The Opel Antara (facelift, introduced in 2010) 2.4 AWD Ecotec represents a mid-cycle refresh of Opel’s compact SUV, positioned as a competitor to vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in the European market. Produced from 2010 through 2016, this variant featured a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive. It occupied a middle ground within the Antara lineup, offering a balance between performance and fuel economy compared to the base models and potential diesel offerings. The facelift brought styling updates, interior refinements, and improvements to the vehicle’s overall refinement.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Antara |
| Generation | Antara (facelift 2010) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4 (167 Hp) AWD Ecotec |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.1 l/100 km (19.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9 l/100 km (26.1 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 212 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 186 km/h (115.58 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Power | 167 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 4600 rpm (169.64 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A24XE, A24XF |
| Engine displacement | 2384 cm3 (145.48 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 98 mm (3.86 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.7 l (4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 402 l (14.2 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1391 l (49.12 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Length | 4596 mm (180.94 in.) |
| Width | 1850 mm (72.83 in.) |
| Height | 1761 mm (69.33 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2707 mm (106.57 in.) |
| Front track | 1569 mm (61.77 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1576 mm (62.05 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.25 m (40.19 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Antara 2.4 AWD Ecotec is the A24XE (or later A24XF) 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This engine is a naturally aspirated design, utilizing multi-port fuel injection and a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain. The engine’s architecture is relatively straightforward, prioritizing reliability and ease of maintenance over outright performance. The A24XE/XF engines were commonly found in other Opel/Vauxhall models of the era, including the Vectra and Zafira. The six-speed manual transmission was a standard offering, providing drivers with a good degree of control over the engine’s power delivery. The all-wheel-drive system employed a viscous coupling, automatically distributing torque between the front and rear axles as needed to maintain traction.
Driving Characteristics
The 167 horsepower and 169.64 lb-ft of torque produced by the 2.4-liter engine provided adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took approximately 9.7 seconds, making it competitive within its class but noticeably slower than turbocharged alternatives. The manual transmission allowed for precise gear selection, but the engine’s relatively narrow powerband required frequent shifting to maintain momentum, especially when fully loaded or tackling inclines. The all-wheel-drive system provided enhanced stability and traction in adverse weather conditions, making it a practical choice for drivers in regions with frequent rain or snow. Compared to potential diesel variants, the 2.4-liter petrol engine offered a more responsive and refined driving experience, albeit at the cost of fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Antara 2.4 AWD Ecotec typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, a CD/radio system, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels offered options such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof, and upgraded audio systems. The interior design was functional and relatively modern for its time, with a focus on practicality and durability. The facelifted model benefited from improved interior materials and a more refined dashboard layout.
Chassis & Braking
The Antara’s chassis featured independent suspension at the front, typically utilizing MacPherson struts, and a multi-link setup at the rear. This configuration provided a comfortable ride quality and decent handling characteristics. Braking duties were handled by disc brakes at the front and typically drum brakes at the rear, although some higher-spec models may have featured rear discs. The Antara’s suspension was tuned for comfort rather than sporty handling, prioritizing a smooth ride over sharp cornering ability. Stabilizer bars were included at both the front and rear to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Antara 2.4 AWD Ecotec was generally well-received by automotive critics as a competent and practical SUV. However, it was often criticized for its relatively modest performance and fuel economy compared to some of its competitors. The manual transmission was praised for its smooth operation, but some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the punch of turbocharged alternatives. In terms of reliability, the Antara proved to be a reasonably dependable vehicle, although some owners reported issues with the electrical system and certain engine components. Compared to diesel-powered Antara models, the 2.4-liter petrol engine offered a more refined driving experience but suffered from higher running costs.
Legacy
The Opel Antara, including the 2.4 AWD Ecotec variant, has established a modest following in the used car market. Its relatively simple mechanical design and readily available parts make it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The A24XE/XF engine is known for its durability, although regular maintenance is essential to prevent potential issues. While not a performance standout, the Antara 2.4 AWD Ecotec remains a practical and reliable SUV, offering a comfortable ride and decent all-weather capability. Its legacy lies in providing a solid, if unspectacular, entry point into the compact SUV segment for Opel customers.
