Opel Insignia: GM's European Mid-Sized Car

Motoring Channel Staff - 15/August/2008

Rüsselsheim, Germany — Though the chances of Opel's Insignia mid-sized car coming to Australia are fairly slim, the vehicle is nevertheless a worthy entrant the Motoring Channel archives.

The spiritual successor to the Opel (and Holden) Vectra, the new Insignia sedan was launched at the British Motor Show in July 2008 and the wagon will be launched at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

"With Insignia we are introducing an exciting new sophisticated design vocabulary, which combines sculptural artistry with German precision," says Mark Adams, Vice President of Design, GM Europe. 

"Our aim was to develop a confident look which compels the world to experience for themselves the superb driving dynamics the Insignia radiates," noted Adams.

With a svelte style that will give vehicles like the Mazda6, Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat strong competition; technical touches like the LED driving lights add fascination to the Insignia's exterior. 

Opel's Insignia is offered with a wide range of engines to suit European (and possibly American) drivers of all tastes.

For the environmentally conscious or fuel-minded drivers engines there is a small 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine that outputs 85kW (115hp), and three turbo diesel engines that all displace 2.0-litres.

The range-topping sports model will be equipped with a 2.8-litre V6 engine not unlike the engine that some Saab models use which, like Opel, is another division of General Motors.

The V6 engine will output around 191kW (260hp) and will appeal to those drivers looking for performance rather than economy.

Opel has also said that the Insignia Sports Tourer (the wagon model) will benefit from two extra engines, but hasn't divulged specifics. 

Could there be a hybrid on the way?

GM's new European mid-sized fighter will go on sale first in the UK from November 2008, followed by the rest of Europe. 

There are rumours that the new models will eventually make their way to the United States, to be badged as Saturns (Aura) but these are unsubstantiated.

All models will be offered with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearboxes and can be optioned with an "Adaptive 4x4" system for increased traction. 

Opel calls the AWD system 'proactive', and both 2WD and 4WD models can be optioned with the FlexRide mechatronic chassis system. 

With a number of preset modes, this system uses Adaptive Stability Technology to help the car "adjust to prevailing driving conditions" says Opel, "and allows the driver to select settings to match his mood".

Other advanced features like adaptive forward lighting (AFL) are available on the Insignia.

"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 H. Demant, the Managing Director of Adam Opel GmbH.

Related articles:
- Opel Corsa OPC (2007)
- Holden Astra Diesel (Road Test)
- Opel GT (2007)
- Holden Astra SRi Turbo (Road Test)
- Opel Vectra OPC (2006)