Opel will globally launch the new Meriva at the 92nd Auto Moto Show in Brussels. This extra attraction for visitors is the result of the success of this compact MPV on the Belgian market, where Opel realizes the fifth largest volume in Europe – which is no mean feat!

The Belgian public will also be able to discover the Opel Monza Concept, a study that illustrates Opel's vision of the future in terms of both design and technology.

Another eye-catcher at the Opel stand will be the new Insignia, presented in different versions, including the most recent and most adventurous break variant: the Insignia Country Tourer.

Last but not least, also present will be the Cascada, and the ADAM, which will showcase a few examples of its numerous individualization options. At last there is the Mokka whose versatility makes it one of the most popular compact SUVs on the European and Belgian markets today.

All this can be seen on the upgraded 2,500 m² stand in Hall 5, where 30 vehicles will be presented on the Opel stand situated in Hall 5. Once again, 65 specially trained consultants will be on hand this year to advise visitors on the extensive Opel range.

The new Meriva will make its debut on the Brussels Show...

Visitors will be given an opportunity to test-drive the electric Ampera indoor on the Eco Test Track . located in Hall 2.

Hans Knol ten Bensel

New Opel Meriva with new generation engines and many upgrades

The new Meriva receives a new grille that has the characteristics of the new Opel Insignia revealed at the 2013 IAA.

LED technology is now available for the daytime running lights and rear lamps resulting in a crisp, high tech look.

A fine chrome trim highlights the typical window wave-shaped beltline, making a family resemblance with the ADAM, the Cascada and the Insignia.

As well as looking the part, the Meriva now features Opel’s new generation diesel powertrain, the 1.6 CDTI that had its debut in the Zafira Tourer. This refined diesel is one of the quietest in its class, and is initially available in the power variant 100 kW/136 hp and delivers 320 Newtonmeters of maximum torque. It consumes 4.4 liters per 100 kilometers and emits 116 grams of CO2 per kilometer, 10 per cent less than its 96 kW/130 hp, 1.7 predecessor.

In the course of the year 2014, other 1.6 diesel engines will follow, which will be even more economical and have even lower CO2 emissions.

Monza Concept: This Is Opel Tomorrow

The Monza Concept represents the Opel car of tomorrow. It addresses the themes that will be the development-focus of the next generation of Opel cars: maximum connectivity and optimum efficiency.

Connectivity is demonstrated by LED projection technology for instrument and infotainment displays.

Efficiency comes in many ways, with lightweight design, optimal use of interior space, and advanced powertrain technology. The Monza Concept is based on increasing electrification of the automobile in everyday driving, from range-extender to fuel cell.

Opel styling is also expressing pure efficiency in a new, leaner shapes, which are quite pleasing.

New engines and revised infotainment for the Insignia

Opel’s flagship, the new Opel Insignia has more attractive interior and exterior styling.

New efficient direct injection engines like the two turbo gasoline units and the new 98 g CO2 turbo diesel expand the portfolio.

This low emissions level puts the new 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine in the A+ efficiency class.

In four and five-door models with a six-speed manual gearbox and Start/Stop, both output variants (88 kW/120 hp and 103 kW/140 hp) consume 3.7 liters of fuel per 100 km over the combined cycle, while the Sports Tourer achieves 3.9 l/100 km.

The new Insignia Country Tourer will be present in Brussels 

As a result, the Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTI is the most fuel efficient diesel car in its class.

With a drag coefficient of just below 0.25, the Insignia is now the most streamlined five-door hatchback in the world.

With 239 kW/325 hp and 435 Nm maximum torque, the Insignia OPC is the ultimate performer among Opel models. The front and rear are also re-styled.

Insignia Country Tourer: Fit for Adventure

The new Insignia Country Tourer is geared for adventure. Defining features include under-ride décor elements front and rear, combined with prominent wheel-arch and lower body cladding, all complemented by dual exhaust tailpipes.

The Insignia OPC is Opel's top performance flagship...

The Country Tourer is equipped for terrain by the addition of a standard protective guard under the engine compartment.

All-wheel drive ensures grip and sure-footed handling in all driving conditions. It is teamed with turbo engines such as a 184 kW/250 hp, 2.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo gasoline unit or a high-performance 2.0 CDTI BiTurbo – both generating maximum torque of 400 Nm.

The entry level version of the new Insignia Country Tourer is equipped with the 2.0 CDTI with 120 kW/163 hp, six-speed manual gearbox, all-wheel drive and Start/Stop system.

Cascada: Opel’s mid-size convertible

The Opel Cascada offers good driving pleasure with engines such as the new high performance 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo with 147 kW/200 hp and with its super-rigid body, advanced HiPerStrut front suspension – initially developed for the high performance Insignia OPC – and FlexRide adaptive damping system.

The premium soft-top opens at the touch of a button in 17 seconds, while driving at speeds of up to 50 km/h, or also via remote control when the car is at a standstill.

ADAM White Link & Black Link: connectivity and style

The new ADAM Black Link and ADAM White Link special models, which come with the IntelliLink infotainment system and Siri Eyes Free voice control fitted as standard. Produced in a limited edition of 2,000 units, the ADAM Black Link and White Link variants reflect typical smartphone looks in black or white, with accents in brushed aluminum.

With its market launch at the end of 2012, the Opel Mokka (see photo above) is a distinct success. the Opel Mokka introduces ergonomic seating for the first time to the sub-compact SUV market as well as adaptive forward lighting (AFL+) and the integrated FlexFix bike carrier.

Drive and comfort enhancing features include the IntelliLink infotainment system in the cockpit, and as standard the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC) systems.

Apart from front-wheel drive (FWD), the Mokka can be fitted with an intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD). The optional AWD technology recognizes automatically when traction is needed on all four wheels and ensures that it is provided at a maximum level when necessary. Mokka customers can choose from a range of powerful and economical gasoline and diesel engines. Moreover, a 1.4 Turbo LPG version is also available. (see photo below) 

Opel Continues Extensive Powertrain Renewal

Opel is launching three new engine families and 13 new engines between 2012 and 2016, renewing 80 percent of its engine portfolio. In the same period the company will also launch a host of new transmissions. Opel began the renewal of its powertrain portfolio by introducing all-new 1.6-liter gasoline and diesel engines, together with next generation five and six-speed gearboxes.

Making its debut in the ADAM next year, the 3-cylinder 1.0 Turbo 12 valves (85 kW/115 hp) is the first in a new, modular family of three and four-cylinder gasoline engines in the sub-1.6-liter class which are engineered to meet customer demand for strong, downsized engine performance.

It makes its debut in the Opel ADAM next year, together with an all-new, six-speed manual gearbox. All vehicle applications of the 3-cylinder 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo are designed to operate with Start/Stop functionality and are expected to deliver combined cycle CO2 emissions significantly lower than 100 g/km.

Hans Knol ten Bensel