The compact four-link rear axle uses three transverse and one longitudinal link. During tuning, Opel chassis engineers managed to prevent typical SUV body roll while enabling a high level of agility and also ensuring a comfortable ride. These characteristics were achieved in various ways, including springs integrated into the suspension struts on the front axle, which enhance roll-prevention without detracting from comfort.

Hydraulic assistance to the rack-and-pinion power steering is speed-dependent, enabling light steering during maneuvering. At an overall steering ratio of 16.43:1, this creates an agile and direct steering response, which is enhanced by a very light magnesium steering wheel. The steering column's angle can be adjusted by plus or minus 2.3 degrees and its reach by 40 millimeters.

Thanks to its high ground clearance of 200 millimeters, the Antara also cuts a fine figure during off-road driving, even when its path seems to be blocked by water. It has no trouble crossings fords up to 450 millimeters deep. Overhang angles of 24 degrees in front, 23 degrees at the rear and a ramp angle of 18.2 degrees also make it well-equipped for light off-road driving.


Leveling system optimizes ground clearance, even when loaded or towing trailer

The four-wheel drive system that benefits the Antara during off-road driving also ensures optimal traction when towing a trailer.

In addition, the Antara 2.0-liter CDTI is equipped with a leveling system as standard: instead of the conventional shock absorbers, a regulating system with a pump integrated in the shock absorbers, reservoir, sensor, control mechanism and damper is fitted at both rear wheels and automatically adapts the Antara to cargo loads.

The pump increases pressure until the car reaches its normal height. Body side roll and damping behavior during driving are the same as an unloaded vehicle. This advantage in active safety is also particularly relevant when towing a trailer (up to 2000 kg).

From spring 2007, the Antara will also be available with Trailer Stability Program (TSP), which has a yaw-rate sensor that immediately detects any yawing tendencies in the car-trailer combination and automatically stabilizes it again with brake intervention or by closing the throttle.


16 to 18-inch wheels, optional Tire Pressure Monitoring System

The Antara comes with 16-inch wheels and 215/70 R 16 tires as standard. The Antara Edition has 17-inch alloy wheels and the top Antara Cosmo variant 18-inch alloy rims. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is also available as an option. It monitors tire pressure via sensors at each tire valve and activates an individual tire warning signal in the info display at pressure losses as of 0.3 bar. The display can show the exact pressure of all four tires to within 0.1 bar.

The braking system comprises ventilated disk brakes and a modern four-channel ABS system. The ABS hydraulics also takes over the brake assist function if emergency braking occurs (Hydraulic Brake Assist, HBA). The ESP system boasts numerous additional functions that further increase active safety. The Active Rollover Protection (ARP), for example, is specially tuned to SUV conditions and can apply high braking pressure within milliseconds at individual wheels.


Top safety even down steep slopes with Descent Control System

The ABS and ESP sensors are also used by the Descent Control System (DCS), which -unusually for this segment - is standard in the Antara. DCS enables the vehicle to safely maintain a constant speed even down steep slopes without the driver needing to brake.

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