- Brian Byrne
Opel upgrades Agila
06 August 2003: Opel has revealed details of its revised Agila mini-MPV, which comes with the new 1.3-litre common-tail turbodiesel and a more powerful 1-litre engine using the company's TWINPORT technology.
The 70 hp turbodiesel, developed in conjunction with GM partner Fiat, makes the Agila the first diesel-engined car in its sub-segment. The 1.3-liter CDTI turbodiesel is the world’s smallest four-cylinder common rail diesel, and thanks to its multi-injection system, it requires only 5.2 l/100 km in the Agila.
The 60 hp 3-cylinder petrol engine is said by Opel to have achieved considerable fuel savings over its predecessor, yet it delivers more torque and higher performance. Both new engines, along with the Agila’s 75 hp 1.2 ECOTEC petrol engine, comply with the Euro 4 emission standards, which do not become mandatory for all newly-registered cars until 2006.
The new edition of the Opel Agila is identifiable from the outside by its larger front grille with chrome crossbar, and by its wider color-keyed bumpers, front and rear. The exterior mirrors, exterior door handles and tailgate latch are also color-keyed.
Along with full-size front and side airbags for driver and front-passenger, and the Pedal Release System (PRS), all new versions now come with anti-lock braking (ABS) as standard equipment. Starting with the base model, two head restraints in the rear, electronically adjustable exterior mirrors and tinted glass are also standard.
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