Vauxhall / Opel unveils new Mondeo-munching Insignia
Newswheel staff :: 21 April 2008 :: Filed under Saloon, Opel / Vauxhall, Vauxhall, Vauxhall Insignia
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So long, Vectra
Gone are the days when the upper medium segment – the repmobile, y’all - ruled our roads with polyester-suited impunity. Actually, buyers have generally buggered off in favour of premium brands or niche models - soft roaders, crossovers and all that jazz. Sales are therefore on the slouchy side of slumpy. And yet there’s still something slightly momentous about the launch of a new sales rep special from one of the big players. At least the new Vauxhall (Opel to our friends across the Channel) Insignia is handsome and promises to be moderately high tech - LED lighting and active dampers are options, an EcoFLEX model is on the cards. And it will of course lend its underpinnings to a wide range of models in GM’s brand portfolio…
Not due to be officially unveiled until the British Motor Show in July, tech-spec specifics for the Insignia are a little thin for now. However we do know that it is 21cm longer, five cm wider and boasts an extra 35mm between the axles, compared with the outgoing Vectra.
Chassis-wise, the Insignia will pack a revised version of GM’s IDS active suspension system and optional adaptive all-wheel drive. At launch, engine options will include three petrol lumps and a pair of oil burners. The petrol options range from a 140hp four-pot to a 260hp V6. The diesel option takes the predictable form of a 2.0l four banger in 130hp or 160hp trim. Vauxhall has not put a date on the arrival of either the EcoFLEX model or the inevitable VXR high performance machine.
The Insignia also sports the new AFL lighting system. Over to the Vauxhall PR machine on this one:
“Nine different light beam settings automatically adjust themselves to cater for various driving conditions, simultaneously enhancing safety and driving pleasure. Moreover, the distinctive styling signature of the front and rear light clusters adds to the Insignia’s unique design.”
Well, quite. And speaking of aesthetics, the Insignia is pimping Vauxhall’s new design language. 'Flowing, ‘coupe-like’ and ‘powerful’ is Vauxhall’s spiel. On the whole we don’t disagree, it’s really is a handsome car. Purely in the looks department, it surely has the edge on Ford’s occasionally clumsy Mondeo. We reckon the Insignia’s swoopy roofline and broad stance hides its ultimately rather utilitarian destiny better than the Ford’s slightly dumpy coachwork.
Actually, it probably gives the new VW Passat CC a run for its money. And without actually poking you in the ribs and claiming to be a four-door coupe.
As for the inside, well, claims of “new levels of luxury, style and quality” will have to go untested for now. Official interior images have not been released. The Insignia will initially be available in hatchback and saloon body styles. No official info as yet on prices, speeds and feeds. More as soon as we get it.
