Opel group collector catalysts part 2

In the previous article we discussed the subject of collector catalysts. These are catalysts that are located directly at the car engine. Popular catalysts in this group are Opel production models.

The price of used collector catalysts is often undervalued in relation to their real value. Let’s look at the catalysts coming from Opel Agila and their retail prices on the day of the summary, on 30/04/2019.

You can find more information on the Astra, Meriva and Corsa models on our blog.

Today, we will bring you closer to the story of the less popular Opel Agila model.

Opel Agila is an A class city car, produced in two series from 2000 to 2014 by the German company Opel. Agila is a four-person car with front-wheel drive. The model with a twin structure for this is Suzuki Wagon R (for the first series), and Suzuki Splash (for the second series). For some, Agila is compared due to the height and shape of the Kia Picanto or Hyundai Atos. In 2014, the company ceased cooperation with Suzuki, and the new model is called Opel Karl.

The car was created when, at the end of the nineties, after Corsa’s success, it was wanted to enlarge it and adapt it to the needs of the then market. The company quickly realized that the car is detached from the segment of low cars and there is a gap that other companies have already taken care of. An example that served the German manufacturer to create Agila, became Suzuki Wagon R +, a small car with a special body – mini MPV, which had an advantage due to the space offered. To reduce costs, a car factory in Gliwice was selected for car construction.

The new car was presented in the middle of 2000 under the name Agila, and its debut surprised potential customers due to the extraordinary spaciousness in relation to a very compact body (slightly over 3.5 m in length). These features, combined with economy of operation and competitive price, sanctioned Agila’s success, to the detriment of an equally talented Suzuki Wagon R +, who was not able to exist due to the brand’s less valued by European public opinion.

Unlike many other city cars (such as Ford Ka, Volkswagen Lupo, Fiat Seicento or Renault Twingo), which are usually 3-door, Agila has 5 doors, like her Japanese “younger sister”. This was extremely beneficial from the point of view of practicality, and this was another reason for Agila’s success. It was also sold in the United Kingdom under the Vauxhall brand.

The main competitors of Agila were initially the Hyundai Atos and Honda Jazz models. Later, in 2003, Fiat Panda appeared, followed by Peugeot 1007 and Kia Picanto.

The model was initially available in two engine versions (from the General Motor Family group) – 1l (3 cylinders and 12 valves), and 1.2 l (4 cylinders and 16 valves). The car has front-wheel drive and is equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox. At the end of 2003, Agila underwent minor changes, and on this occasion the range was enlarged by introducing a version with a diesel engine, consisting of a 1.3-liter CDTI from Fiat. The car developed the maximum power of 70 hp. In addition, 1-liter and 1.2-liter gasoline engines were upgraded to the second generation, which included an intake manifold with variable geometry and were between 973 and 998 cm³ and between 1199 and 1229 cm³, respectively.

Already in 2007, the second series of the model was announced. The car was launched in the spring of the next year. Agila B also had her Japanese relative in the form of Suzuki Splash, who became the successor of the R + Wagon. The new Agila is different from the previous one. It is 20 cm longer and 6 cm wider, but at the same time it is 11 cm lower than its predecessor. All this to add dynamics and charm to the model. Front and back have also been modified. The headlights look more aggressive. In the back, the headlights are placed with vertical body on the posts of the rear window. The second version of the car, just like the Suzuki Splash, was built in Hungarian factories in Esztergom.

Two new units have been designed for Agila B, built in cooperation with Suzuki. While creating the project, care was taken in particular about security issues. It implements ABS, EBD, ESP, dual front airbags, side airbags, seatbelts with ISOFIX attachments and PRS devices responsible for releasing the pedal in the event of a frontal collision.

Agila B is available in two equipment versions: basic and richest – Enjoy, which provides a CD radio with 4 speakers and controls on the steering wheel, electric windshields, heated electric rear view mirrors with hoods in the color of the body, fog lights, on-board computer, tachometer, central locking with remote control and exterior door handles colored in the body.

The production of the second generation Agila expired in November 2014, but the car remained on the list until late spring 2015. To get rid of the remaining stocks: in its place was introduced in the summer of the same year model Opel Karl.

You will find the prices of other catalysts from Opel in our price list.