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Opel Displays Full ecoFLEX Range in Geneva
4 March 2008
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| The Opel ecoFLEX range. |
Following the concept presentation and premiere of the Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX at the IAA 2007 in Frankfurt (earlier post), Opel has expanded the number of ecoFLEX models and is displaying the entire range at the Geneva Motor Show (6-16 March). The name ecoFLEX is given to each engine variant in the Opel model lines that boasts the best fuel economy and thereby the lowest emissions. The cars will all be on the market this spring.
The Opel Corsa 1.3 CDTI, Meriva 1.3 CDTI, Astra 1.3 CDTI, Zafira 1.6 CNG and Combo 1.6 CNG ecoFLEX models boast the best CO2 figures in the Opel high-volume model lines. The 55 kW (hp) Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX with longer axle-drive ratio and diesel particulate filter is the top model in the range. The five-door model emits 119 grams CO2 per kilometer. This corresponds to an MVEG (Motor Vehicle Emissions Group) consumption of 4.5 liters of diesel per 100 km (52.2 mpg US).
The Corsa ecoFLEX has a top speed of 163 kph and accelerates from zero to 100 kph in 14.5 seconds. The same engine is also available in the Meriva ecoFLEX (135 grams CO2, 5.0 L/100km (47 mpg US). In the Astra ecoFLEX, the 1.3 CDTI engine variant produces 66 kW (90 hp) (137 grams CO2, 5.1 L/100km). While the Corsa and Meriva ecoFLEX models come with a five-speed manual transmission, the Astra has a six-speed manual gearbox ex works and can be optionally combined with an automated Easytronic six-speed manual transmission.
The low consumption and emission figures are ensured by the world’s smallest four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel engine: the 1.3 CDTI ECOTEC. Optimization of the engine map helps the four-valve unit achieve a reduction of average consumption in the ecoFLEX models. High-level fuel management is ensured by the up to five, 1,400-bar fuel injection processes per cycle that create an extremely fine fuel atomization in the combustion chambers, which have a total displacement of 1,248 cm3.
The 1.3 CDTI’s output of 55 kW (75 hp) or 66 kW (90 hp) is available at 4,000 rpm, and the maximum torque of 170 or 200 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm.
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| Opel Zafira CNG ecoFLEX. |
Natural Gas Vehicles. The Zafira 1.6 CNG ecoFLEX and Combo 1.6 CNG ecoFLEX (Compressed Natural Gas) produce almost no soot particles, 20% less carbon dioxide than a comparable gasoline model and an up to 80% reduction in other harmful emissions. The two CNG variants’ low operating costs also qualify them for the ecoFLEX mark.
The 69 kW (94 hp) 1.6-liter engine can run on natural gas, biogas or any mixture of the two. A 14-liter gasoline reserve tank ensures continued mobility on routes without a natural gas filling station. The vehicles have a combined fuel operating range of more than 500 kilometers (311 miles) is available. The unit has special pistons, valves and valve-seat inserts, as well as separate injection banks for natural gas and gasoline.
March 4, 2008 in Fuel Efficiency | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)
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Comments
"The unit has special pistons, valves and valve-seat inserts, as well as separate injection banks for natural gas and gasoline."
Now if they could have a turbo to take advantage of the high octane of NG, that would be good.
Posted by: sjc | Mar 4, 2008 9:35:17 AM
52 MPG (US) is nothing special for a diesel car of this size in Europe.
It is good, and well done, but I would start leaping around in delight.
Unless perhaps it was very inexpensive so loads of people could buy it.
I wonder how much it would cost to add micro hybrid ?
Posted by: mahonj | Mar 4, 2008 10:11:51 AM
wouldn't
(not would)
Posted by: | Mar 4, 2008 10:12:29 AM
Dear Bob Lutz-
Saturn must offer the "ecoFLEX" range in the USA! "ecoFLEX" Saturns could become a viable competitor to the "Prius" line of hybrid vehicles Toyota has been considering offering in an effort to fully exploit the "Prius" namesake.
The Astra seems like a no-brainer; it is already offered here in the US. I'd buy a +50mpg Saturn Astra in a heartbeat! I'd also buy a roomy +40mpg Saturn Aura- only make mine a wagon with a manual tranny!
As far as I am aware, Honda is the only manufacturer offering a CNG vehicle to the masses. GM shouldn't let itself be outdone on the homefront.
Bottom line: bring the "ecoFLEX" range Stateside!
Posted by: DieselHybrid | Mar 4, 2008 11:07:35 AM
I think Lutz is Mr. Styling and not Mr. Strategy and this may be a good thing for everyone. He was quoted as saying that global warming is BS, so he may not be the one you want out front on this one.
Posted by: sjc | Mar 4, 2008 3:02:25 PM
Do these products meet US criteria emissions requirements? Especially PM & NOx. Euro 5 allows much more NOx than Tier 2 bin 5 required to sell in the US. (~6x more, I believe)
Another issue - will US buyers accept something with a 14.5 second 0-60 mph (~100 kph) time? One of the main objections to eco-vehicles has been the public perception that they are "penalty boxes" - slow, small and painful. Not sure this is the right product to combat that.
Posted by: shane | Mar 4, 2008 6:23:36 PM
Not very good figures given the European Focus emits 115g CO2 and is a class bigger car than the 119g Corsa
Posted by: | Mar 18, 2008 4:43:50 AM
