Twenty new high-performance Opel Insignia Sports Tourers have just been delivered to An Garda Síochána.
These custom specified Insignias feature a 2.0CDTi BiTurbo diesel engine with an output of 195hp that ensures rapid engine response from low revs, making them ideal for high performance driving and policing.
Dave Sheeran, managing director of Opel Ireland, said: “Opel has a vast experience in developing cars that provide surefooted performance, and with the specifications that we have provided with these Insignia Sports Tourers, they are ideally equipped to support the safe and efficient patrolling of our Irish motorways.”
The vehicles, which are wrapped in the traditional Traffic Corps livery, were unveiled at a press event with the Taoiseach and An Garda Síochána Traffic Corps last week at their headquarters in the Phoenix Park and will be provided to Garda traffic units around the country.
With a long history of supplying Opels to An Garda Síochána, Opel’s fleet department worked in close partnership with the team in the Transport Department to deliver the perfect specification to cater for its unique requirements for policing.
The 2.0CDTi BiTurbo diesel engine is equipped with two turbos, one larger than the other. They operate separately or together as required to ensure quick engine response from low revs: 400Nm of torque is developed from only 1750Nm (with 350Nm from only 1500rpm ). The smaller turbo uses an efficient water-cooled intercooler to minimise turbo lag, while the larger turbo uses a larger air-cooled intercooler at higher engine speeds. Compared to single-turbo Insignia 2.0CDTi engines, the BiTurbo has higher performance pistons, cylinder head and gasket and camshafts to deal with the extra power. Despite all this performance-focused technology, it is extremely fuel-efficient and boasts combined CO2 emissions of only 129g/km.
Suspension
Independent front and rear suspension has been fitted to these Insignias with lowered, uprated sports suspension along with FlexRide, Opel’s adaptive chassis system. FlexRide uses multiple sensors and instantly adjusts the dampers to suit the driving conditions to optimise ride and handling in all situations. Pressing the “sport” button stiffens the dampers, quickens the throttle response and gives more direct feeling to the steering for higher speed driving situations. FlexRide works with the ESP, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution and traction control systems to optimise driving safety.
Brakes
High performance brakes are fitted, with the larger diameter front discs being ventilated and gaining four-piston brake callipers with larger pads for superior braking ability. Manual handbrakes replace the normal electric handbrakes for operational effectiveness reasons. Meanwhile the 17-inch alloy wheels maximise air-flow for effective brake cooling.
Interior
Gardaí who will have responsibility of these Insignias will travel in the utmost comfort as Opel’s award winning ergonomic sports seats have been fitted. These feature electrically adjustable lumbar support and height adjustment which are perfect for spending long periods in the car while also providing support during high speed manoeuvres. A leather sports steering wheel with integrated cruise control and speed limiter buttons and audio controls improve steering feel and performance while minimising time with hands off-wheel. A 4.2” colour dashboard displays trip computer information in a clear easy-to-see format, with the info pages also controllable via steering wheel buttons. Climate control, remote central locking with deadlocks as well as privacy glass on all rear windows for operational reasons, of course.
Safety
Of course the Insignia is fitted with the highest safety features with front, side and curtain airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners. Active safety front head restraints ensure minimal impact to the neck in the unlikely event of an incident. Meanwhile LED Daytime running lights and front fog-lights have been fitted to enhance the already highly visible livery.
