The Vauxhall Antara, a mid-size SUV produced by the British manufacturer, was marketed as a competitor to vehicles like the Ford Kuga and Nissan X-Trail. The facelifted version, introduced in November 2010 and continuing through March 2015, brought styling updates and refinements to the original model launched in 2006. This particular variant, the 2.2 CDTI 4×4 Automatic, represented a significant portion of the Antara lineup, offering a balance between fuel efficiency, all-weather capability, and ease of driving. It was positioned as a mid-range offering, appealing to buyers seeking a practical and comfortable SUV without the higher price tag of more premium trims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Antara |
| Generation | Antara (facelift 2010) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2 CDTI (184 Hp) 4×4 Automatic |
| Start of production | November, 2010 |
| End of production | March, 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.3 l/100 km (22.8 US mpg, 27.4 UK mpg, 9.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg, 15.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg, 36.2 UK mpg, 12.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 205 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 192 km/h (119.3 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.8 kg/Hp, 101.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.5 kg/Nm, 221 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 184 Hp @ 3800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 82.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 2000 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A22DMH |
| Engine displacement | 2231 cm3 (136.14 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 96 mm (3.78 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.4 l (5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1810-1921 kg (3990.37 – 4235.08 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2258-2370 kg (4978.04 – 5224.96 lbs.) |
| Max load | 448-449 kg (987.67 – 989.88 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 420 l (14.83 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1420 l (50.15 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1700 kg (3747.86 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4596 mm (180.94 in.) |
| Width | 1850 mm (72.83 in.) |
| Height | 1717-1761 mm (67.6 – 69.33 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2707 mm (106.57 in.) |
| Front track | 1569 mm (61.77 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1576 mm (62.05 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 176 mm (6.93 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.25 m (40.19 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 20° |
| Departure angle | 24° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 18° |
| Wading depth | 450 mm (17.72 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 235/50 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Antara variant is the A22DMH 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine. This engine, part of Vauxhall/Opel’s engine family, utilizes a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. A turbocharger with intercooling further enhances performance, boosting power and torque. The engine produces 184 horsepower at 3800 rpm and a substantial 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque at just 2000 rpm. This torque output is particularly beneficial for towing and provides strong acceleration in everyday driving situations. The engine features a cast iron block and aluminum cylinder head, contributing to its durability. The automatic transmission is a six-speed unit, designed to provide smooth and efficient gear changes. While not a dual-clutch transmission, it offers a comfortable driving experience, particularly in urban environments.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.2 CDTI Automatic Antara delivers a comfortable and capable driving experience. The automatic transmission, while not particularly sporty, provides smooth shifts and eliminates the need for constant gear changes. Acceleration is adequate, with a 0-60 mph time of around 9.6 seconds, making it competitive within its class. The 4×4 system provides enhanced traction in slippery conditions, making it a suitable vehicle for all-weather driving. However, the Antara isn’t designed for serious off-roading. The relatively high weight of the vehicle, combined with the engine’s torque characteristics, means that the engine needs to be revved to access its full potential. Compared to the manual transmission versions, the automatic offers less driver engagement but greater convenience. Higher-output versions of the Antara, such as those with more powerful diesel engines, offered quicker acceleration but at the expense of fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.2 CDTI 4×4 Automatic Antara typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, alloy wheels, electric windows and mirrors, a CD/radio system, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels, such as the SE and Elite, added features like leather upholstery, heated seats, a sunroof, and a more advanced infotainment system. Optional extras included satellite navigation, parking sensors, and a rear-view camera. The interior design was functional and well-built, although not particularly luxurious. The dashboard layout was straightforward and easy to use, with clearly labeled controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Antara’s chassis features independent suspension all around, with McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. This provides a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road surface effectively. The 4×4 system is typically an on-demand system, automatically engaging all-wheel drive when traction is lost. Braking is handled by disc brakes on all four wheels, with ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution as standard. The Antara’s braking performance is adequate for its weight and performance level.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Antara 2.2 CDTI 4×4 Automatic received generally positive reviews from automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and all-weather capability. However, some critics noted that the engine could be a bit noisy and that the automatic transmission wasn’t as responsive as some of its competitors. Fuel economy was considered to be reasonable for a vehicle of its size and type, averaging around 30 mpg in combined driving. Compared to other trims in the Antara lineup, the 2.2 CDTI Automatic offered a good balance between performance, fuel economy, and price. It was a popular choice for buyers who wanted a practical and comfortable SUV without breaking the bank.
Legacy
The Vauxhall Antara, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, proved to be a reliable and practical SUV. The 2.2 CDTI engine, in particular, has a reputation for durability, provided it is properly maintained. The automatic transmission, while not without its quirks, is generally considered to be robust. In the used car market, the Antara 2.2 CDTI 4×4 Automatic represents a good value proposition, offering a lot of features and capability for its price. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for diesel particulate filter (DPF) issues, particularly on vehicles that have spent a lot of time driving in urban areas. Regular servicing and the use of high-quality diesel fuel are essential for maintaining the long-term reliability of this powertrain.
