The all-new Karl may be the German carmaker’s smallest car in size but Opel believes that it has big potential. With room for five people, six airbags and technologies such as Hill Start Assist as standard, Opel says that the Karl is priced to satisfy the head and heart at just €11,995. It now has the Karl, Adam and Corsa, each very different, giving Opel the youngest and possibly most attractive mini and small car portfolio on the market.
It is available to order now and arriving in Ireland in August, the 3.68-metre long, 1.48-metre high Karl comes with its own new 1.0 EcoTec petrol engine with 75hp and a host of safety features that are unrivalled in its segment.
The name Karl is short, crisp and concise and like Adam has the power to start conversations. The mission for Karl was simple: As elaborate as necessary, as simple as possible and this is reflected in every aspect in the creation of the car. We know that Karl will prove popular on Irish roads with its appealing price, features and German engineering,” said Dave Sheeran, Managing Director, Opel Ireland.
Under the bonnet the all-new Karl boasts the latest generation in Opel powertrain technology. This new small petrol engine was developed especially for the Karl. All components and mounting parts were constructed under the premise of making the three-cylinder engine as quiet and vibration free as possible.
Opel claims that the Karl has the quietest engine in its segment despite the 1.0 ECcoTec delivering 6,500 rpm and maximum torque of 95 Nm at 4,500 rpm. This three-cylinder engine can reduce consumption to 4.3 litres per 100km (that’s 66 mpg) in the combined cycle and CO2 emissions to 104gm p/km.
The Karl was also developed with functionality and versatility in mind. Sitting on a 2.385 mm-long wheelbase and tipping the scales at 939 kg, its five-door body offers plenty of room for up to five people and two ISOFIX child seats fitted in the rear.
The asymmetrical (40:60) split foldable rear seat back enables amply flexible loading space: With the rear seat backs folded down, the Karl offers 1,013 liters of stowage up to its roof. Opel also says that the lightweight Karl also features their engineered, best in class ride and handling. It adds that the additional ride-improving measures have been implemented in the suspension. The tailored steering also adds to the impressive ride and handling – no matter whether in standard or ‘City’ mode.
Watch this space for more on the new Opel Karl before it arrives here in August.
