The Vauxhall Antara 2.4 16V 4×4, produced between 2006 and 2010, was a mid-size SUV positioned within the Vauxhall (and Opel, its continental European counterpart) lineup as a competitor to vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. It represented Vauxhall’s entry into the increasingly popular compact SUV segment. The Antara was based on the GM Theta platform, shared with vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox and Saturn Vue. This particular 2.4-liter, 140 horsepower variant with a five-speed manual transmission occupied a middle ground in the Antara range, offering a balance between affordability, fuel economy, and all-wheel-drive capability. It was aimed at families and individuals seeking a practical and versatile vehicle for both on-road and light off-road use.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Antara |
| Generation | Antara |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4 16V (140 Hp) 4×4 |
| Start of production | 2006 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 13.3 l/100 km (17.7 US mpg, 21.2 UK mpg, 7.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg, 38.7 UK mpg, 13.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 9.6 l/100 km (24.5 US mpg, 29.4 UK mpg, 10.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 229 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.4 kg/Hp, 80.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.9 kg/Nm, 127.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 58.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 2400 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft. @ 2400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z24XE |
| Engine displacement | 2405 cm3 (146.76 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1730-1790 kg (3814 – 3946.27 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 370 l (13.07 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) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500-2000 kg (3306.93 – 4409.25 lbs.) |
| Length | 4576 mm (180.16 in.) |
| Width | 1850 mm (72.83 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2085 mm (82.09 in.) |
| Height | 1747 mm (68.78 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2707 mm (106.57 in.) |
| Front track | 1572 mm (61.89 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1562 mm (61.5 in.) |
| Front overhang | 926 mm (36.46 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 943 mm (37.13 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 200 mm (7.87 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.38 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.4 m (40.68 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 24° |
| Departure angle | 16° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 14° |
| Wading depth | 450 mm (17.72 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 235/60 R17; 235/55 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 17; 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Antara 2.4 4×4 was powered by the Z24XE engine, a 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine was a member of the GM Family II engine family, known for its relatively simple design and durability. It featured a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its respectable power output for its displacement. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system. The engine produced 140 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque at 2400 rpm. The five-speed manual transmission was the standard gearbox for this variant, offering a fairly conventional gear ratio spread. The all-wheel-drive system was a torque-on-demand system, primarily driving the front wheels under normal conditions and engaging the rear wheels when traction was lost.
Driving Characteristics
The Antara 2.4 4×4 with the manual transmission offered a reasonably engaging driving experience, though it wasn’t particularly sporty. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 11.3 seconds, and top speed was limited to 175 km/h (108.74 mph). The engine felt adequate for everyday driving, providing sufficient power for merging onto highways and overtaking slower vehicles. However, it could feel strained when fully loaded or climbing steep hills. The manual transmission allowed for greater driver control compared to the optional automatic, and the all-wheel-drive system provided enhanced stability and traction in slippery conditions. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency and everyday usability rather than outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Antara 2.4 4×4 typically came with a decent level of standard equipment. This included air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, central locking, and an audio system with CD player. Safety features included ABS brakes, front and side airbags. Higher trim levels, such as the SE and Elite, added features like alloy wheels, climate control, parking sensors, and upgraded upholstery. Optional extras included a sunroof, leather seats, and a navigation system. Interior materials were generally of good quality for the price point, though not particularly luxurious.
Chassis & Braking
The Antara featured an independent suspension setup at all four wheels, with McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link system at the rear. This provided a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road surface effectively. The braking system consisted of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The steering was hydraulic power-assisted, providing a reasonable level of feedback and precision.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Antara 2.4 4×4 was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and capable SUV. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked refinement and could be noisy under acceleration. Fuel economy was also a concern, with combined fuel consumption of around 9.6 l/100 km (24.5 US mpg). Compared to the more powerful 3.2-liter V6 Antara, the 2.4-liter model offered significantly better fuel economy but lacked the V6’s performance. The 2.0-liter diesel Antara provided better fuel economy still, but the 2.4 petrol was often preferred by those who disliked diesel engines or did not anticipate high mileage.
Legacy
The Vauxhall Antara, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, proved to be a reliable and durable SUV. The Z24XE engine is generally considered to be a robust unit, capable of high mileage with proper maintenance. In the used car market, the Antara 2.4 4×4 represents a relatively affordable option for those seeking a practical and versatile SUV. Common issues include wear and tear on suspension components and occasional problems with the electronic parking brake. However, overall, the Antara remains a reasonably dependable vehicle, particularly for those who prioritize practicality and affordability over outright performance.
