Opel Omega

A new flagship for Opel in SA – the Omega

The introduction of the Opel Omega in South Africa as a fully built up import marks a return of the brand to the medium to large car market. The model introduced in South Africa is the latest, second generation of the Omega, a car that has proved immensely popular in Europe.

As part of its import line-up, three versions of the Opel Omega will be available to local buyers to act as flagship for the brand in SA. These are a 5-speed manual transmission 2,2 litre four cylinder model, a 4-speed automatic option of the 2,2 litre four, and a 2,6 litre V6 with 4-speed automatic transmission. Both engines are 4-valve per cylinder units with dual overhead camshafts.

In line with its flagship status, all Omegas feature a high level of interior appointments and offer exceptional value for money in the competitive mid-size saloon market.

The 2,2 litre engine is Opel’s new Z22XE Ecotec which produces 106 kW/203 Nm of torque. Two counter rotating balance shafts ensure smooth and quiet operation. The V6  is an Ecotec Y26SE 2,6 litre engine which produces 132 kW/240 Nm. These engines are mated to Opel’s acclaimed rear-wheel drive DSA (Dynamic Safety) chassis for exceptional levels of dynamic performance.

To prevent whiplash injuries in the event of an accident, active head restraints, with an anti-whiplash action, first used by SAAB, are standard. In the event of a rear end collision the active head restraints move upward and forward to cushion the motion of the head and restrict excessive violent movement that is the root cause of whiplash injuries.

Other safety features include front and side airbags for front seat occupants that work in concert with seat belt pre-tensioners. A proprietary pedal release system helps prevent injury to the driver’s feet in an accident. Side impact beams are fitted to all doors.

Also standard is an intelligent, electronic climate control system. This system features separate controls for the driver and front seat passenger as well as a dual zone sun sensor. A further component of the system that ensures a continual flow of high quality air is the “Air Quality Sensor”. When this sensor measures elevated levels of pollutants in the air it will automatically switch the system into its re-circulate mode.

Jacquard cloth is standard on the 2,2 litre models, and even the driver’s seat in this model has power height adjustment. A Phillips radio CD shuttle combination is standard and plays through eight speakers. Satellite controls for the system are provided on the steering wheel. Front and back side windows are power operated as are the side mirrors. Electronic adjustment for the headlights is provided to compensate for varying load conditions.  Steering power assistance is via an electro-hydraulic system that requires just three turns from lock to lock. Wheels are 16 inch alloy shod with 225/55 tyres.

The 2,6 litre V6 Omega is available only as an automatic. This model features the comprehensive specification of the 2,2 litre models but with a number of further upgrades as well. The power steering system, also of the electro hydraulic type, is speed sensitive on this model. Wheels are also 16 inch alloy fitted with 225/55 tyres, and the lights are xenon units as opposed to the more common halogen – the benefit being a whiter and better quality of light. A headlight washer system ensures that performance is optimised even in inclement weather.

A newly developed “Quick-Power” brake booster provides the Omega with exceptional breaking power. The system recognises when the driver hits the brake pedal hard and fast, and automatically increases the speed of the hydraulic pressure build up to shorten the braking distance. ABS anti-lock brakes are standard across the board in all three Omega’s available in South Africa. Brakes are vented discs all round.

Security is taken care of by a remote central locking system on all Omegas. A transponder immobiliser sees to it that only the owner’s key will enable the electrics to set the vehicle in motion, and an alarm system warns of any unwanted attention to the interior of the car.