Small and fun little car | Opel

• 25 years ago Opel presented the Concept A model
• An overview of what would become the Opel Agila
• Low production with two fuels (gasoline and methane)

Turin – Twenty-five years ago, at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1999, Opel presented the world’s first research study of a small recreational vehicle. A natural line, high performance and a modern ecological engine that used two different fuels were its key features. The Opel Concept A model presented itself as a car that can be easily converted from a 4-seater to a 2-seater with a large trunk. The elevated driving position facilitated entry and exit from the passenger compartment and allowed a view of the road from the command position. In summary, the Opel A Concept was aimed at the public’s attention to new trends and the interest in free time.

Economic and ecological

The prototype was powered by an engine that could run on two different fuels and have very low emissions. At the push of a button, the Opel Corsa driver had a turbocharger to compensate for any drop in power when switching from gasoline to methane. In fact, with 88 HP (65 kW), the ECOTEC engine was slightly more powerful when using methane than the 86 HP (63 kW) petrol. Although it was light, compact and used less fuel at medium speeds, this engine provided performance comparable to that of large displacement engines.

The Opel Concept A was able to reach a speed of 162 km/h with methane (160 km/h with petrol) and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 11 seconds flat (11.5 seconds with petrol). Once the methane tank was full, the engine management would automatically switch to gasoline. With a full tank of methane the car had a range of 200 km and another 425 km on petrol thanks to the 25 liter tank.

Flexible cockpit for free time

A quarter of a century ago, the Opel Concept A represented yet another example of Opel’s ability to make the most of space even in a small car. A clever mechanism allowed both parts of the rear seat to be folded easily and quickly, making them disappear from the floor, thus providing a completely flat loading surface. The front passenger seat had the same mechanism: in this way large objects could be loaded onto the board and pushed forward to the height of the dashboard. Another peculiarity emphasized the usefulness of this system of reconfiguring the seats: an extendable ramp mounted on the rails allowed several bicycles to be easily loaded inside.

Inside the cabin was an interesting mix of materials and colors, accentuated by digital instruments and Alcantara inserts on the steering wheel and seats. In addition to front and side airbags, seat belt retractors and detachable pedals (an Opel patent), the model was comprehensively equipped including an electric sunroof and a satellite navigation system. A drawer under the driver’s seat, a shelf in the third roof pillar and a storage compartment in the roof can accommodate various items.

Free time air

The distinctive cut of the headlights and the typical Opel grille shape meant that the maker of this concept car was instantly recognisable. Styling elements such as a front spoiler with well-spaced air intake fins and fog lights emphasized the car’s character.

Looking at the car in profile, the high belt line, dimensions of the first and third pillars and marked wheel arches immediately catch the eye. A line that continued diagonally downwards from the edge of the windshield to the front wheel arch and the large exterior mirrors – which mirrored the shape of the integrated light clusters (light/turn indicator) – gave it more personality. The overall look was completed with a two-tone paint that created a series of interesting reflections from matte to metallic.

Bold tire design with low consumption

The 17″ alloy wheels of the Opel Concept A were a legitimate example of a successful compromise between beauty and performance. With their relatively narrow dimensions and low rolling resistance, the 155/60 tires that Kleber had designed specifically for this car gave the car a dynamic and technological and contributed significantly to reducing fuel consumption The specific tread design did more than transfer the stylistic theme from the wheels to the tires: it ensures good grip on slippery road surfaces.

Opel Agila: a success story

Released in autumn 1999, when it went on sale at the beginning of the following year the first generation Opel Agila (based on the Concept A model) was the first microminivan listed by a European car manufacturer. In seven years, more than 440,000 Opel Agila-As were produced from the factory in Gliwice, Poland (40% of which were purchased in Italy).

Click on the address:

Stephen Virgil
Communication Manager Opel Italy

stefano.virgilio@opel-vauxhall.com

Address to the public:
telephone. +39 02 7541 9845
Via the web on the web:
https://opel.my-customerportal.com/opel/s/?language=it
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