2011 Vauxhall Antara Facelift Prices Start Under £20k in the UK

Following the reveal of its Opel counterpart in mainland Europe, Vauxhall has released pricing and specifications on the UK market Antara facelift, which boasts a barely noticeable makeover and a refreshed engine lineup. Prices for the updated SUV now start from £19,995 for the 2.2 CDTi (163PS) Exclusiv front-wheel drive model, which according to Vauxhall, represents a saving of £2,835 over the outgoing base version.

On the outside, styling changes for the 2011 Antara include the updated front grille with the new Griffin logo, enhanced by fog lights finished with chrome bezels on SE models, new 19-inch alloy wheels and modified rear lights.

Inside, the new Antara's cabin features a revised centre console with extra storage and higher-quality materials, in addition to improved instrument graphics and better interior lighting.

The 2011 model's revised Euro-5 compliant engine line-up includes a newly-developed 2.2-liter CDTI turbodiesel in two states of tune with 163HP or 184HP. The 163HP version is available in front-wheel drive with a six-speed manual transmission only or all-wheel drive hooked up to either a manual or six-speed auto gearbox. The more potent 184HP variant also offers a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, and comes with all-wheel drive as standard. All transmissions have been revised to improve efficiency.

The Vauxhall Antara will not be offered in the UK with the revised 170HP 2.4-liter gasoline engine of its Opel sibling.

GM Europe's engineers have also re-worked the SUV's chassis with revised spring and damper settings.

Finally, Vauxhall has improved safety and comfort features with the addition of an electric parking brake, a Hill Assist System as well as a "shift-up" fuel economy indicator on all models.

"At less than £20k, the new Antara is set to be highly competitive in today's SUV market," said Peter Hope, Vauxhall's Marketing Director. "Its lower emissions, higher output diesel engines and refreshed design will offer renewed appeal to both retail and fleet customers."

2011 Vauxhall Antara Facelift Prices Start Under £20k in the UK

Following the reveal of its Opel counterpart in mainland Europe, Vauxhall has released pricing and specifications on the UK market Antara facelift, which boasts a barely noticeable makeover and a refreshed engine lineup. Prices for the updated SUV now start from £19,995 for the 2.2 CDTi (163PS) Exclusiv front-wheel drive model, which according to Vauxhall, represents a saving of £2,835 over the outgoing base version.

On the outside, styling changes for the 2011 Antara include the updated front grille with the new Griffin logo, enhanced by fog lights finished with chrome bezels on SE models, new 19-inch alloy wheels and modified rear lights.

Inside, the new Antara's cabin features a revised centre console with extra storage and higher-quality materials, in addition to improved instrument graphics and better interior lighting.

The 2011 model's revised Euro-5 compliant engine line-up includes a newly-developed 2.2-liter CDTI turbodiesel in two states of tune with 163HP or 184HP. The 163HP version is available in front-wheel drive with a six-speed manual transmission only or all-wheel drive hooked up to either a manual or six-speed auto gearbox. The more potent 184HP variant also offers a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, and comes with all-wheel drive as standard. All transmissions have been revised to improve efficiency.

The Vauxhall Antara will not be offered in the UK with the revised 170HP 2.4-liter gasoline engine of its Opel sibling.

GM Europe's engineers have also re-worked the SUV's chassis with revised spring and damper settings.

Finally, Vauxhall has improved safety and comfort features with the addition of an electric parking brake, a Hill Assist System as well as a "shift-up" fuel economy indicator on all models.

"At less than £20k, the new Antara is set to be highly competitive in today's SUV market," said Peter Hope, Vauxhall's Marketing Director. "Its lower emissions, higher output diesel engines and refreshed design will offer renewed appeal to both retail and fleet customers."

Watercar Python: A Corvette Powered Amphibious Hot Rod that Hits 60mph in 4.5 Sec [WITH VIDEO]

Watercar Python: A Corvette Powered Amphibious Hot Rod that Hits 60mph in 4.5 Sec [WITH VIDEO]

The same folks that brought you the Subaru-powered, Chevrolet Camaro-bodied amphibian are at it again. WaterCar's latest land-to-sea-and-back creation is the Python. Hailed by the California-based company as the world's fugliest fastest amphibious vehicle, the Python is offered with a choice of Corvette V8 engines ranging from a base LS1 all the way up to GM's latest 6.2-liter supercharged LS9 that makes 640HP in the Corvette ZR1. Marine propulsion comes courtesy of a Dominator Jet drive.

Weighing in at 3,800 lbs or 1,725 kg, the Python is said to be able to reach top speeds in excess of 60mph (97km/h) on the water and 100mph (160 km/h) on land. The maker also claims that the amphibious vehicle can accelerate from zero to 60mph (96km/h) in 4.5 seconds and hit the quarter mile mark in around 12.5 seconds.

For the record, WaterCar does not clarify with which GM LS V8 engine the Python achieves these performance figures on land, though we suspect that it's the LS9.

WaterCar trumpets that the transition from car-to-boat is immediate as the only thing that the driver has to do is put the transmission in neutral then engage the jet, and push a button to raise the wheels. When coming out of the water, the d(r)iver has to reverse the process.

The company says that the Python is hand built to order and can be customized right up to the exact placement of the seats and pedals with buyers offered a choice of more than 60,000 exterior shades and 4,000 interior colors. However, bear in mind that neither a soft/hard top or air-condition is offered at this time.

If you plan on buying one, be warned that prices for fully customized and completed examples start off from a hefty $200,000 or about €137,000 at the current exchange rates.

Link: WaterCar - Hat tip to Fred!