- Astra 5-door, Astra Sports Tourer, Meriva now available with 1.4 Turbo LPG engines
- Corsa 1.2 LPG on sale since summer 2011
- LPG debut of Zafira Tourer and Insignia in autumn 2012
- Up to 40% lower fuel costs and up to 15% lower emissions than comparable gasoline engines
Rüsselsheim. Opel is expanding and enhancing its Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) offer. The Astra 5-door hatchback, the Astra Sports Tourer and the Meriva can now be ordered with the new, powerful yet economical 1.4 liter LPG Turbo ecoFLEX engine.
The engine that can operate in LPG and gasoline mode packs a punch and is available in two power versions: 103 kW/140 hp with 200 Nm of torque in the Astra 5-door and Sports Tourer and with 88 kW/120 hp (175 Nm) in the Meriva. CO2 emissions of the Euro 5 certified engine in LPG mode are as low as 124 g/km for the Meriva, 129 g/km for the Astra 5-door and 132 g/km for the Astra Sports Tourer in the combined cycle.
The entry price for the Astra 5-door 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX is 22.670 euro, for the Astra Sports Tourer LPG 23.770 and for the Meriva LPG version prices start at 22.240 euro (all recommended retail prices in Germany, including VAT).
Their debut comes after the Corsa LPG 1.2 ecoFLEX 3- and 5-door models had their launch in June 2011, marking the start of the new generation of Opel LPG vehicles. The Corsa 1.2 LPG three door version delivers 61kW/83 hp in LPG mode yet only emits 110 g/km CO2
In the autumn of 2012, Opel’s ecoFLEX spectrum will be further expanded when the 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX versions of the Zafira Tourer and the Insignia are released.
LPG is part of Opel’s portfolio of alternative propulsion systems that also includes CNG models (Compressed Natural Gas: Zafira 1.6 Turbo, Zafira Tourer 1.6 CNG Turbo and Combo 1.4 CNG Turbo) as well as electric vehicles such as the revolutionary Opel Ampera with range extender. The Ampera is the first electric vehicle that can go anywhere anytime and was just nominated as a finalist for the “Car of the Year 2012” award. With its new LPG ecoFLEX models Opel underscores its mission to be a leader in alternative propulsion systems and is responding to the increasing popularity of autogas throughout Europe which is driven by cost conscious and environmentally aware customers.
LPG owners can make fuel cost savings of up to 40%. In certain countries, such as Germany, there are significant tax incentives for LPG vehicle owners. LPG customers can expect up to 15% lower CO2 emissions in LPG mode than their gasoline counterparts. In addition, the new Euro 5 standard models, Opel offers a complete LPG solution ex works, ensuring that the LPG ecoFLEX models are delivered in high Opel quality and with the full manufacturer warranty. Since 2009, Opel has been producing LPG vehicles. Around 61,000 vehicles have been sold across Europe with around 80% in Italy alone.
All Opel LPG models offer the full functionality of a gasoline engine combined with the specific advantages of LPG. That is because an LPG tank is installed in addition to a gasoline tank. This means LPG vehicles have considerably lower fuel bills and increased operating range: without range anxiety. For example, the total operating range of the Astra 5-door 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX featuring a 56 liter gasoline tank and a 49 liter LPG tank is more than 1,400 kilometers.
Environmentally friendly innovations
For its latest generation of LPG engines, Opel has carried out a significant optimization of the engine and LPG unit software so that both elements communicate better with one another. The engine can alternate easily between the LPG and the gasoline modes and adjust according to which type of fuel is being used. This means that the engine runs more efficiently and CO2 emissions are kept to a minimum.
Easy to use LPG switch
The Corsa, Astra and Meriva LPG models all feature a new, easy to reach Gasoline/LPG switch centrally located in the instrument panel, making the switch-over between the LPG and gasoline mode easier than ever. Operation modes (LPG to gasoline and vice versa) are switched automatically or can be chosen manually. A light is illuminated inside the switch when the vehicle is in LPG mode. As soon as the car switches into gasoline usage the light is switched off. This innovation will also be offered in the Zafira Tourer and Insignia LPG variants for 2012.
LPG tank storage solution
Opel’s customized LPG system has a practical storage solution for the LPG gas. It has been optimally integrated in the spare-wheel housing. This ensures that the passenger and load compartments are spacious and are not restricted. Tire repair kits are offered as standard on board all LPG vehicles.
User friendly infrastructure for European LPG users
Opel LPG vehicle owners benefit from an excellent coverage of filling stations across Europe with more than 25,000 in operation. So traveling through Europe with an LPG vehicle does not turn into a journey in search of fuel. With more than 6,400 LPG filling stations, Germany has the largest infrastructure in Europe. Other European countries also have a plethora of LPG stations. Italy, for example, has well over 2,800 stations, France more than 1,800; the Netherlands over 1,400 and Belgium well over five hundred. In Britain, almost 600 filling stations sell LPG. Hungary has about 250 stations.
Opel’s current LPG ecoFLEX range
| LPG ecoFLEX model | Fuel mode | Output (kW/hp) | Nm | Top speed km/h | Consumption (l/100 km) | CO2 emissions (g/km) | |||||||
| Astra 5-door 1.4 Turbo | LPG/Gasoline | 103/140 | 200 | 200 | 7.9/6.0 | 129/141 | |||||||
| Astra Sports Tourer 1.4 Turbo | LPG/Gasoline | 103/140 | 200 | 200 | 8.1/6.1 | 132/144 | |||||||
| Meriva 1.4 Turbo | LPG/Gasoline | 88/120 | 175 | 187/188 | 7.6/6.2* | 124/146 | |||||||
| Corsa 1.2 5-door* | LPG/Gasoline | 61/83 vs.63/85 | 110/115 | 168/170 | 7.1 / 5.6 | 115/134 | |||||||
