and 1100, its regular shape makes it very practical.

After presenting the Frankfurt Motor Show 2011 Opel Astra GTC comes down to the real world, the first diesel engine.
Opel Astra GTC’s story begins in 2006 with the first generation, sold in Europe, in no more than 400,000 copies. This number, together with 450,000 cars sold so far in the current generation of compact German company undertakes to return the segment coupe segment C. But let statistics aside, to see how Astra GTC behaved as will be called next generation, the first meeting, organized by Opel in sunny Palma de Mallorca.

As car designers say, the main sources of inspiration for the aesthetics of the machine can be found in modern sculptures of German artists, but also  film Sin City. The front attract attention instantly because frowning headlights, LED day boomerang-shaped, curved bonnet and the bumper with a revised design to the powerful five-door version. Despite the intense feeling of familiarity given by the outside, there are only three common design elements with the rest of the range: door handles, mirrors and covers radio antenna.

The charm comes from the side line dive of the cap that blends harmoniously with the shoulders profiled quite aggressive, and the line goes up the middle door thresholds. In Chapter wheels, six new types are available, with sizes between 17 and 20 inches.
The back, however, can be considered the most attractive angle Astra GTC Opel. Curved rear window plunge beneath the arched ceiling, to continue the boot door, draw sculptural. Bite of powerful lights flared wings and take boomerang reason and joined with the bumper, induced illusion.

Those who loved the old GTC, especially those who have ordered panoramic windscreen have a reason for joy. Opel was the first manufacturer to offer such a windshield, and the Germans did not give up this option even if the new generation’s 3-door hatch based on the Astra. For when the sun shines very strong, there is a handy adjustable shutter, located under the window wide. If the outside we are dealing with a significantly different model from the basic version, the Astra GTC’s interior is largely unchanged.

The same board, uninterrupted transition from the center console gearbox. However, it would be preferable to most studied ergonomics of the buttons on the center console, easily crowded. There is news, however: new upholstery colors and patterns for the top of the dashboard, such as shades Imola Red/Morrocan, or Imola Black, Black/Morrocan, combined with black decorations and piano-black suede Dinamarca. The new sport steering wheel completes the atmosphere, and ergonomic chairs, and taken from the optional five-door Astra offers eight different positions.

In 1862, Adam Opel has used his father’s locksmith shop from Russelsheim, Germany, to produce sewing machines. In 1886, the first bicycle, the “Velociped” is launching on the market. By the mid-20, Opel became the largest byciclet producer in the world. Meanwhile, the bikes were added to the list of products. Opel begins the automotive history in 1899; the company is the second oldest German car manufacturer after Daimler-Benz.

In the autumn of 1902, Opel presented the “Patent Motorcar Lutzmann” with a 10/12 hp engine. Enjoys fast cars increase in popularity: by 1906, already more than 1,000 such vehicles have rolled off the production line. The brand builds its own name as a manufacturer of affordable models that are successful in sales like “Doktorwagen” (1909) or “Puppchen” (1914). These models are based on the company ethos of delivering quality vehicles, reliable and accessible to large segments of customers.

In 1924, Opel is the first German automaker that uses an automated assembly line. For example, in 1928, the Opel model rocket exceeds the record of speed at Berlin Avus race track. Fritz von Opel reaches a speed of 238 km/h, unimaginable in those days. A year later, Opel aims sky: his Opel-Sander RAK1 take off from a large market in Frankfurt, becoming the first public flight with rocket pilot, although it was a short one.

Opel and the sister brand Vauxhall from the UK now sell cars in over 40 countries. The company has a workforce of around 40,500 factories and engineering centers in six European nations. Only in 2010, Opel / Vauxhall sold more than 1.1 million cars and light commercial vehicles, reaching a market share of 6.2% in Europe. With the launch of the Ampera electric, traditional brand starts a new segment in the European automotive industry and highlights the role of trendsetter for progressive mobility solutions.

Those from Opel announce the introduction of the Insignia mid range model of a new diesel engine, 2.0 liter and 195 hp. Here is some further information about this engine.

For now, the European market Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTI diesel engine offered in 3 versions of power: 110 hp, 130 hp and 160 hp ecoFLEX. But the competition has pushed the Germans from Opel to think of a more powerful diesel.

So, in 2012, Opel Insignia will benefit from a new diesel motor: 2.0 CDTi Biturbo. An engine jointly developed with Fiat Group, which develops a maximum power of 195 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm. Therefore, with 35 hp more than the 160 hp version, namely a maximum torque of 50 Nm best.

Obviously, his performance is announced Insignia CDTi BiTurbo best: 0-100 km / h in 8.7 seconds (9.5 seconds compared to version 160 hp) and a top speed of 230 km / h (220 km / h the 160 hp version). Consumption is only 0.6 litres/100 km large version to 160 horsepower, reaching to 4.9 liters/100 km and CO2 emissions are 129 g/km (compared to 115 g/km to 160 versions CP).

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Insignia CDTi BiTurbo benefits by a standard system start/stop engine and 6-speed manual transmission is. This version will be offered in combination with four-wheel drive, while the front suspension Strut benefit from Hyper solution on top Insignia OPC version to ensure an excellent dynamic.

The new biturbo diesel CDTi 195 hp will be available for all three body styles (4-door, 5-door Sports Tourer) and prices in Europe will start from around 33,000 euro, the launch will take place at Motor Show Geneva 2012.

It’s no secret that almost all manufacturers offer for customers the possibility of conducting driver training for refining qualities, and somewhere to taste a little of riding sensations. Opel offers the chance to enter in the world from Dudenhofen, where the Germans have created a parallel universe where they can test a model in almost all conditions.

The basic course is called “Driver Training” and costs 297.50 euro. A course designed to make the driver aware of the limits of his car, to appreciate better the braking distances and braking points, which means an avoidance maneuver… so-called elk test. And for experienced drivers exists OPC Performance Training, a course that costs 480 euros. About this we will discuss below. Obviously the current models wearing all OPC signature.

One of the OPC driving tests is the slalom. At the first sight it is a harmless and relatively trivial test for a driver who believes that he has experience. However the slalom is one of the most complex tests where you have to find a balance between speed and direction and how aggressive you are. For instructors is probably the analyzing level of each student. The first mistake in this test is to approaching with too much speed in slalom, leading to strong understeer.

OPC Performance Training is a very good course. There will be a good course for those who go to this course believing that they know everything. To learn must not forget that OPC Performance Training is not a race where you have to prove to others and instructors that you are the best. In respect of the instructors are few things that can impress, especially when your name is Joachim Winkelhock and the record of two wins in 24-hour race at Nurburgring and one 24-hour race at Le Mans. A course in which you have the opportunity to learn from the legends of motorsport.