Yesterday Opel hosted three world premieres at the 85th Motor Show in Geneva. Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann presented the all-new Karl, the Corsa OPC, and their latest offerings on in-car technology – OnStar.
Opel Karl:
The Opel Karl is the brand's smallest car at the moment measuring in at 3.68 metres long. This five-door will meet fierce competition in the future with the likes of the Volkswagen Up! and the Skoda Citigo. This is Opel’s best answer to city driving.
Features in Karl include the “Opel Eye” camera system which offers Lane Departure Warning, City Mode power steering and Park and Go technology. We’re told that this car will be available with three trims and a “very competitive” entry level price (yet to be confirmed).
Opel Corsa OPC:
Next on the line-up was the new hot-hatch offering from the brand in the Corsa OPC. We’re told that this will hit Irish markets this summer from €29,995. The Corsa OPC is powered by a 1.6litre turbo petrol engine and offers maximum torque of 280Nm with overboost. 6.9 seconds is the quoted 0-100km/h time and this little machine has a top speed of 230km/h.
OnStar:
The third world premiere from Opel is the introduction of OnStar. This is their latest in-car technology and we’re told it allows their cars to become a “high speed mobile WiFi hotspot” for up to seven devices. The manufacturer tells us that an app will be available to customers and it will provide real-time diagnostics, vehicle location services and remote lock and unlock functions.
Opel OnStar will also have an automatic connection to a customer assistance centre which will be available 24/7 365 days a year. Opel Ireland tells us that this technology will be available to the Irish market from September this year.
“Opel OnStar is a ground-breaking technology: Driving will be safer and at the same time more comfortable. The direct dialogue with our customers will create stronger ties with the brand. All this will convince even more new buyers that Opel is the right choice.” said Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.
