Functionality: How can Opel ensure that the carrier operates safely in all weather conditions - even after hours of driving on gravel roads in Sweden or during a sudden snowstorm in the Alps?

During extensive testing, the engineers assessed the system's functionality and were even more motivated by the results: "You should have seen the astonished faces of our colleagues from other brands when we pulled our carrier out of the car's completely snow-encrusted rear during winter test drives," says Hofmann, still smiling today. Other aspects of everyday use were also carefully thought through. For example, the Flex-Fix carrier's unlocking lever is located in the right side-panel trim of the luggage compartment, ensuring easy access even when the trunk is full.

Long-term durability: How can Opel ensure the Flex-Fix will still operate reliably in years to come? In contrast to non-brand carriers from accessory stores, Flex-Fix is an integral part of the Antara, so the system must conform to Opel's strict requirement that it last the car's lifetime. "Our rear carrier is designed for a maximum load of 40 kg and weighs 23.5 kg itself. With a little technical imagination, it's easy to understand just how intense the dynamic pressure on the lever arms can become while traveling on uneven roads," says Hofmann, outlining the problem that had no text book solution - a common predicament of innovation.

So the engineers mounted a carrier prototype to a test vehicle, fitted the anchor points with sensors and subjected the car to endurance tests at GM/Opel's roughest tracks in Dudenhofen. The resulting data were analyzed and transferred to a special program for hydropulse testing at the Russelsheim development center. From then on, each new enhancement could be screened for durability at the laboratory.

The Flex-Fix team also made no compromises when it came to corrosion protection. The integrated carrier's steel parts are not only galvanized, but are also primed via cataphoresis and protected by a resilient topcoat to even withstand years of gravel and road salt, as proven by extensive testing. In addition, the pull-out carrier's interlocking components are Teflon-coated.


Body and Safety

Robust with Plenty of Space and High Safety Reserves

- Feeling of roominess in all five seats
- SAFETEC: Six airbags as standard / rear ISOFIX mountings

The increasing popularity of SUV and crossover vehicles is not just a result of the strong figure they cut on the road and their off-road capabilities. The feeling of safety from the high, straight seating position as well as the sense of generous space also plays a key role.

The new Antara's roomy body meets these expectations despite its compact exterior dimensions (length x width x height: 4575 x 1850 x 1704 millimeters), while the interior and luggage compartment size position the newcomer among the leaders in this segment.


SAFETEC: Integral safety system

In typical Opel style, the Antara's integral SAFETEC system encompasses all relevant active and passive safety systems that contribute to reducing dangers during driving and real-life collisions. With its extensive standard equipment such as intelligent active four-wheel drive, a modern chassis with ABS, ESP with Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Active Roll-over Protection (ARP), Descent Control System (DCS) and hydraulic brake assist, the new Opel Antara boasts high active safety reserves. And if a collision cannot be avoided, an extensive package of passenger-oriented passive safety features reduces the risk of injury to all Antara occupants.

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