During winter holidays on snow-covered village roads, for instance, the system ensures that the car does not exceed a pre-selected speed, thereby remaining easy to control. It operates at speeds of up to 50 km/h.

If the driver selects first gear while stationary (or "D" for automatic) before a steep slope, allows the vehicle to roll forward without using the accelerator pedal, and then presses the DCS button, the system will maintain a maximum downhill speed of 10 km/h and keep this speed constant through brake intervention at the front wheels.

If the Antara is approaching a steep downhill slope at a certain speed in a gear higher than first (also valid for automatics), the driver can activate DCS by operating the brake pedal as the vehicle starts to descend. The system then reduces the vehicle's speed to 15 km/h and maintains this speed to the bottom of the slope. DCS also operates in reverse gear. In this case, a constant 8.5 km/h is maintained.

It is also possible to accelerate or decelerate slightly when driving down a slope with DCS activated. When the driver removes his foot from the accelerator or brake pedal, the system returns the vehicle to its pre-selected speed. If the system is activated at a significantly higher speed, the braking effect is immediately noticeable. At the same time, a clearly audible sound informs the driver about the activities of the ESP system's hydro control unit, which regulates the instant brake intervention.



Integral Approach to Quality

- GM GMS: "Zero defects policy" applies worldwide
- Extensive test program around the globe
- Clever designs for low maintenance and repair costs

Pleasing results in numerous tests confirm the success of Opel's quality initiative and is in line with the integral approach to quality adopted by GM manufacturers worldwide. The new Opel Antara, which is manufactured at GM Korea, also benefits from the strategy of maintaining highly developed globally consistent standards. The "GM Global Manufacturing System" (GM GMS), implemented throughout the world, is based on five key concepts: "zero defects policy", standardization, continuous improvement, short cycle times and workforce involvement.


New models undergo demanding durability testing long before series production begins

During the new SUV's development phase, for example, prototypes and preproduction models covered over five million test kilometers on testing grounds and tracks worldwide. The German GM/Opel test centers in Dudenhofen and Pferdsfeld played a central role in the Antara's chassis tuning.

In addition to these tests, it is often a combination of material and workmanship details that create an Opel model's high-quality look, because the car should also appeal to the driver's - and passengers' - senses. The new Antara's good looks are eye-catching from any perspective.

The crossover also sounds good, for example when the doors close with a satisfying click. And it feels good, because the materials are pleasing to the touch and all turn-button movements are precise and well-defined.

A team of scent experts even successfully developed the new Antara's olfactory qualities. All interior components were analyzed and optimized at the central laboratory in Russelsheim, resulting in a pleasant scent without odors from plastic parts. The scent experts were recently able to confirm their work's success in Antwerp in the very first Antaras that were delivered.

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