The new Opel Insignia recently made its world premiere at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. Opel’s flagship shines with even more attractive interior and exterior styling, taking the award-winning design philosophy “sculptural artistry meets German precision” to the next level. New powerful and ultra-efficient direct injection engines like the two turbo gasoline units and the new 99 g CO2 turbo diesel expand the wide portfolio. This low emissions level puts the new 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine in the A+ efficiency class. In four and five-door models with a six-speed manual gearbox and Start/Stop, both output variants (88 kW/120 hp and 103 kW/140 hp) consume just 3.7 liters of fuel per 100 km over the combined cycle (according to Regulation [EC] No 715/2007), while the Sports Tourer achieves 3.9 l/100 km. As a result, the Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTI is the most fuel efficient diesel car in its class. At the same time, engineers have made the new Insignia’s body even more aerodynamic. With a drag coefficient of just below 0.25, the Insignia is now the most streamlined five-door hatchback in the world. A host of chassis enhancements ensures higher agility and comfort. And a completely new infotainment system generation is now available for the Insignia. It integrates many smartphone functions into the car. The driver can choose between four different operating possibilities: touchscreen, steering wheel buttons, voice control and the brand new touchpad. “Since its introduction, more than 600,000 first-generation Insignia’s have been built. The new Insignia will thrill even more – with a more expressive design, high-quality cockpit, intuitive operation of infotainment systems and exemplary powertrains like our trailblazing 99 gram CO2 turbo diesel,” says Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann, describing the mid-size model’s revolution. “Our flagship is now more sophisticated and eye-catching – but even in midst of all this elegance, don’t forget what it’s all about: to offer drivers and passengers a comfortable and safe driving experience with state-of-the-art technologies at a very attractive price. For customers who pursue a very active lifestyle, we now have the all-new Insignia Country Tourer in our portfolio. And the Insignia OPC – our most powerful, top-of-the-line model – will especially appeal to sport-oriented drivers.” The top model has been available to order in Germany since June as a four-door, five-door, Sports Tourer and OPC variant as well as a Country Tourer for the first time; prices begin at 24,325 euros (RRP incl. VAT in Germany.) Sleek: Clearly arranged cockpit with new infotainment generation The spotlight was on three criteria during the enhancement of the cockpit: clear, simple and thus intuitive operation, customization of the infotainment offer, and of course comfort and safety for driver and passengers, which is even higher thanks to lowest-possible distraction from road traffic. The center console has a completely new feeling of subtlety and refinement, and it harbors a host of state-of-the-art technologies and functions. The control panel was drastically simplified. It now has just a few buttons so that operation of the infotainment system and e.g. air conditioning is fast and intuitive. The new infotainment generation in the Insignia can be controlled over an 8-inch color touchscreen. From the starting screen the driver can access all main functions and sub-menus such as radio stations, song titles, smartphone connection or 3D navigation map via fingertip, steering wheel controls, voice control or the revolutionary touchpad, which even supports handwriting recognition. And the infotainment system can be individualized – up to 60 personal favorites (e.g. playlists, phone contacts, navigation addresses) can be stored. Intensifying the man-and-machine information exchange is the newly designed instrument panel with an up to 8-inch high-resolution color display. In addition to the classic readouts like speed, rpm and fuel tank level, further details on navigation, smartphone use and audio options are directly in the driver’s line of sight. Top: New-generation 99 gram CO2 turbo diesel and SIDI turbo gasoline unit The new Opel Insignia also makes a statement in terms of powertrain and chassis. While the mid-size model already received many accolades for driving comfort, handling and roadholding, the new edition plays in an even higher league. Opel engineers have made a host of chassis improvements, including dampers, roll-bars and steering, which result in improved noise and vibration behavior and even higher levels of comfort. The broad, newly expanded engine portfolio is tuned to performance and comfort without any compromises. The new Opel Insignia offers the choice between the three propulsion alternatives gasoline, diesel and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas); power output ranges from 81 kW/110 hp to 239 kW/325 hp. The Insignia 2.0 CDTI model is the ‘eco’ and fuel-saving champion. The new 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine with 88 kW/120 hp or 103 kW/140 hp enables CO2 emissions as low as 99 g/km (Sports Tourer: 104 g/km CO2) according to Regulation (EC) No 715/2007, placing it in the A+ efficiency class. Four and five-door models with a six-speed manual gearbox and Start/Stop consume just 3.7 liters of fuel per 100 km over the combined cycle (Sports Tourer: 3.9 l/100 km) – top values for this vehicle class. Both variants also boast superb torque, with the 88 kW/120 hp turbo diesel providing up to 320 Nm and the 103 kW/140 hp model even up to 370 Nm – thanks to an automatic overboost function which kicks in at full load. The top-of-the-line diesel is the 143 kW/195 hp 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI. This high-performance diesel engine develops impressive torque of 400 Nm and is distinguished by its direct responsiveness, as well as exemplary pulling power across a broad rpm range thanks to its sequential, two stage turbochargers. The most prominent gasoline engines are the two new direct injection units: the 2.0 SIDI turbo (SIDI = Spark Ignition Direct Injection) with 184 kW/250 hp and 400 Nm maximum torque and the all-new generation 1.6 SIDI turbo with 125 kW/170 hp and 260 Nm and even up to 280 Nm with overboost. Both boast superb power development and excellent running smoothness with high fuel economy. They can be coupled with a six-speed manual transmission and Start/Stop or with a new, low-friction six-speed automatic gearbox. In addition to front-wheel-drive, the 2.0-liter SIDI Turbo is in some markets also available with all-wheel-drive. The entry-level gasoline engine at market launch is a frugal and extremely clean (Euro 6) 1.4 turbo with a six-speed manual gearbox and Start/Stop. It delivers 103 kW/140 hp and 200 Nm of torque (220 Nm with overboost), but needs only 5.2 liters of fuel per 100 km and emits 123 g/km CO2 (Sports Tourer 5.6 l/100 km and 131 g/km CO2 according to Regulation [EC] No 715/2007) – that means Best-in-Class Economy. An alternative, extremely economical powertrain option is the 103 kW/140 hp Insignia 1.4 LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), with maximum torque of 200 Nm. Like the gasoline version, it meets stringent future Euro 6 emissions standards. Exemplary fuel consumption is also a result of the new Insignia’s aerodynamically optimized body design, incorporating many measures that lower its drag coefficient. An ultra-modern feature is the active front air shutter for the diesel models with 88 kW/120 hp, 103 kW/140 hp and 120 kW/163 hp. This shutter in the lower front grille automatically closes to prevent air entering and causing turbulence. Taking all improvements into account, Opel engineers have succeeded in giving the new Insignia exceptionally low Cd values of just below 0.25 and 0.28 respectively for the Insignia hatchback and Sports Tourer, making them the most streamlined series production cars in their class. A style of its own: Award-winning Opel design language with premium flair The new Insignia evolves the multi-award-winning Opel design philosophy “sculptural artistry meets German precision” in the mid-size segment. The design theme articulates premium aspiration and dynamics with an unmistakable low-and-wide front graphic to visually pronounce its wide stance. The side view of the new Insignia hatchback and notchback are clearly more differentiated than before through their unique tailgates and integrated spoiler design. The roofline of the five-door model only fades out when it reaches the spoiler trailing edge to emphasize a classic coupé silhouette. On the four-door variant, it continues along the edge of the spoiler, creating an elegant sedan profile. This is also echoed in the rear, where the new Insignia features a wider and lower proportioned rear end design. The high-gloss chrome brand bar has been positioned lower on the tailgate and holds the brand logo. It extends into the tail lamps to include the slim-look reverse functions. The tail / stop functions of the split 2-piece tail lamps are executed as LEDs on all levels for hatchback and notchback. Characteristic for all body versions is the light design as a sharp “wing” signature. Inseparable: Comfort and safety go hand-in-hand The new Opel Insignia also offers a host of technology, safety and comfort highlights. These include state-of-the-art radar and camera-based assistance systems ranging from Adaptive Cruise Control to Side Blind Spot Alert and Forward Collision Alert. Adaptive Cruise Control maintains the speed selected by the driver while keeping the individually pre-selected safety distance to the vehicle ahead. In vehicles with automatic transmission the system brakes the car to a complete stop when necessary. The rear view camera including Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Alert and Side Blind Zone Alert ensures optimum visibility to the sides and rear. With its various functions such as town/pedestrian light, country light, motorway light as well as dynamic and static bend lighting, Adaptive Forward Lighting AFL+ increases safety, especially when visibility is poor or it is dark. The new Opel Insignia offers passengers best-possible protection with standard ESPPlus, ABS with Cornering Stability Control and Brake Assist, passive safety features such as front and side airbags for driver and front passenger as well as head curtain airbags front and rear. This is also confirmed by the exemplary Euro NCAP crash test results, awarding the Insignia five of five possible stars. Adventure-loving: New Insignia Country Tourer While its Sports Tourer sibling is an elegant family and business station wagon, the new Insignia Country Tourer expresses an innate desire for adventure. The athletic all-rounder provides freedom beyond the constraints of city limits and asphalt roads. Defining features include protective under-body elements front and rear, combined with prominent wheel-arch and lower body cladding, all complemented by dual exhaust tailpipes. State-of-the-art all-wheel drive ensures grip and sure-footed handling in all driving conditions. It is teamed with powerful turbo engines such as a 184 kW/250 hp, 2.0-liter SIDI direct injection gasoline unit or a high-performance 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI – both generating impressive maximum torque of 400 Nm. The electronically controlled 4x4 drivetrain incorporates a high-quality clutch, operating on Haldex principles, and an electronic limited-slip differential to ensure superb traction on both paved and unpaved surfaces. It constantly adapts to prevailing road conditions and varies torque distribution seamlessly from zero to 100 percent between the front and rear axles, as well as between the rear wheels. In combination with the electronically controlled FlexRide premium chassis, the all-wheel drive system sets standards in terms of reaction time and vehicle control. Powerful: New Insignia OPC With 239 kW/325 hp and 435 Nm maximum torque, the Insignia OPC is the ultimate top-of-the-line performer among Opel models. The re-styled front and rear, with signature OPC design elements such as distinctive saber-tooth detailing at the front and the tailpipe integrated in the rear, underline its power. The eye-catching bodywork encapsulates state-of-the-art technology. The OPC chassis is enhanced, with special focus on the re-worked rear axle – as in the other members of the new Insignia family – where engineers have modified around 60 percent of the componentry. New ESP software enables even more precise dynamics tuning, especially in reaction to understeer tendencies. Modified damper software for the FlexRide chassis with its adjustable shock absorbers ensures optimum roadholding. The Insignia OPC sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds (Sports Tourer: 6.3 seconds) and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). In unrestricted specification, the OPC with manual transmission goes on to a maximum speed of 270 km/h (Sports Tourer: 265 km/h). The cabin welcomes OPC drivers with pure motorsport ambience. Beyond basic information, drivers can see specific details like oil pressure and temperature, battery voltage, throttle position, brake power and the g-force resulting from lateral acceleration on the optional, 8-inch instrument readout display. The new performance steering wheel (optionally heated) features shift levers when it is combined with automatic transmission. This enables the OPC driver to execute extremely quick manual shifts, even when in automatic mode. In this way the new Insignia OPC comfortably combines the advantages of a manual and automatic operation. Source: Opel