Opel has equipped its Agila hatchback with a Start/Stop system as part of the Agila’s upgrade to the Euro 5 emission standard and a Co2 optimization package. The Agila is basically the Suzuki Splash (Maruti Suzuki Ritz in India) hatchback, re-modeled and re-badged as an Opel for sale in Europe by Opel. The car is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 94 bhp.
The incorporation of the Start/Stop system on the Agila will help it spew out fewer Co2′s and also make it sip lesser fuel. A Start/Stop system basically prevents a car’s engine from consuming fuel whenever its not required. The Start/Stop system cuts off the engine whenever the car’s transmission is in the neutral position and the clutch pedal has been released. To bring the engine back to life, one needs to just depress the clutch pedal and voila the engine’s running again.
A Start/Stop system proves highly advantageous in city limits by shutting of the engine whenever the car’s idle, thereby decreasing fuel consumption.
Start/ Stop systems are slowly gaining ground in India with UV’s such as the Bolero and Scorpio fitted with the system having found reasonable success. Maruti has plans to make its lineup of cars more eco-friendly by fitting them with LPG and CNG kits. Maruti could look at bringing in Start/Stop systems on its petrol powered cars in the future to improve their efficiency and decrease emissions. They have to find a way to explain the benefits of this system which is not very expensive.
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Opel has launched a LPG version for the Opel Agila in the European market. Called the Opel Agila ecoFLEX the car comes with a base 1.0-liter engine that produces about 65hp. Reports say that the Agila LPG can return a combined fuel efficiency of 56.5mpg (24kmpl). This version of the Opel Agila would benefit from huge tax exemptions in the Europe.
In Germany the vehicle tax for the Agila LPG ecoFLEX is just 26 euros. Encouragement for LPG vehicles has also prompted VW to launch the Polo LPG in Germany just a year after the official launch.
With the introduction of the Maruti Ritz’ European twin Opel Agila getting the LPG treatment, would Maruti hesitate to bring in the LPG version for the Ritz? Especially with the huge success of the Wagon-R duo, there are a lot of potential models in the Maruti lineup which can get the LPG treatment. The newly launched Wagon-R hasn’t come with a Duo iteration yet, Maruti continues to sell the older generation Wagon R with the LPG tank.
Can we expect Maruti to launch a LPG version of the Ritz?
The Indian government can offer considerable tax benefits for cars fitted with engines running on LPG and CNG. This would encourage buyers to choose LPG/CNG vehicles,which are greener as well as efficient.
The Opel Agila is a rebadged Suzuki Splash produced at Suzuki’s Hungary plant
Autoweek NL is reporting the next generation Suzuki Splash/Ritz will replace the current model in the year 2012.
The Suzuki Splash uses the Swift’s platform. In India, both the cars use the same powertrain and are priced inches away from each other. The Splash has more cabin volume and a very different design compared to the Swift.
Autoweek also reports Opel will not collaborate with Suzuki for the next generation Agila. Opel sells the Splash as the Agila with its badges in many parts of Europe. This move comes after Suzuki went into a partnership with Volkswagen AG last year.
At present, Suzuki manufactures both Agila and Splash in its Hungarian plant. The production of the Agila should continue till the end of 2012. It is not clear if Opel will develop the next generation Splash in-house or collaborate with another brand.
A few weeks back, Karl Slym, MD of GM India hinted it, now its official. Old Opel cars like Astra and Corsa can now be traded-in for newer and cleaner Chevrolet models.
This comes as a customer loyalty initiative and is a Limited period offer. So, if you are an Opel owner wanting to get rid of your old car, here’s what you do.
Take the Opel to a GM dealership for an inspection. Upon inspection by certified engineers, the car will be evaluated and a selling price will be quoted. To make the trade-in easier on your pocket, GM has roped in many public and private sector banks to offer low EMI schemes for new Chevys. You will also be offered free accessories worth Rs 10,000 by the dealer as part of the Opel exchange program.
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Note – The Opel Agila is a re-badged Suzuki Ritz/Splash. Opel, General Motors and Suzuki were involved in the development of the vehicle, thus Opel is authorized to sell it in select outlets with its logo.
Italy is in the group of countries which implements the scrappage scheme. Customers looking for a new car can exchange their old scrap car for cars like Opel Agila White Edition which filled with gadgets is value than ever before.
The Opel Agila White edition comes with Electronic Stability Program, traction control system, 4 airbags, climate control, stereo, multifunctional steering wheel and electric rear view mirrors.
This is apart from the white overalls, the reassuring tall boy stance and airy cabin.
Could the Opel Agila White edition prompt Suzuki to launch a Splash White edition?
The Opel Agila, as one of our readers pointed out earlier, shares platform & design and with Suzuki Splash and the its engine with the new Fiat Uno. Apart from being a Top selling car in the European market, the Agila has now become a tuner favourite.
