If that does not bode times: after days of storms and rains, the Mallorcan sky cleared as we arrived and the sun made this November once again properly tag summery. Perfect conditions for an intensive island-tour with the new Opel Astra GTC.
The Astra GTC sees itself as an independent sport compact cars in the Opel family. And at first glance, he knows quite uncomfortable with dynamic design elements, striking lines and a really successful rims offer (with sizes up to 20 inches) to the viewer show gleichmal the proverbial teeth - in short, except for the housing of the mirrors and the antenna does not comply a body part to another Astra model. And this is probably also deliberately been made, since the conventional Astra yes unfortunately sometimes as "Opi-cart" is stigmatized - even if the current model certainly knocked off the old image considerably. But before it can go, it must first carry-on baggage is stowed in the trunk, which is not so easy is how you get on the trunk? Ahh ... a short press on the Opel lightning reveals the secret!
Well, it goes directly from the airport on the highway to the north. Our test car is equipped with the most powerful diesel engine with 2.0 liter displacement and 121 kW (165 hp). Except for the entry-way, all Astra models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. So far so good, you roll comfortably over the Mallorcan highway, when suddenly an alarm sounds. Hmm, what is it? Ah, the track assistant, as the newest feature of the front camera "Opel Eye" is on board. He warns when crossing the road with a warning label. Is it in similar form at Mercedes and to warn of dangerous especially when falling asleep in front of an encounter with the guard rail. In the self-test proved to be an intuitive alert system on the whole to be quite reliable. Deliberate crossing the road marking has been identified and therefore no warning sounded.
In this model, the chassis will be offered assistance system FlexRide, which offers the driver a choice between the driving modes, "Sport" and "tour", respectively, to choose neither. For the leisurely drive on the highway is first "tour" is selected, which brings us closer to 130-140 km / h and average consumption of 5-6 liters / 100 km in order to: Cape Formentor - the last part of the tour will exciting, because it goes into the mountains. For the switchbacks, we select the driving mode "sport" - and not just the instrument display now shines in a sporty red, no throttle response is also sportier and there is a general feeling that the car responds to steering movements directly. Here, the 380 Newton meters show the diesel unit, what they can. The acceleration out of tight cornering is fun, which is mainly due to the new chassis.
Later we learn that Opel's engineers have spent a lot of time on the test track in order to optimize the chassis of the Astra GTC, so that the many new technological innovations in harmony with each other properly. Speaking of innovations in the chassis. Because the Astra will be built on a completely new platform, one could put in comparison with the standard Astra GTC, the deep by 15 mm and widen the wheelbase by 10 mm and the track by 40 mm (front) and 30mm (rear) . Moreover, even an electronically controlled, speed-sensitive rack and pinion steering is used. In conjunction with new technology in the suspension, the Astra GTC now boasts a more direct steering response and generally better handling than its predecessor. As the latest automotive tech-concept at this point would be "HiPerStrut front suspension" to call that comes in the Insignia OPC is used in the Astra and now includes as standard equipment. In order to give the driver precise feedback, the electric motor is mounted directly on the rack and not as usual at the bottom of the steering column.
At the end of the day we can again examine the interior. As with all current Opel models also have the Astra GTC, material selection and processing re quality. Among many applications in brushed aluminum-look especially the subtle backlighting to know in the door trim and gear lever on the faucet to like it. Characteristic also is standard and the steering wheel. For the Astra one can choose the Edition models and innovation in a variety of new fabrics, colors and patterns. The color combinations Imola Red / Morrocana, or Imola Black, Black / Morrocana, black for the seat center sections and side panels blend well with the decor strips in the piano-style. In addition, another leather interiors called "Dinamica Black" will be available.
From mid-January 2012, the Opel Astra GTC is rolling out to dealers. For the basic model with 1.4-liter petrol and 100 hp € 19,900 are due to launch the first diesel engine only, the common-rail turbo-diesel 2.0 CDTI with 121 kW/165 hp, will be available from € 25,055.
Parallel to the AMI in Leipzig will be new Citroen C4 Aircross SUV on 02.06.2012 in the market. The Citroen C4 Aircross builds on the technology of the Mitsubishi ASX on - after all, come and design of small diesel with 115 hp from a French pen.
When Citroen C4 Aircross tried with success, the symbiosis of the design of an SUV with a sedan. At the front is on the wide grille that sets the angle of the double mark in the limelight. The front end is accentuated by horizontal lines and side vents, and underscores its compactness. The modeling of the hood, the enlarged wheel arches and short overhangs convey the impression of robustness. In the side mirror turn signals are integrated, the tail lights are equipped with light bars, and the reversing camera fits in the chrome strip on the tailgate. The shark fin is adorned with a chrome-plated compass rose, which belongs to the C4 Aircross SUV family to underline the brand. The rear lights are from the C4 sedan and the Hypnos concept car inspired.
The Citroen C4 Aircross is available with either a variable all-wheel drive. This enables optimal torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. The system is compact and lightweight and will also reduce the use of an oil with low viscosity in the transfer case fuel consumption. The propulsion system "à la carte", the driver, depending on the driving situation manually select one of three driving modes 4WD, 2WD and lock means of a knob behind the gearshift. The mode "Lock" provides maximum traction by 50 percent of the torque is transmitted to the rear wheels. The two-wheel mode (2WD) minimizes fuel consumption by only the front wheels are driven.
The HDi engine 115 is offered in conjunction with a six-speed manual transmission, both in a 2WD version and four-wheel drive. This engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters delivers an output of 115 hp. The maximum torque of 270 Nm (up to 280 Nm with the "overboost") is from 1750 rev / min available. The C4 is Aircross from launch with the HDi 150 diesel engine available. The 1.6i petrol engine 115 is offered as a 2WD version with a five-speed manual transmission. The engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters equipped with two front camshafts, 16 valves and a system for continuously variable control. It combines an output of 115 horsepower with emissions of 135 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
During the trip were the two diesel units, both as a pleasing elasticity. The big diesel also allows acceleration at low engine speed range. This is a small diesel noticeably heavier, but its elasticity is in the acceptable range.
The C4 Aircross is equipped with Stop & Start. In addition, an electronically controlled generator is for energy recovery during braking and deceleration and the electronic power steering that only uses energy when the steering wheel is moved.
With compact size, the Aircross a very spacious interior, where four adults can survive longer rides comfortably. With its five seats and a boot capacity of 442 liters, it also fulfills an important everyday needs. Its rear seat is split and provided with a through-loading feature. When additional cargo space is needed, the rear seats are folded down easily.
The Citroen C4 offers Aircross his driver a higher seating position and thus a very good all round visibility. The driving position is ergonomically positioned, the instruments are easy to use. The driver has a height and length adjustable leather steering wheel, the audio features, the speed controller and the headset can be used directly.
Optionally, the C4 Aircross be equipped with a panoramic glass roof with UV protection and an electric sun blind with sequential control, which creates a comfortable level in the interior. In bright sunlight, it is always advisable to use the shading, otherwise there is the air conditioning to their limits. At night give dimmable, amber integrated into the headliner LED lights to the panoramic glass roof, a pleasant atmosphere.
The Citroen C4 Aircross features an optional GPS navigation system, equipped with a 7-inch touch screen and hard drive. A rear view camera that is connected with the navigation system facilitates the maneuvering and parking.
To ensure the safety of seven airbags: driver and a passenger airbag deactivating one, two side airbags, dual front and rear head curtain airbags and a knee airbag for the driver.
It all starts at 23 690 euros for a small 1.6-liter gasoline engine.
photos: Auto.Medienportal.net
With a large and terminating in a long time ago now lift system, the Toyota Prius is considered. Visually hand here and there has been created: one profilierteres exterior design, refined interior quality and new instruments. Basically, the offer was revised and the multimedia and navigation systems.
Comes from the basic version in the new Toyota Prius has been a standard 2012er The "Toyota Touch" system with six speakers are used. This radio / audio system with CD/MP3 player features a 6.1-inch touch screen color monitor. On it, among other things, the energy flow of the hybrid system are shown.
Phone handsfree and audio streaming via Bluetooth, a USB port and a rearview camera are also standard equipment. For 550 €, it can be extended by the navigation function to "Toyota Touch & Go". The map of Europe will be optionally displayed in 2D or 3D. The destination for the dynamic routing can be done by entering addresses directly from your mobile phone address book, or if an online-enabled mobile phone is connected, via Google Local Search can be made from the Google Maps database. If a PC is used for travel planning, then the target data via Google Send-to-Car will be sent to the vehicle. The variable speed limit display with visual and audible speed warning prevents unpleasant mail from Flensburg. In the future, can be found by means of optional apps in addition to the weather forecast and the least expensive of the surrounding gas stations or the free parking garage.
For 950 € extra charge there is the option "Toyota Touch & Go Plus", it has a voice control for destination entry, navigation control, search for songs or contacts from the phonebook of the phone. Even e-mail reception and transmission is not possible, with the text-to-speech voice output to the driver, the contents read out on demand. The USB interface now allows the display of photos or video playback. The map data and the software can be updated at the Touch & Go plus three years for free.
The Prius comes standard executive not only a multimedia navigation system but also about the "Toyota Touch". The high-resolution 7-inch touch screen displays all relevant information for navigation, audio system and climate control. In addition to the system provides an automatic map zoom at intersections, an online search for "Points of Interest" and the transmission of navigation instructions to the head-up display. The system provides access to SMS and e-mails that can be read via the "Text to Speech" technology. The standard scope also includes a reversing camera with dynamic leadership markings.
From 21 April 2012, the Toyota Prius in the fresh trade is ordered. The price of the 2012er-generation model starting at € 26 500.
