Photo: Opel
When Opel and Vauxhall had brought the Karl and Viva into this world as successors for the Suzuki-based Agila, the new kid proved to be an inspired replacement. However, turning the Karl / Viva into a softroader defeats the purpose altogether.
Priced from €9,500 and £8,745, respectively, the entry-level model in the Opel and Vauxhall lineups has been developed from the get-go as a cheap means of personal mobility. In a continent where the Dacia Sandero is king of the hill as far as the low-cost segment is concerned, the Karl is an attractive alternative to the Sandero. So why is the Rocks softroader not making sense?
The Dacia Sandero Stepway is the answer to that. SUV style, subcompact size, starting from €9,590 and £8,495, respectively. And while Dacia is careful not to describe its Sandero Stepway as “stylish,” “trendy,” or “upmarket,” the peeps at Opel do the exact opposite. But then again, the Opel badge is more appealing to the general public than the bottle opener-like Dacia badge.
Slated to make its world debut later this month at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, the Karl Rocks differentiates itself from the regular Karl with an increased ride height (by 0.7 inches or 18 millimeters) and the addition of roof rails, black plastic cladding on the wheel arches and bumpers, and SUV-like side skirts. Also, the cabin also boasts an exclusive feature.
I’m not making this up, but the privileged feature Opel is talking about is... wait for it... Favo fabric upholstery. Oh man, I’m at a loss for words here. On the upside, the Karl Rocks can be had with an IntelliLink infotainment system that allows navigation via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
Regarding the oily bits, Opel is keeping quiet about what’s hiding underneath the sheet metal and cheap-looking plastic. Mind you, it’s a sure bet we’re dealing with front-wheel-drive, a 1.0-liter three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, and a five-speed manual. If, for no apparent reason, someone needs the Karl Rocks in his or her life, the order books will open late this year.
The Dacia Sandero Stepway is the answer to that. SUV style, subcompact size, starting from €9,590 and £8,495, respectively. And while Dacia is careful not to describe its Sandero Stepway as “stylish,” “trendy,” or “upmarket,” the peeps at Opel do the exact opposite. But then again, the Opel badge is more appealing to the general public than the bottle opener-like Dacia badge.
Slated to make its world debut later this month at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, the Karl Rocks differentiates itself from the regular Karl with an increased ride height (by 0.7 inches or 18 millimeters) and the addition of roof rails, black plastic cladding on the wheel arches and bumpers, and SUV-like side skirts. Also, the cabin also boasts an exclusive feature.
I’m not making this up, but the privileged feature Opel is talking about is... wait for it... Favo fabric upholstery. Oh man, I’m at a loss for words here. On the upside, the Karl Rocks can be had with an IntelliLink infotainment system that allows navigation via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
Regarding the oily bits, Opel is keeping quiet about what’s hiding underneath the sheet metal and cheap-looking plastic. Mind you, it’s a sure bet we’re dealing with front-wheel-drive, a 1.0-liter three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, and a five-speed manual. If, for no apparent reason, someone needs the Karl Rocks in his or her life, the order books will open late this year.
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