Opel´s Antara Gran Turismo Crossover (GTC) concept vehicle, which was launched at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, has won the prestigious Concept Car of the Year title in this year’s Autocar Awards. The annual ceremony, hosted by Britain’s longest-running car magazine, recognises the very best vehicles in the global car industry.

The concept vehicle, which will go in to production before the end of next year, features the new unmistakable design concepts employed by Opel. These include the distinctive crease on the front bonnet, the roof module inspired by the new Zafira, and the new design for the shape of the lights. The four-wheel-drive Antara GTC concept vehicle also features a 212 hp twin-turbo version of Opel’s 1.9 CDTI four-cylinder engine.

“Opel’s new distinctive design concept has been well-received across Europe. This award reaffirms the appeal of this concept as well as Opel’s ability to deliver new high-quality vehicles which have an instant appeal. The launch of the production version of the Antara is still some months away. The winning of this award from Autocar, however, increases our confidence that this new car will be a success,” said the managing director at United Automobile Ltd, Opel representatives in Malta, Mr Edmund Gatt Baldacchino.

The full range of Opel vehicles can be viewed at the United Automobile Limited showroom located in Abate Rigord Street, Ta’ Xbiex. UAL can also be contacted on 2132-0560.