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.

Artykuł Opel group collector catalysts part 2 pochodzi z serwisu Katalizatory Chrzanów.

Today we will briefly introduce you to the story of the Opel Meriva.

Meriva is a mid-range minivan, produced in two series from 2003 to 2017. Its successor was the crossover SUV – Opel Crossland X, whose construction was based on the mechanics and chassis of Peugeot. It was the first model born from the takeover of the PSA group.

Meriva was located between Agila and Zafira. During the design work, the constructors received extremely precise guidelines regarding the flexibility of the passenger cabin. The concern was that the car should have the highest possible quality of performance. All this to allow her to compete with top-class cars, such as Mercedes Benz A-class.

The car was presented in May 2002. Officially, however, he was shown in Geneva the following year. Sales began shortly thereafter in the spring. Production started in Brazil and Zaragoza in Spain. The characteristic feature of the car is a rounded body, resembling the shape of an egg. The front resembles the Corsa C design, whose mechanical solutions were used in the production of Meriva and Vectra C. The round back was characterized by vertical headlamps, placed high on the sides of the glass. Similarly to Zafira, it was decided to create a large tailgate with a low bottom, facilitating the loading of heavy luggage, and the use of FlexSpace. The car has 5 seats in two rows. Undoubtedly, its strong feature is the modularity of the interior. Probably this trait determined the strength of the model and its competitiveness.

Meriva was based on the Corsa C chassis. There were also typical standard solutions when it comes to mechanics. However, a few innovations have been made – for example regarding effective energy dissipation at frontal impacts.

The car was available with a manual 5-speed gearbox. Later also introduced 6-speed and sequential, Easytronic.

For owners, extensive equipment has been prepared, even in the basic version. Attention was paid to safety and driving ergonomics. Already in the basic version, we can find a double airbag, side airbags, ABS and air conditioning. In richer versions we can find curtain airbags, xenon, parking sensors, sunroof or active headrests. Later, the ESP system, halogen spotlights and satellite navigation were provided.

As for the engine versions, initially there were 3 cylinder units with four valves: 1.6, 1.8 petrol version, and 1.7 DTI. The choice of gasoline engines was extended already in 2004 by version 1.4. In 2005, the 1.3 CDTI common-rail turbo diesel also joined the range.

In 2006, it was decided to have a small facelift. The grille has been modified to include transparent front headlights and polished rear lights. This moment was also used to supplement the offer with Meriva OPC, which was equipped with a 1.6-liter engine with up to 180 hp. In addition, the twinport version 1.6 was introduced, followed by a 1.3 CDTI with up to 75 hp, which received a DPF filter.

In 2008, during the Geneva Motor Show, the concept car Meriva B was presented, which was to be the last generation of the car. The car aroused considerable surprise with its innovative external appearance. They are equipped with the FlexDoor system – so-called “Cabinet System”, which allowed the rear door to open at an angle of 84 degrees, contrary to the direction of the car. It was a big surprise. What made the model stand out the most was the new door opening system. This way of opening was tested already in 2005 on Meriva A. A year later the final look of the car was shown. Production began in 2010.

Interestingly, the second generation was a significant evolutionary step compared to Meriva A. Both in terms of dimensions that became larger and modern look, which in its style resembled Opel Astra and Insignia. The vehicle was extended by 24 cm and widened by 12 cm. Its main competitors were Mercedes-Benz B class, and Scenic X-Mod.

In 2013, a facelift was carried out, which resulted in the modification of the radiator grille, bumper and shape of lights.

To facilitate the ride comfort and loadability of the car, a series of solutions have been developed and patented. All this to maximize the modularity of the internal space.

That’s how 5 important systems were created: FlexDoors – that is, opening the “wardrobe” door, which was really known already in the thirties in the Opel Admiral or in the 50s in Lancia Aurelia; FlexSpace, allowing any rear seat sliding independently from each other; FlexRail; FlexFix – a removable bicycle rack connected to the rear bumper and FlexFloor – a double bottom for storing private luggage.

It is worth mentioning the appearance of the 1.3 CDTI model with the Start & Stop system. This system allows the engine to be automatically switched off during forced stops, for example in the case of traffic jams or traffic lights. Used to reduce fuel consumption and, what is very important, to reduce the amount of exhaust gas escaping from the exhaust system.

The greatest advantages of the car, which are emphasized by its owners, are spaciousness, driving comfort and good visibility, practicality and low maintenance costs. Defects include poor motor units and insufficient noise suppression.

The possibilities resulting from the modularity of the interior can be seen in the model’s advertisement.

The prices of used catalysts from Meriva or other Opel models can be found in the catalog.

Artykuł GM36 catalyst pochodzi z serwisu Katalizatory Chrzanów.