Opel launched the 2015 KARL at the Geneva Motor Show, right after a sneak peek early in the morning. With plenty of tech and an environmentally friendly engine, this looks like a winner.
Even though small city cars may not be to everyone’s liking, Opel claims that the KARL is ideal for price-conscious customers – who can now expect to receive a five-door car with space for up to five people, as well as an optional 940 liters of storage, for just €9,500 (RRP including VAT in Germany).
Touching on the KARL’s merits, we’ll point out again that thanks to its 1.0 liter 3-cylinder 75 HP ECOTEC engine and the ecoFlex package, it can offer you a mixed consumption of just 4.3 liters/100km, as well as 99g of CO2/km.
Still not convinced? Well, the KARL also comes with numerous safety and comfort features that customers don’t really expect to get in this segment. In addition to standard Hill Start Assist, you’ve also got Lane Departure Warning integrated in the front camera, which is indeed impressive.
Just like the ADAM and Corsa, the KARL also features ‘City Mode’ which reduces steering effort at the push of a button, as well as ‘Park Assist’ and cruise control with speed limiter (standard from the Enjoy trim).
There is also the integrated cornering light function which ensures that turning maneuvers are now safer for both the driver and other cars on the road.
As Opel Group CEO, Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann says, the KARL is a “grown up car that appeals to both heart and brain”.
We may be forced to agree. Things are changing rapidly in the European landscape as far as city cars being both practical as well as economical. Downsizing may be the way of the future.
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