Power now comes from an all-new Euro 5 compliant 2.2 CDTI diesel (there’s no petrol option), which is available in two states of tune: 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) with 350 Nm (258 lb/ft) of torque, or 181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS) with 400 Nm (295 lb/ft).
Kicking off the range is the £19,995 front-wheel drive Exclusiv, obviously priced to undercut SUV rivals such as the £22,300 diesel Volkswagen Tiguan S. Featuring the lower horsepower engine and a revamped six-speed manual gearbox, it’ll accelerate from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 9.9 seconds and go on to a top speed of 117 mph (188 km/h).
Combined cycle fuel consumption of 44.8 mpg (6.3 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 167 g/km aren’t too bad. However, those figures are easily bettered by front-wheel drive versions of the Tiguan and BMW X1, both of which achieve more than 50 mpg (5.6 l/100km) and less than 140 g/km.
The all-wheel drive system can be specified with either engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Under normal conditions all power still gets sent to the front wheels, but up to fifty percent will go to the rears when required. As expected, buyers have to pay extra for the extra traction, with prices rising to £26,905 for the 181 bhp Antara SE Automatic.
Development work has also been carried out on the chassis. The ABS system is improved, and Hill Start Assist is now fitted as standard. Suspension settings have also been revised, with the aim of improving handling while maintaining a decent ride quality.
On the interior there’s better quality upholstery and trim and a new centre console. Exterior changes have been limited to a redesigned grille and lights, plus the fitment of protection panels front and rear.
Vauxhall / Opel is saying that 15,000 Antara sales are expected during 2011, rising thereafter to 20,000 per annum. The largest markets are anticipated to be the UK, Russia, Italy and Germany.
Images © GM Corp.
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