The new Opel Insignia, which arrives early next month is much more than a refreshed mid-generation model. It delivers a level of engineering efficiency and a couple of other class leading attributes that propels the Insignia past its major rivals such as the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat, both of which have new model replacements arriving in the next 15 months.
The biggest change is highlighted by the new 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine with Start/Stop, which sees a power increase from 130PS to 140PS in the base-line unit. And at the same time the CO2 emissions drop to a remarkable 99g/km, with annual road tax of €180.And in ideal conditions, fuel consumption falls to an incredible 3.7l/100km (that’d 76 mpg), which makes it the most efficient engine in its class. And based on that fuel economy, Opel says that this new version has a range of 1891 kilometers (or 1,175 miles). Staying with the 2.0-litre engine, the higher output version gains 3PS to 163PS with no increase in fuel consumption or emissions.
From just €24,995 for the S trim 1.4-litre Turbo petrol, and the likely best-selling version will be the S trim 2.0CDTi (140PS) for € 26,995. So Opel has taken its flagship new Opel Insignia to the top of the aerodynamics and engineering efficiency levels in this segment. And these attributes have been combined with an appealing design and boasting a host of technologies, including their revolutionary ‘IntelliLink’ infotainment system.
The entry level 1.4-litre, 140hp turbo petrol unit with Start/Stop returns just 5.2 l/100 km (or 54 mpg) and 123 g/km CO2, making the saloon and hatchback versions the most economical petrol model in its class. An all-new generation 1.6 Turbo 170PS petrol engine, consuming just 139g/km CO2 is added to complete the petrol line-up with the already established 1.4 Turbo 140PS petrol unit.
All engines are available with a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a low-friction six-speed automatic gearbox.
I drove the 2.0-litre, 140 PS turbo diesel engine with Start/Stop, extensively last week and I was very impressed by the new interior, great driving position and responsiveness of the up-powered engine. Modifications to rear axle components have also helped deliver higher levels of driving comfort and the overall driving experience is really impressive. So much so that it is difficult to believe that it could be so economical.
While it’s fair to say that the new Insignia boosts evolutionary (rather than revolutionary) exterior styling, it has evolved to gain the recognition of being the most aerodynamic cars in its class worldwide. The new Insignia has exceptionally low Cd values of just below 0.25 and 0.28 for the Insignia hatchback and Sports Tourer respectively. An aero-shutter automatically closes the lower front grille to reduce aerodynamic drag, benefiting fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
And while still retaining distinctive Insignia styling cues like the “blade” along the side doors and the muscular, coupe-like stance, the New Insignia gets a new lower, wider front grille, reshaped headlights and new chrome decals in the lower front bumper. Front Fog lights change from a square shape to round, projector-style units.
The newly designed cockpit with radically simplified control panel and two 8-inch colour displays (not standard on the entry-level model) really looks the part. The highlight is the ground-breaking four-way infotainment operation possible via revolutionary touchpad in centre console (which supports handwriting recognition and haptic feedback), 8-inch touchscreen, steering wheel controls or voice command. The user-friendly IntelliLink technology optimally integrates smartphone capabilities into the car.
The Insignia scored a maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. And many options in the latest Insignia include ultra-modern radar and camera-based driver assistance and safety systems such as full speed adaptive cruise control and imminent collision breaking, rear camera, lane-change assistance, blind spot alert, rear cross traffic alert.
The standard specification on the entry level ‘S’ level includes 16” Alloy Wheels, Air Conditioning, LED Daytime Running Lights and Taillights, Cruise Control with Speed Limiter, CD MP3 7-Speaker Stereo with 4.2” Colour Screen, USB & Aux-In Plugs and iPod Control, Leather Steering Wheel, Electric Height Adjustment & Lumbar Control on Drivers Seat, Remote Central Locking, Electric Front Windows and Heated Door Mirrors, Automatic Lighting Control, Electric Parking Brake with Hill Start Assist. Other higher spec. levels versions include the ‘SC’, ‘SE’, ‘SRi’ Limited Edition and the ‘Elite’.
The new Insignia model family features a choice of saloon, hatchback and Sports Tourer, as well as the Country Tourer and finally the range-topping 2.8i 24v V6 Turbo 4×4 OPC. The line-up covers a power bandwidth from 140hp to 325hp (from the OPC).
The new Country Tourer is a stylish and dynamic model that a gentleman farmer or affluent suburban housewife would equally be happy to drive in their domains. With SUV character styling including under-ride elements and wider fenders, it looks the part at reasonable cost.
And the OPC gets an even bolder appearance with re-styled front and rear and typical OPC design elements. These include items such as distinctive saber-tooth front detailing and integrated exhaust tailpipes.
In addition to the Insignia 4-door prices, the new Insignia 5-Door Price carries a premium of € 600, and the new Insignia Sports Tourer carries a price premium over the 4-door version of €1,800.
If you’re in the market for a new D-segment, family size car, you should checkout the latest Opel Insignia before making a decision. It certainly sets a high standard.
