Vauxhall has updated its 4×4-style car, the Antara, with a new grille as well as new engine, revised chassis and upgraded interior. First introduced in 2007, the Antara has never found the success achieved by the Frontera. So can this update make a difference?
Only one engine is offered, a 2.2-litre diesel, with 163hp or 184hp, but the entry-level 163hp two-wheel drive falls under the £20k bracket, making it an appealing proposition price-wise. The standard Exclusiv trim includes hill start assist, aircon, heated front seats, electric parking brake and 17in alloys, too, but unfortunately for fleets the range doesn’t fall under the often-vital 160g/km CO2, coming in at 167g/km.
It’s a competitive sector these days, with rivals like the Ford Kuga, Nissan Qashqai, VW Tiguan and Kia Sportage, and the Antara simply isn’t good enough. Ride comfort is poor on all roads, while handling is also lacking, with notable body roll. The engine is lacklustre for 163hp and more attention to refinement is needed.
Against the nearest equivalent Ford Kuga, a 2.0-litre TDCi with slightly less power at 140hp, the Ford has RVs of 46.1% against the Antara’s 34.9%. Add in better CO2 at 154g/km and despite a higher P11D price at £21,425, the Kuga wins hands down at 50.5p per mile versus 55.5p for the Antara.
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