The Vauxhall Insignia elegant styling combines sculptured artistry with technical precision, illustrated by wing and blade themes which integrate with the car's rakish, but graceful silhouette. The body's sculpted shape is punctuated by sweeping front and rear light designs and fronted by a bold radiator grille, which displays the refreshed Griffin logo in a new, circular surround carrying Vauxhall's name.
Another benefit brought by the Insignia's flowing lines is a spectacularly low Cd of just 0.27, bringing with it benefits in fuel consumption, cabin refinement and performance. All body variants have an identical wheelbase of 2737mm, while the Sports Tourer adds around 80mm to the 4830mm length of the saloon and hatch models.
Vauxhall Insignia saloon and hatch models will hit UK dealerships at the end of 2008 with a broad range of two diesel and three petrol engines. The Sports Tourer - due in 2009 - will bring with it two further powertrains, a 1.6-litre, 180PS petrol and a new 2.0 CDTi BiTurbo with a maximum output of 190PS. An ecoFLEX version with lower C02 emissions, but with no performance compromise, will join the line-up in 2009. All powertrains will come with either a six-speed manual or six-speed auto transmission.
New technology benefits dynamics and safety
A range of new or improved features on the Vauxhall Insignia enhance everything from dynamics to comfort and safety. The FlexRide system, available on selected models, allows drivers to personalise their suspension set up at the press of a button, or if left alone will automatically adapt to different driving styles. Complementing FlexRide is Adaptive 4X4, which improves handling and stability in all conditions. Standard with both turbocharged petrol powertrains, the system uses electronically controlled hydraulic disc clutch plates to distribute torque from 0-100 per cent between the front and rear axles. On SRi models, an electronic limited slip differential which balances rear wheel torque left to right is also standard.
Vauxhall's Front Camera System will appear as an option on Insignia soon after launch. This leading technology uses a small camera, positioned inside the car's windscreen to read and memorise both speed warning and no-overtaking signs, the details of which are relayed back to the driver from the instrument panel. The system also incorporates a lane departure warning, alerting drivers if they unintentionally leave their lane.
The Vauxhall Insignia is also the first Vauxhall to use the latest generation Adaptive Forward Lighting. This clever system now uses nine lighting functions which automatically adapt to information relating to road profile, driving status and general visibility. Models fitted with Intelligent AFL are also equipped with LED daytime running lamps.
DESIGN
With its groundbreaking design and sophisticated technology, the new Insignia takes Vauxhall's new-found design language to another level. The premium styling of the new five-seater clearly defines Vauxhall's philosophy of making advanced technology and attractive design affordable.
Vauxhall has a long and successful tradition of building aerodynamic cars - remember the 1990 Calibra with its Cd of 0.26? With a drag coefficient of 0.27, the Vauxhall Insignia is more streamlined than competitors. The Insignia's fuel consumption and driving dynamics benefit from its sleek, flowing styling which was optimised during more than 650 hours in the wind tunnel, in addition to 290 computer simulations.
In addition to its streamlined body shape and sporty roofline, the Vauxhall Insignia boasts numerous details designed to improve aerodynamic performance. These include the front bumper corners, boot-lid spoiler, the exterior mirror's wing form and the profiled rear axle's lower control arm. The future ecoFLEX version, designed to produce low CO2 emissions, will take these improvements a stage further, to a cd at only 0.26
Fresh and innovative appearance
Like the signature crease on the bonnet, a blade form can be seen in the side of the car, highlighting a styling element that will become a defining characteristic of future Vauxhalls. Other design elements of note include a distinctive front grille with a newly-designed Vauxhall Griffin badge, as well as sweeping front and rear light lenses.
The shapes and surfaces of the exterior are also echoed in the Insignia's interior. Crafted in high quality materials, the new car's dashboard wraps around from the instrument panel to the door, embracing the occupants. The bold exterior "blade" graphic is picked up in the shape of the interior door grab handle, the steering wheel and the gear-shift surround.
POWERTRAIN
The new Vauxhall Insignia launches with a range of five engines, all of which meet Euro 5 emissions standards. The three petrol engines range from 140 to 260PS and two new 2.0-litre turbo-diesels are available with either 130 or 160PS. All engines are highly competitive in terms of CO2 and fuel consumption in their respective power output categories. In Spring 2009, two additional powertrains - a 180PS 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol and a BiTurbo version of the 2.0 CDTi with 190PS - will become available. An ecoFLEX version with low CO2 emissions will also join the lineup.
Apart from the auto-only 260PS V6 model, each engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, with all but the 1.8-litre petrol model being available with the optional six-speed automatic transmission. Adaptive 4x4 is standard on 260PS V6 models, and optional on 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol cars.