Opel is introducing new pro-environmental ecoFLEX variants of the Corsa and Astra for model year 2009. With CO2 emissions of just 109 (Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX) and 119g/km (Astra 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX), the two are real fuel-efficiency stars, requiring just 4.1 and 4.5 litres of diesel, respectively, per 100km.

Both cars are fitted with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter as standard. The automaker is pursuing an array of activities as part of its commitment to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions of cars with conventional combustion engines.

Thanks to improved engine control and lower vehicle weight, Opel reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of the Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX by around nine per cent. Its combined fuel consumption is now just 4.1 instead of 4.5 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, and at 109g/km, it emits 10 grams less CO2 per kilometre than before.

The Corsa and Astra ecoFLEX use a similar recipe to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. On the Corsa, the calibration of the 1.3 CDTI engine is optimised and adapted to a longer transmission gear ratio. To improve its aerodynamics, the car is lowered by 20mm, air intakes are optimised and wheels are fitted with newly designed, more effective wheel caps.

The Corsa ecoFLEX is also equipped with special roll resistance optimised smaller tyres: 175/70 instead of 185/70, fitted to lighter – flow formed – 14” steel wheels. Engineers have paid extra attention to the weight reduction, shaving off no less than 45kg. The optimised wheels and tires, for instance, allowed to reduce weight by 7.2kg alone.

The Corsa ecoFLEX is available with five-speed manual transmission as a three door model in the equipment variants Corsa and Edition. Its performance figures are similar to its predecessor: 55kW/ 75hp output, maximum torque of 170Nm and a top speed of 168km/h.

The new Astra 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX is available as five-door, three-door and station wagon models which come with a six-speed manual transmission. The especially economical compact car sips just 4.5 litres of diesel per 100km and emits 119g/km CO2. Yet the 1.7 CDTI common-rail diesel has maximum output of 81kW/ 110hp, torque of 260Nm at 2,000rpm and a top speed of 188km/h – proving that driving can be as friendly to the motorist as it is to the environment.