Vauxhall unveils a number of new models and engines at Paris.

VAUXHALL UNVEILS FOURTH-GENERATION CORSA

• World debut of New Corsa ahead of late-2014 launch
• New engines, transmissions and engine technology
• New chassis complete with UK-specific settings
• New interior with IntelliLink connectivity

VAUXHALL ADAM S REVEALED IN PARIS

• ADAM range-topper with 1.4-litre-turbo (150PS) engine
• Red ’n‘ Roll-design and IntelliLink connectivity
• Performance chassis with VXR braking system

VAUXHALL SERVES UP MOKKA

• New 1.6-litre ‘Whisper Diesel’ makes first appearance in Mokka
• Frugal new-generation all-aluminium diesel unit
• Achieves 58.9mpg with CO₂ emissions of 109g/km
• Exemplary running refinement and lightweight design

VAUXHALL LAUNCHES NEW LARGE DIESEL ENGINE

• New generation 2.0 CDTi (170PS) premiers in Insignia and Zafira Tourer
• Power density increased: fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions reduced
• Outstanding running refinement with low noise, vibration and harshness
• Selective Catalytic Reduction enables Euro 6 compliance

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VAUXHALL UNVEILS FOURTH-GENERATION CORSA

• World debut of New Corsa ahead of late-2014 launch
• New engines, transmissions and engine technology
• New chassis complete with UK-specific settings
• New interior with IntelliLink connectivity

The fourth-generation Corsa was unveiled by Vauxhall at today’s Paris Motor Show, the new model hitting showrooms late this year and replacing the existing car which in its last year sold 83,000 units in the UK.

Available to order now, the all-new Corsa is set to raise the class benchmark for driveability, comfort and practicality in a model which has become a household name for British small-car buyers.

Still one the UK’s top-selling and best-loved cars, the current model continues to garner affection from its owners thanks to its perfect combination of compact exterior dimensions and clever use of cabin space – major considerations when the new car was conceived.

As a result, the new, Fourth-Generation Corsa is near-identical in length to the current model and retains its enviable space utilisation for occupants.

But almost every other element of its design and engineering has changed, significantly improving the car’s driveability, efficiency, connectivity and overall ownership experience.

All of the car’s body panels are new, and provide greater definition between the ‘sporty’ look of the three-door and the ‘premium’ five-door models. For the first time on a Corsa the car’s striking profile has been overlaid with Brit Mark Adams’ sculptural design, including elements such as the ‘blade’ running across the lower door-sections.

Almost every element of the Corsa’s generous cabin is completely new, including a completely re-designed instrument panel and dashboard, and greatly improved levels of functionality, highlighted by Vauxhall’s sophisticated IntelliLink system – its first use in a high-volume application.

Under the bonnet, new engines and transmissions will be available from launch. A 1.0-litre, three-cylinder ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo – just one of a raft of new engines from Vauxhall’s new powertrain offensive – will headline in the petrol offerings, while a much improved 1.3 CDTi, which meets stringent Euro-6 regulations, will appeal to diesel buyers.

Improved driveability to class-leading standards has been a key goal during the New Corsa’s development, and to achieve this it has a completely re-designed chassis, with no carry-over componentry, and an emphasis on exceptional rolling refinement, ride quality, precise handling and stability.

‘Corsa remains the best-selling car in Vauxhall’s range, which is testament to the continued appeal of the current model to UK buyers, supported by a raft of innovative sales programmes that make the car even more enticing,’ said Tim Tozer, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director.

‘So New Corsa has its work cut out – both as a worthy replacement for the existing car later this year, and as a new challenger in a highly competitive class. We’re confident that it will jump both hurdles with ease.’

Corsa and the UK market

Currently in its third generation, the Corsa has been Vauxhall’s best-selling car for many years, generally sitting at number two in the overall passenger car sales charts. However, its popularity in Scotland and Northern Ireland has blossomed over the years, where it tops the overall sales charts, while being Scotland’s best-selling car for the last five full years.

And there’s no sign that sales are slowing. In its last full year, Vauxhall sold 83,000 Corsas in the UK, outstripping total full-range sales of manufacturers like SEAT, Skoda, Renault and Citroen. Such is its popularity, that the UK is now the lead market for Corsa by a large margin (Germany was the second biggest market in 2013 with around 50,000 sales).

Taking Europe as a whole, Corsa is the second most popular nameplate across the continent after 32 years in the market. During that time, over 12 million have been sold, or an average of 370,000 cars each year.

Research conducted by Vauxhall has found that the following qualities repeatedly lead buyers to current Corsa:

• Compact 4m length, for ease of manoeuvring
• A generous and well-packaged interior which belies its exterior dimensions
• Youthful and dynamic looks
• Familiarity with appearance and positive association with ‘Corsa’ name

So the challenge with the Fourth-Generation model has been to retain these assets and build on them in terms of the car’s driveability and interior design/functionality.

New Corsa = New Chassis

A completely re-designed chassis underpins every New Corsa, with no carry-over components from the current model, and all-new suspension components.

The new car has a 5mm lower centre of gravity, aiding stability and roll characteristics, while a reinforced, stiffer front sub-frame and new front suspension geometry, including new knuckle joints, give drivers more taught and precise handling.

New speed-sensitive electric power steering – which incorporates a City mode for low-speed manoeuvring and parking – receives a specific UK tune to cater for our unique and challenging topography. Understeer has been reined in and friction dialled out of the system, allowing drivers a smoother, yet more precise command of the car’s steering.

Improvements have also been made to damper characteristics, for both Comfort and Sport set ups, raising the bar for ride comfort and rolling refinement within the Corsa’s class. The new car’s rear suspension has also been re-tuned to allow better straight-line and cornering stability.

Complementing New Corsa’s chassis hardware, are a plethora of driver safety systems made possible by a new electrical architecture. These include: Hill Start Assist, Automatic Park Assist (the car will self-steer into a parking place), and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

Powertrains – new engines and transmissions for greater efficiency and driveability

The highlight of the New Corsa’s engine line-up will be the fresh-to-market 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo petrol. Part of Vauxhall’s major powertrain offensive, which is rapidly gaining traction within the market, the compact ‘triple’ is the only production three-cylinder engine on the market with a balancer shaft, making it especially smooth and resonance-free and a class benchmark for reduced NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness).

Meeting the latest stringent Euro 6 emissions regulations, the ECOTEC will be available with either 90PS or 115PS outputs, each of which achieves 170Nm of torque from just 1,800rpm. While final fuel consumption data will be announced later this year, when combined with a Start/Stop system, emissions and fuel consumption are expected to be exceptionally low for a petrol engine.The Corsa with 115PS makes this transition in just 10.4 seconds.

Vauxhall’s powerful new, 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo fitted with Start/Stop technology as standard also boasts excellent economy: the 90PS three-door version consumes just 54.7mpg on the combined cycle.

A new version of Vauxhall’s 1.4 turbo engine will also launch with New Corsa. Designed for maximum fuel efficiency, but with strong mid-range performance, the new unit produces 100PS and 200Nm of torque. Two naturally aspirated petrol engines – a 1.2- and a 1.4-litre – have been revised and adapted to suit the new car. Significant improvements to the current Corsa’s 1.3 CDTi diesel engine have been made to bring it up to Euro 6 emissions standards for the new model.

Two new six-speed gearboxes – a manual and an automatic – are available with New Corsa, with improved shift quality and providing greater overall efficiency.

At launch, the most frugal Corsa diesel version – with 95PS, 5-speed manual transmission and braking energy recuperation system – can reduce the three-door model‘s CO₂ emissions down to 85g/km and fuel consumption down to 87.8mpg in the combined cycle.

New cabin design combines new levels of quality, functionality and connectivity

While the basic dimensions of the New Corsa’s cabin remain largely the same, almost everything that sits in it has been re-designed.

A new driver control centre takes pride of place within the newly-designed instrument panel, which is themed around horizontal lines. The New Corsa is also the first high-volume Vauxhall to be available with IntelliLink, the innovative communications system which has already been seen in the ADAM model.

IntelliLink operates through a 7-inch colour touchscreen, and can be controlled via apps such as BringGo (for navigation), Stitcher and TuneIn (for global radio channels and internet podcasts). The system is compatible with both Apple and Android ‘phones, and incorporates additional features, such as voice command, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free and FlexDock, an area for locating/charging your mobile phone.

In its fourth generation, Corsa has never been so well served for driver comfort and safety. The new model will be available with heated front seats, steering wheel and windscreen, as well as soft-tone ambient lighting and a full-size panoramic roof, taking the car’s equipment levels into the premium segment of its class.

New safety systems also proliferate. Buyers can choose from a list including Side Blindspot Alert, High Beam Assist, Lane Departure Warning, bi-xenon lights and a rear-view camera.

VAUXHALL ADAM S REVEALED IN PARIS

• ADAM range-topper with 1.4-litre-turbo (150PS) engine
• Red ’n‘ Roll-design and IntelliLink connectivity
• Performance chassis with VXR braking system

Luton – Vauxhall’s top-of-the-range ADAM S made its debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show today. Previewed at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, the ADAM S features slick design and a spirited 1.4-litre turbo (150PS) powertrain. It also gets a specially-tuned chassis and a VXR braking system.

POWERTAIN AND CHASSIS

With 150PS and 220Nm of torque, the new version of the 1.4-litre Turbo ECOTEC unit in the ADAM S boasts a specific power output exceeding 100PS/litre. It is a turbocharged, high performance unit derived from the ADAM’s existing four-cylinder, 1.4-litre engine, that has been exclusively developed for the ADAM S.

It delivers 50 per cent more power and 70 per cent more torque than its naturally-aspirated 1.4-litre stable-mate. Combined with a six-speed manual gearbox, it propels the ADAM S from 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds and to a top speed of 124mph.

ADAM S’s 1.4-litre Turbo engine is fitted with Start/Stop technology and the engine already meets Euro 6 emission standards. The dual cam phasing for continuously variable valve timing and a turbocharger integrated within the exhaust manifold help make the engine lighter and more compact.

Numerous weight-saving features include a cast iron block with a hollow frame structure, hollow-cast camshafts and a plastic intake manifold. ADAM S achieves 44.1mpg combined and emits 149g/km CO₂.

The sporty driving characteristics are enhanced by the specially tuned performance chassis, developed especially for the ADAM S, and direct, sharp performance steering. The ADAM S also features large VXR brakes, custom-made for its standard 17-inch or optional 18-inch alloys, ensuring excellent stopping power.

DESIGN AND CONNECTIVITY

The front lip spoiler, side sill moldings and an extended rear bumper cut-out with a visible, bold exhaust tailpipe make the bodywork appear more muscular then a standard ADAM. A total of ten body paint choices and four further roof combinations are available with the Red ʼn‘ Roll roof design reserved exclusively for ADAM S customers. The distinctive rear spoiler above the rear window and the special ADAM S logo on the C pillars complete the look.

Inside the vehicle, the driver and front passenger can choose between four different seat arrangements, three of which are exclusively available for this ADAM variant, including the Recaro Performance seats in Morrocana or nappa leather. The interior reflects the Red ʼn‘ Roll design in many ways, with the optional leather package including black and red steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake in leather or the red and white lighting for the instrument panels and doors.

The ADAM S has a tinted, LED daytime running and rear tail lights, electronic climate control and sophisticated IntelliLink system that offers state-of-the-art connectivity and apps. This infotainment system is fully compatible with latest smartphones using both ANDROID and Apple iOS. It provides USB and Bluetooth connectivity, audio streaming, seven speakers and a 7-inch high-definition colour touch-screen. Vauxhall’s smart IntelliLink system also provides navigation by the BringGo app, as well as the Stitcher and TuneIn apps.

The integration of Apple iOS devices into the system enables use of the SIRI EYES FREE voice control function. It’s safe and easy-to-use technology which makes ADAM one of the best connected small cars on the market.

Orders will open for the ADAM S in January 2015.

VAUXHALL SERVES UP MOKKA IN PARIS

• Mokka with all-new 1.6-litre ‘Whisper Diesel’ makes world debut
• Frugal new-generation all-aluminium diesel unit
• Achieves 58.9mpg with CO₂ emissions of 109g/km
• Exemplary running refinement and lightweight design

Luton – Vauxhall’s Mokka compact SUV was the latest model to get the 1.6-litre (136PS) ‘Whisper Diesel’ engine when it was unveiled at the 2014 Paris Motor Show today.

Already available on Astra, Meriva and Zafira Tourer, the compact four-cylinder unit will replace the current 1.7-litre diesel in the Mokka line-up.  The Mokka has been a sales sensation with over 270,000 sold of which more than 35,000 have been registered in the UK.

The new unit gives more power and torque – up 6PS and 20Nm – from a smaller displacement, as well as significantly lower fuel consumption. Part of a new family of Vauxhall all-aluminium diesel engines, the Euro 6 compliant 136PS unit reaches 85PS per litre, delivering 320Nm of torque.

Performance isn’t compromised with the Mokka 1.6-litre CDTi accelerating from 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds and making the transition from 50-75mph in fifth gear in just 10.3 seconds. Maximum speed is 118mph.

The Whisper Diesel is also extremely economical and benefits from Vauxhall’s all-new six-speed manual transmission and Start/Stop as standard.  Fuel economy is 58.9mpg combined and emissions are low at 109g/km CO₂.

New benchmark in running refinement

Engineers have achieved best-in-class values for noise generation, vibration and running refinement, the result of a clear focus on quietness and smoothness that characterised the engine’s entire concept, design and development process. State-of-the-art computer aided engineering simulations and scores of optimisation loops were used to assess the noise characteristics of each component and sub-system even before the first prototype engine was built. This makes the new 1.6 CDTi one of the quietest engines in its class with exceptional running smoothness.

In addition to numerous measures to improve running refinement, engineers also focused on saving weight, using aluminium instead of cast iron for the engine block – a first for diesel engine production at Vauxhall. The crankshaft bedplate and cylinder head are also in aluminium, giving a total weight saving of 20kg.

State-of-the-art components for high performance with low environmental impact

Other contributors to its strong and clean performance are the variable turbine geometry turbocharger and high-pressure, common-rail fuel injection system. Injector nozzle pressures of 2,000 bar, a 25 per cent increase over previous Vauxhall diesel engines, enables up to 10 injection pulses per cylinder cycle.

This ensures high power, improved fuel atomisation and efficient mixing with the air intake charge. To comply with the Euro 6 emissions standard in the Mokka, the 1.6 CDTi requires a lean NOx trap, an exhaust after-treatment process upstream of the diesel particulate filter that captures and reduces nitrogen oxides from the exhaust gases.

The all-new 1.6 CDTi in the Mokka is fitted as standard with Start/Stop, braking energy recuperation and a low-friction, six-speed manual gearbox, which ensures silky smooth and more precise gear shifting. Numerous changes to internal components and shifting mechanisms, as well as the transmission’s integration in the vehicle, give a noticeable improvement in driving comfort.

The combination of the new turbo diesel and manual transmission is offered for both front- and all-wheel drive, while a six-speed automatic is also available with front-wheel drive.

The new Mokka engine will be available at Vauxhall retailers from early 2015.

VAUXHALL LAUNCHES NEW LARGE DIESEL ENGINE AT PARIS

• New generation 2.0 CDTi (170PS) premiers in Insignia and Zafira Tourer
• Power density increased: fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions reduced
• Outstanding running refinement with low noise, vibration and harshness
• Selective Catalytic Reduction enables Euro 6 compliance

Luton – With 170PS and 400Nm, Vauxhall’s all-new 2.0-litre CDTi diesel engine made its debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show today.

The new state-of-the-art unit will be revealed in the Insignia and Zafria Tourer as Vauxhall continues the roll out of its new powertrain portfolio. The new engine replaces the current 2.0 CDTi (163PS) engine at the top of Vauxhall’s diesel range.

This highly efficient, Euro 6-compliant engine delivers almost five per cent more power and 14 per cent more torque while reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

The engine is also impressively quiet and smooth as a result of Vauxhall’s unwavering focus on ‘sound engineering’ measures to minimise NVH (noise, vibration, harshness). Engine noise has been reduced by five decibels.

The new engine’s power density is 85PS per litre, the same as Vauxhall’s much-lauded 1.6 CDTi ‘Whisper Diesel’ unit. Impressive torque of 400Nm is available from 1,750 to 2,500rpm, and maximum power of 170PS is accessed at just 3,750rpm.

The new 2.0 CDTi runs as clean as a petrol engine thanks to Vauxhall’s BlueInjection Selective Catalytic Reduction system. BlueInjection is an after-treatment which removes NOx from the engine’s exhaust gases.

“This sophisticated engine makes a perfect partner for our top models including Insignia and Zafira Tourer,” said Stuart Harris, Vauxhall’s Head of Carline Brand. “Its high power density, refinement and frugality place it among the very best diesels in its class.”

Available next year, the new 2.0 CDTi is the first in a new family of large diesel engines developed in-house by a global team of engineers in Turin and Rüsselsheim supported by engineers in North America. It will be manufactured at Opel/Vauxhall’s Kaiserslautern engine plant in Germany.

“This excellent new powertrain is part of the company’s €4 billion investment in product and powertrain development, which is helping to bring 23 new products and 13 new engines to market” said Tim Tozer, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “This new large diesel engine is extremely important to Vauxhall as a sizable amount of customers chose a 2.0-litre CDTi engine.”

This 2.0-litre CDTi unit is the latest step in Vauxhall’s powertrain offensive, following the introduction of all-new 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines and a 1.0-litre three cylinder petrol powertrain. 

Performance

Key to the engine’s enhanced performance are the newly-designed combustion chamber, the re-profiled intake ports and the new fuel injection system with 2,000 bar and up to 10 injections per cylinder cycle. This ensures high power, improved fuel atomisation and also contributes to quieter running. The definition of the combustion chamber alone was the subject of more than 80 computer design simulations, before the best five were finally selected for hardware development.

The VGT (variable geometry turbocharger) features an electrical actuator for the variable aspect turbine, giving a 20 per cent faster boost response than a vacuum actuator. Exceptionally compact packaging of the VGT and intercooler also minimises the air volume between the turbocharger and engine, further contributing to a fast boost pressure build up. For durability, the turbocharger is water-cooled and has an oil filter fitted at the oil inlet point to help further reduce wear in the bearing system.

The VGT and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) module have been designed as a single system for optimal efficiency. The EGR module is based around a new stainless steel radiator concept which provides a near 90 per cent cooling efficiency. An integrated, water-cooled EGR bypass valve minimises pressure drop and its closed loop control offers a significant improvement in NOx/PM trade-off under transient driving conditions, while improving the management of HC and CO emissions.

Improved NVH

A consistent improvement in NVH characteristics under all operating conditions was a key requirement for the new engine right from the outset of its design. Several CAE acoustic optimisation loops were executed on each component and sub-system even before the first prototype engines were built.

Architectural improvements focused on two high noise emitting areas at the top and bottom of the engine. A new aluminium cylinder head design, including the addition of a decoupled, plastic cam cover with isolated fixings and a sealing gasket, improves noise attenuation. And the intake manifold is also wrapped in a single shell cover made of sound-absorbing material.

At the bottom of the engine, a new balancer shaft module is fitted, made of high pressure die-cast aluminium. It houses two counter-rotating shafts which offset up to 83 per cent of secondary order engine vibrations. A helical gear on the crankshaft drives one of the balancer shafts, which is geared to drive the other shaft. Scissor gear control ensures smooth gear teeth meshing, and the elimination of a drive chain removes the risk of rattle noise. After detailed analysis, plain instead of roller bearings were preferred for the balancer shafts to further reduce NVH, as well as weight.

The design of the oil pan is also new. The previous single piece solution is now replaced by a two piece design, with a lower sheet metal pan fixed to an upper section in high pressure, die-cast aluminium. NVH performance was further improved by several analysis loops to acoustically optimise the internal and external ribs of both sections.

Other detailed sound engineering measures to reduce operating noise include:

• Optimised fuel injection patterns for reduced combustion noise without compromising fuel economy; acoustically-designed ribs in the cast iron cylinder block; individual balancing of the VGT compressor and turbine wheels; improved teeth-meshing on the timing belt and decoupled mounting points for its cover.
• As a result of all these design features, the new engine emits less noise than its predecessor throughout its operating range, and is five decibels quieter at idle.  

Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)

The new 2.0 CDTi with Vauxhall’s BlueInjection SCR system assures compliance with Euro 6 emissions standards effective September 2015. 

BlueInjection is an after-treatment which removes NOx from the engine’s exhaust gases. Tiny quantities of AdBlue, a harmless fluid consisting of urea and water, are injected into the exhaust gas flow ahead of the SCR catalyst and downstream of the diesel particulate filter. The solution is immediately converted into ammonia, which is absorbed by the SCR catalyst. Nitrogen oxide in the passing exhaust gas is then selectively reduced to harmless nitrogen and water vapor in a chemical reaction with the ammonia.

The AdBlue solution, available at filling stations and Vauxhall dealerships, is stored in a tank, which can be topped up as required via a nozzle adjacent to the vehicle’s fuel filler cap.