The first pictures of Karl and a handful of information were published by Opel at the beginning of December last year, the most interesting of his report was definitely the figure of 10,000 euros , below which the price of the basic version was supposed to fall. And as the Rüsselsheim "lightning" promised last year, according to the German price list , it is also delivering this year.
The 3675 mm long five-door hatchback with a height of 1476 mm and a width of 1604 mm will take the place of the most affordable model of the GM concern after Chevrolet leaves Europe. And for this bowl, it is not equipped at all badly, especially in terms of equipment. The basic Selection level for 9,500 euros (approx. 263,000 crowns) includes, for example, 6 airbags, ESP, hill start assistant, tire pressure control, traction control, seat belt warning, power steering or on-board computer. The medium trim level Edition for 10,650 euros (approx. 295,000 crowns) adds fog lights, cruise control with speed limiter, central locking with remote control, height-adjustable driver's seat, height-adjustable steering wheel or electric mirrors. The highlight is the Exklusiv line for 12,900 euros (approx. 358,000 crowns) with automatic air conditioning, radio with controls on the leather steering wheel, heated mirrors or upholstery in a combination of fabric and artificial leather. Interesting extras include a rear parking assistant with an acoustic warning signal, an electrically operated sunroof or a digital radio for the highest level of equipment.
The body design largely uses elements from past or current Opels . This can be said above all about the main headlights, which are slightly inspired by the Corsa of the fourth generation , or the radiator grille with the design of the current models of the German car company. Anyone who wants to can recognize the Chevrolet Spark in the cutouts on the side of the body, so Karl is unique practically only at the back with large headlights. All equipment levels have painted bumpers, from the middle level, mirrors and door handles are also added. Speaking of body lacquers, Karl offers a total of ten of them, eight of which are metallic (six available now, two more will be added during the year). The first two trim levels come with 14-inch steel wheels, with the highest level having cast 15 -inch wheels. These are also available for an additional fee for the middle level, the highest one has additional sixteens for a change.
Although the safety equipment in particular is very extensive and the price is relatively favorable, it is reflected in the appearance of the interior , especially in the basic version. If you do not reach for any of the extras, it is full of black plastics and there are also handles for controlling the windows. In addition, there is an ugly shelf on the center console in place of the audio system. The appearance improves a bit on the middle level of equipment, which at least has silver decor on the steering wheel and more valuable door panels. However, the two-tone version of the Karl Exklusiv, which also has a radio, looks really cheerful. However, I couldn't find the infotainment that the automaker boasts about in the promotional photos even after a few tens of minutes in the configurator. But not to write about the appearance all the time, thanks to the 2385 mm between the axles, five adults should be able to fit in the back. It was supposed to, but it won't fit – Karl is basically a four-seater , you can get a fifth backrest only with the highest level of equipment or for an additional fee of 325 euros (approx. 9000 crowns) as part of the Funktions package for the middle level of equipment. The first two levels do not even have split rear backrests, they only come with the highest level of equipment or with the already mentioned Funktions package for the second level of equipment. The basic volume of the luggage compartment is 206 liters , the incriminated folding bench or backrests increase it to 1013 liters.
Under the hood, the only option is a liter three-cylinder Ecotec with a power of 75 hp at 6500 rpm with a torque of 96 Nm at 4500 rpm. With a five-speed manual transmission and a weight of 939 kg , the city hatchback accelerates to 100 km/h in 13.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 170 km/h. Consumption in the combined cycle ranges between 4.3 – 4.5 l/100 km, which corresponds to 99 – 104 g CO2/km. The lower values apply to a car equipped with the optional Eco package for 250 euros (approx. 6,930 crowns) with tires with lower rolling resistance, an optimized front splitter and a black rear roof spoiler.
Source: Opel
