Autoblog

Click image for Flex-Fix gallery

We've reported on the Opel Flex-Fix system before. It's the ingeniously cool, fully-integrated bicycle carrier option that made its debut on the Corsa and next appeared on the Antara SUV. Many of us had high hopes that Flex-Fix would survive the translation from Opel Antara to Saturn Vue, but alas, that's not the case. Our understanding is that federal crash regs are responsible, so Americans will need to buy racks or just throw their two-wheelers in the back for the drive to the trail. Too bad, because Flex-Fix is an elegant, innovative solution. On the Antara, it adds €650 to the purchase price. The rack is there for two bikes when you need it, and it's totally hidden in a drawer behind the rear bumper when you don't. Click the gallery below for several new photos showing the Flex-Fix system in use on the Antara, and click on either of the two links above for additional background. What a bummer that this option couldn't make it into the Vue.

[Source: Opel]

A few months ago, we told you about the FlexFix integrated bicycle rack in the new Opel/Vauxhall Corsa. It's an ingenious little contraption. The FlexFix system is essentially a drawer that can be pulled out from the car's rear bumper. On it are two wheel-mount bike racks, an extra rear license plate, and supplemental brake lights. When not in use, you wouldn't even know the system was there if not for the drawer cutout. It's the kind of killer innovation that's been sorely lacking from the American automakers for some time.

Now, GM Europe has just announced that the FlexFix system will be offered on the new Opel Antara crossover. Some of you may be asking, "And we care because?"

We care because the Opel Antara and the 2008 Saturn Vue are fundamentally the same vehicle, meaning we're about to see just how serious GM is when it comes to offering American customers the good stuff from Europe. This FlexFix system is exactly the kind of thing we've been missing here for far too long. Simple and brilliant, if it's not an available option on the next Vue, we are going to be very, very disappointed. Don't cheap out on us, General. We're your bread and butter, and we want the good stuff, too.

(More photos, press release after the jump)

[Source: Opel via Kicking Tires]

General Motors of Europe imprint Vauxhall has released some photos of its upcoming five-door Corsa, in advance of the car's debut at the British International Motorshow.

Like the three-door version we've show Autoblog readers before, the five-door Corsa carries over much of the three-door's interior fitments, but it has more interior and cargo space, including "DualFloor" flexibility - a flexible system designed to maximize cargo space. Arguably the car's most interesting feature is its optional "FlexFix," a drawer-like contraption that pulls out from the Corsa's rear bumper to accommodate a pair of bikes.

As with the three door, buyers will have the option of specifying one of three gasoline engines (displacing 1.0, 1.2, and 1.4-liters, respectively), or 1.3-liter common rail diesel. If that isn't enough, the EuroGeneral promises that a third, more powerful oil-burner on its way.

[Sources: Motoring.co.za; Vauxhall]