New cars go on show in Bologna

(Opel/Vauxhall)

Opel has released details of the new Antara ahead of the compact SUV's public world premiere at the Bologna Motor Show 2010 this weekend.

The General Motors-owned brand has revamped the Antara to compete with vehicles such as the Ford Explorer and popular Nissan Qashqai, promising a greener engine and improved comfort.

The new powertrain is available as a six gear manual or automatic transmission and includes a new 2.2 liter turbo diesel option, as well as a power boost for the existing 2.4 liter petrol engine.

The exterior has been treated to a new front grill and modified lights at the rear, along with optional 19-inch light metal wheels which Opel says add a "robust look".

Inside, the cabin noise has been reduced and new fabrics, colors, instrument panels and interior lighting options have been added to increase the Antara's appeal.

The vehicle is expected in showrooms imminently priced from €26,780 in Europe (£19,995 in Britain) and is one of the highlights of Opel's display at Bologna.

However, fans of smaller cars are likely to be more interested in the upgrade of the brand's wildly popular Corsa, which will be available with a new engine option, multimedia entertainment system and trendy new color lines from January 2011.

It will vie for attention at the show with the new Fiat 500 Bicolore, a special edition of the compact runaround model featuring a striking two-tone paint job that will be available from early next year.

Also expected to turn heads is the Ferrari 458 Challenge, the latest competition car from Ferrari which the Italian brand claims is faster than its predecessor, the F430 Challenge.

The Bologna Motor Show runs December 4-12 in Bologna, Italy.

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