Opel tests the local market with niche vehicles<\/p>\n
By Russell Williamson<\/p>\n
DESPITE General Motors decision to postpone future investment
\nin Indonesia because of the national car policy, the local
\nimporter, General Motors Buana Indonesia, has one of the most
\nimpressive stands at the Jakarta Auto Expo.<\/p>\n
With three new Opel models being launched and three other
\nautomobiles being previewed, the company appears to be optimistic
\nabout the future. Heading its list of new models is the limited
\nedition Blazer LT (Luxury Touring). Only 450 of these cars will
\nbe built.<\/p>\n
Based on the standard 2000cc Blazer, the Blazer LT has a
\nnumber of luxury items including a gold plated individual serial
\nnumber embossed on a metal plate in the cabin, the car will also
\nbe defined by its production number. The LT's interior has full
\nConnolly leather trim, wooden fascias, a remote control stereo
\nsystem, extra comfortable rear seats and a pull-out vinyl luggage
\narea cover. The exterior of the Blazer LT is painted two tones
\nwhich are available in Verde Green and Ceramic Blue as well as
\nthe Blazer's normal colors. The car also has a bull bar, side
\nsteps and gold toned badges.<\/p>\n
The LT costs about Rp 79 million.<\/p>\n
The other two new models being launched are different versions
\nof the Optima, a 1800cc small four door sedan.<\/p>\n
Called the Club and Sport, these Optima models feature
\ndifferent packages of accessories which include full body kits
\nincorporating front air dams, rear spoilers, side skirts, sports
\nseats, leather wrapped steering wheels, leather upholstery,
\npremium audio systems and alloy wheels.<\/p>\n
The three vehicles being previewed at the exhibition are the
\nsmall coupe Tigra, the medium size four wheel drive Frontera and
\nthe Sintra car. The Tigra's design is based on the small Corsa
\nwhich is built at Opel's factory in Spain.<\/p>\n
Powered by a 1400cc engine, this cheeky little coupe was
\ninitially shown at the 1993 Frankfurt Motor Show as a design
\nstudy.<\/p>\n
Spurred on by positive reaction from the show, Opel quickly
\napproved the coupe for production, and the car first appeared on
\nsale in Europe last year. Not intended as a true sports coupe,
\nthe Tigra is likely to attract buyers prepared to compromise some
\nhandling for fashion and a touch of European flair. Front
\nsuspension is MacPherson strut suspension. The car has a 24mm
\nanti-roll bar, torsion beam rear suspension and 185\/65 tires.<\/p>\n
The car also features anti-lock brakes, dual air bags, alloy
\nwheels, a leather steering wheel and central locking.<\/p>\n
The Frontera has chunky good looks which appeal to buyers of
\nDaihatsu Rockys and Suzuki Escudos, but adds an extra measure of
\nruggedness that suggests it would make a decent off-road vehicle.<\/p>\n
And it is not badly equipped. Although it does not have safety
\nitems like air bags and ABS breaking, the vehicle has air-
\nconditioning, central locking, electric windows and a set of six-
\nspoke alloy wheels.<\/p>\n
In an attempt to make the vehicle a sure winner with urban
\noff-road buyers, it has a summer-fun look: complete with a lift-
\noff roof and trendy side and rear panels.<\/p>\n
Bright colors, and a breezy interior with boldly patterned
\nseat trims are attractive to young buyers.<\/p>\n
The Frontera's running gear is a mixture of Chevrolet Trooper
\nand Isuzu Rodeo: the basic vehicle is like the Rodeo in its front
\nend design and its interior, while its suspension and four-wheel
\ndrive systems are similar to the Trooper.<\/p>\n
The vehicle is powered by the same 2000cc four cylinder
\nAustralian-made engine used in the Blazer.<\/p>\n
Although 85KW four cylinder engines normally struggle in
\nvehicles like this weighing 1700kg, the engine is helped by its
\nfamous mid-range torque, and by well-selected gearing. The manual
\ntransmission Frontera feels quite light on the road.<\/p>\n
Its proper transfer case, with a set of off-road ratios, its
\nauto-locking front hubs and its good ground clearance provided by
\nits 16-inch wheels mean that it can perform well in the bush.<\/p>\n
The vehicle's driving position is comfortable with big, well-
\nproportioned seats, but the steering column needs a height
\nadjustment instrument.<\/p>\n
Plenty of handy cubby-holes are placed around the interior: in
\nthe front doors, the center console and in the rear-seat side
\npanels. The vehicle's sound system is agreeable with four good
\nspeakers and a Eurovox tuner-tape player.<\/p>\n
Overall, the package is appealing. It combines style with 4WD
\nlegitimacy, which also works well in the urban jungle.<\/p>\n
The third vehicle that General Motors Buana Indonesia is
\npreviewing is the Sintra.<\/p>",
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