The new Opel Insignia range will be launched here later this year. It will be available as a five-door hatch, four-door saloon, and sports tourer.
And Opel claims that the new Insignia is not only the lowest CO2 emitting car in its sector but now also the most streamlined vehicle in the world in its class.
This is thanks to clever changes to the body design of the new Insignia. Opel’s engineers have reduced the vehicle’s drag coefficient to under 0.25 for the Insignia hatchback and 0.28 for the Sports Tourer (estate ). Opel explains that new extended underbody covers, wider front spoiler lips, tail lamp housings designed to enhance airflow separation, and an integrated rear deck lid spoiler, all contribute to the new Insignia’s smooth shape.
The Opel Insignia 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX (140 PS ) model with Start/Stop also features an additional, ultra-modern aerodynamic element: an active front air shutter. Air flowing through the front grille to cool the engine usually accounts for up to 8 per cent of total vehicle air drag. To reduce this effect, a shutter in the lower front grille automatically closes to prevent air entering and causing turbulence.
For cold starts, an additional advantage is a faster engine warm-up, which also helps reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Whenever the engine needs air for cooling, the shutter opens automatically.
Meanwhile, Opel also claims that the Insignia is the most fuel-efficient diesel car in its class thanks to a powerful 2.0 CDTI turbo diesel engine. The Insignia 99 g/km CO2 (103 kW/140 bhp ) in four and five-door models with a six-speed manual gearbox as well as Start/Stop, consumes just 3.7 litres of fuel per 100 km (or over 76 mpg ) over the combined cycle.
Despite its tight focus on fuel efficiency, Opel claims that the new Insignia makes no compromises in terms of comfort. Furthermore, Opel says that their new flagship model also makes a new statement in terms of the chassis. While the Insignia has already received many accolades for driving comfort, handling and road holding, the new edition raises its game even higher.
Opel engineers have made a host of chassis improvements, including dampers, roll-bars, and steering, which result in improved noise and vibration behaviour and even higher levels of comfort. The Insignia now features new dampers and so called rebound springs, while completely new suspension control arms and carrier housings were built into the axle architecture to improve driving comfort. In addition, the diameters of the front and rear anti-roll bars have also been altered.
Opel’s highly rates FlexRide premium chassis system, with its real-time adaptive driving style recognition is also used in the new Insignia. This innovative chassis networks all driving dynamics systems and features electronic damper adjustment, as well as speed-dependent power steering. The driver can choose between three driving modes: Standard for driving comfort, Tour for an even softer, more comfortable drive, and Sport for a more direct, sporty driving experience.
“The new Insignia delivers on performance through its efficient German engineering and stunning aerodynamic design without any compromise. These features not only contribute to a more dynamic driving experience but also increase efficiency and lower running costs which will definitely be popular with customers here in Ireland,” said Dave Sheeran, managing director, Opel Ireland.
The Insignia range will also benefit from an all-new petrol 1.6 SIDI turbo engine with 125 kW/170 hp and 260 Nm (up to 280 Nm with over-boost ) available from 1,650 rpm. In four and five-door models, the 1.6 SIDI turbo requires only 5.9 litres of fuel per 100 km (nearly 48 mpg ) and emits just 139 g/km CO2, while the Sports Tourer consumes 6.2 l/100 km (over 45 mpg ) with 146 g/km CO2. This is an improvement of almost 16 per cent compared to models powered by the previous 1.6 turbo engine.
Opel says that the biggest change existing Insignia customers will see when they sit in the new car is a completely re-designed centre console and instrument cluster. The centre console has been simplified and now has fewer buttons for more intuitive operation of common functions, such as air conditioning and infotainment, while the instrument cluster has new dials and a fresh, high-tech look.
Available as an optional extra across the range is an 8-inch (up from 5-inches in the outgoing range ), high-resolution colour infotainment display with touch-screen functionality and a new, upgraded instrument cluster. Drivers can access all functions and sub-menus such as radio stations, song titles, smartphone connection or 3D navigation in an intuitive and safe way. Up to 60 favourite menus can be stored from all functions and apps can also be downloaded via the car’s Bluetooth-connected internet.
The cluster incorporates two outer dials showing fuel and revs, while in the centre sits a speedometer that can be displayed in analogue or digital form, or changed to show functions such as smartphone or audio use, or navigation.
For more details on prices and specifications for Ireland closer to the launch here later this year, watch this space.
