Opel's Style Leader the Astra GTC Sport to Debut Opel's new 1.6 SIDI Turbo Engine with Six-Speed Automatic Transmission

SYDNEY – June 7, 2013: Opel’s Global product renaissance continues, with the Astra GTC Sport the latest model to receive a boost. Available in local showrooms from July this year, the new automatic Astra GTC Sport will debut Opel’s new Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine.

Available at only a $2000 premium over the manual price, buyers not only gain an automatic transmission in the GTC Sport but also the new 1.6-litre turbo direct injection engine. Opel’s new 1.6-litre SIDI turbo engine boasts an impressive torque of 280 Nm available between 1,650 and 4,250 rpm and an output of 125kW of power. The all-new direct injection engine offers excellent refinement and smooth power delivery for the driver and consumes on the combined cycle consumes 6.8 litres of fuel per 100 km and emits 160 g/km CO2.

Many ‘sound engineering’ measures were employed to provide the driver with lower levels of radiated noise and vibration with the new SIDI engine in the automatic Astra GTC Sport. Optimisation of the induction and exhaust systems included decoupling the cam cover from the cylinder head via specific fasteners and a sealing system. In spite of direct injection and pulsed combustion, engineers were able to substantially reduce noise levels in the vehicle. As a result of these, the driver and passengers in the new automatic Astra GTC 1.6-litre SIDI turbo will experience quiet and smooth idling, with good sound quality even at high road speeds, engine speeds and loads.

The enhanced automatic transmission also contributes to improvements in economy, comfort and performance of the vehicle. The updated, low-friction six-speed automatic transmission features an Active Select function to allow manual shifting for a heightened sporty driving experience.

As with the six-speed manual Astra GTC Sport, the automatic offering will come with a long list of standard features including Opel’s sport chassis and HiPerStrut front suspension, AGR heated front sports seats and Mondial leather appointed trim throughout the cabin.