Opel unveiling new 1.6L turbocharged SIDI engine with stop/start at Moscow International Auto Salon

16 August 2012

At the upcoming Moscow International Auto Salon in September, GM’s Opel will unveil the first unit of three completely new engine families in its pipeline: a 1.6-liter (1598 cc) SIDI (spark ignition direct injection) gasoline turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The new ECOTEC engine provides a high maximum torque of up to 300 N·m (221 lb-ft). The production start is scheduled for the end of the year; Russia is expected to be one its biggest markets.

At the Moscow show, Opel is also unveiling the new four-door Astra sedan, and the Astra five-door and the Astra Sports Tourer with their updated and fresh design cues.

After Germany, Russia is currently the second biggest automotive market in Europe. Last year around 70,000 Opel cars were sold there. This year, from January to July, the Opel brand grew by 29%—more than twice as fast as the market. According to predictions, Russia is expected to become Europe´s main market with up to 3.4 million total vehicle sales in 2014.

Its high growth potential is down to the low average of vehicles per capita. For example, Russia has half as many vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants as Germany. More than half of all cars on Russian roads are more than ten years old. In this high growth market, four-door sedans and SUVs are in high demand. Across all segments, more than 60% of all sedans sold in Europe are sold in Russia. Last year, in the compact segment 51% of customers there opted for a notchback version.

The Astra is by far the most successful Opel model in Russia. In the first half of 2012 alone, it managed to increase its compact segment share from 4.4 to 6%.