Leaking earlier this week to Dutch magazine AutoWeek, Vauxhall have officially taken the wraps off their new D segment contender ahead of the British Motor Show this Summer. Sporting a dynamic design every bit as fresh as the firm's new griffin logo for 2008, the Insignia is a competitively-priced premium model raising the bar in quality, style and technology.
The brand's breadth of 'design vocabulary' expanded, says GM Europe's Vice President of Design, transfers to a coupé-like flair at the rear, while distinctive 'blade'-like flanks form a dynamic side view. Front and rear lights featuring prominently in promotional material enhance the Insignia's 'sculpted' shape. Interior innovations include a stylishly-crafted high quality cabin with ambient lighting and the latest in ergonomic seat design, enhancing both safety and comfort.
Technological advancements too good to announce prior to its British Motor Show unveiling will feature, but come in addition to enhanced active chassis system, optional all-wheel-drive, the latest generation Adaptive Forward Lighting and the prospect of an EcoFLEX engine in a future line-up.
The initial engine range has however been announced. It includes three petrol units: from a four-pot 140 PS unit to a 260 PS V6; and two 2.0-litre diesel engines, producing either 130 or 160 PS. All models will be Euro V compliant and specifiable with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
Having had a 'signifcant' contribution in development by GM Europe's Engineering Centre in the UK, the Insignia will appropriately make its world premiere on July 22nd at London's British Motor Show.
Source: Vauxhall / General Motors UK
Press Release(Click to expand)
Vauxhall Insignia: dynamic design and advanced technology
Sculpted design with a flowing coupé silhouette
All-wheel drive, active chassis and five engines available at launch
World Premiere – July 2008 at the British International Motor Show
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 – initially available in hatchback and saloon guise – clearly defines Vauxhall’s philosophy of making advanced technology and attractive design affordable.
The Insignia boasts a flowing, powerful silhouette with a coupé-like roofline. The body’s sculpted shape is accented by sweeping front and rear light designs and enhanced by a bold radiator grille with a new-look Vauxhall emblem. A distinctive “blade” feature runs from behind the front wheel along the side of the car, further emphasising its taut and rakish lines.
“We’ve re-defined our design vocabulary,” says Mark Adams, Vice President Design, GM Europe. “The Insignia is muscular, but lithe and curvaceous. Our aim was to develop a confident look which reinforced the car’s superb driving dynamics, but also one that made it clear that this was a premium product, albeit still at a highly competitive price in its class.”
Vauxhall’s unique design language spreads into the cabin of the Insignia, bringing new levels of luxury, style and quality. The dashboard’s top-pad wraps around from the instrument panel to the door, creating a unique wing-shape and embracing the occupants. Ambient lighting, which will be featured in future Vauxhall models, radiates a warm, luxurious aura. Much emphasis has also been put into the development of the seats, which set the highest standards in ergonomics, comfort and safety.
Vauxhall’s unique expertise in lighting technology is underpinned by the Insignia’s latest generation AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting) system. 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.
“As each feature demonstrates, the Insignia is the result of our quest to develop a car that combines striking design, excellent driving dynamics and innovative technology,” says Hans Demant, Vice President, Engineering for GM Europe.
The further enhanced IDSPlus active chassis system helps the car adapt to prevailing driving conditions. The Insignia will be offered with front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The new ‘Adaptive 4X4’ system’s proactive, instantaneous torque distribution not only ensures optimal traction but also enhances dynamic handling performance.
The Insignia is available with five engines at launch. All meet the Euro 5 emissions standard and come with either manual or automatic six-speed transmissions. The three petrol engines range from a four-cylinder 140PS unit to a V6 with 260PS. Two new 2.0-litre direct-injection diesel engines will be offered with power outputs of either 130PS or 160PS. In time, the Insignia engine line-up will be extended with an EcoFLEX version offering ultra-low CO2 emissions in addition to other, more powerful variants.
“The Insignia is one of our most ambitious projects to date, and we will be revealing the full extent of our technological progress when the car is officially launched at the British International Motor Show in London on July 22,” says Andy Gilson, Marketing Director, Vauxhall Motors.
The Insignia was developed by GM Europe with a significant contribution coming from Vauxhall’s Engineering Centre at Millbrook in Bedfordshire, UK.
