Opel started a new era in its station wagon production with the Insignia Sports Tourer. After its new range of large family cars Opel has introduced a new range of high load all round compact cars. The Russelsheim based company followed an American innovation and introduced its first station wagon model in 1953. The Olympia Rekord Caravan premiered at the International Automobile Exhibition in Frankfurt. Opel expects a lot of its station wagon designers. There's nothing in the interior which hints at the true origins of the station wagon. The first were based on delivery trucks, not on sedans. There's room for the driver and four passengers. The design is rich in contrast, in the choice of colors as well as the surfaces. The instrument panel is concise, clearly structured and high quality. And nothing has been left to chance with the door handles either. We're testing the 95 horsepower 1.3 CDTI Diesel. This model goes on sale in January. Opel puts the fuel consumption at 4 point one liters every 100 kilometers. The CO2 emissions are also stated at a modest 109 grams per kilometer. There is a choice of nine different engines. But the 1.3 CDTI we're testing is the only one with fuel saving start stop technology. The mechatronic flexride safety chassis provides added dynamism and optimal contact to the road surface. The sporty appearance of the Astra Sports Tourer has been borrowed to a large extent from its big brother, the Insignia. Opel hopes a lot for its Astra Sports <b>...</b>
