Opel/Vauxhall Insignia Hatchback Joins Sedan in London Debut
by Brian Potter July 3, 2008 8:00 PM
Filed Under: German, Opel
When Opel debuts their all new Insignia 4-door notchback sedan in London later this month, joining along will be the just announced 5-door hatchback. We saw the Insignia hatchback spy photos recently and now Opel has released images of the two variants side by side. At first glance the two vehicles look almost identical with the wheelbase and length remaining the same, but the easiest way to distinguish them apart is by looking for the rear wiper which is only on the hatchback. Otherwise, you would have to look closely at the gap lines between the trunk lid and quarter panel to notice that they are slightly different.
The new Opel Insignia notchback and hatchback go on sale in Europe before the end of the year. Prices will be announced in London.
Opel Insignia: Double Premiere at London Motor Show
Choice between equally elegant and dynamic notchback and hatchback
Sleek, aerodynamic body has class-leading Cd value of 0.27
The New Opel Insignia notchback and hatchback on sale before the end of the year
Opel will showcase to the public for the first time at the British International Motor Show (July 23 – August 3) both the four-door notchback and five-door hatchback versions of its new flagship car, the Insignia.
The new Opel Insignia highlights breathtaking design: Both body styles boast a flowing, muscular yet elegant silhouette with a coupé roofline. Designers of the new car deliberately created similar versions to retain the beauty of Opel’s latest mid-sized car. The length of both the notch and hatchback, at 4,830 mm, and the wheelbase of 2,737 mm remain the same.
The Insignia’s fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and driving dynamics benefit from the aerodynamic efficiency that was perfected during more than 650 hours in the wind tunnel. The result: A class-leading drag coefficient of 0.27.
Offering both the notchback and hatchback from the start is particularly important for markets such as the U.K. and France, where 5-door sedans traditionally enjoy a high market share of the mid-size class segment. German and Spanish customers, on the other hand, generally prefer notchback sedans. Prices for the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Austria and Switzerland will be announced July 22 in London and cars will hit German dealerships before the end of the year. Opel expects both models to sell in about equal numbers.
From the beginning, the Insignia will be launched with a broad line-up of motors. Seven engines will be available; all meet Euro 5 emissions standards and come coupled with six-speed transmissions. The four gasoline engines range from a four-cylinder 115 hp unit to a V6 with 260 hp. Three new direct-injection turbo-diesels exclusively developed for the Insignia feature a displacement of 2.0 liters and power outputs spanning from 110 to 160 hp.
The newly developed chassis can be enhanced with the innovative, integrated FlexRide mechatronic system, as well as the sophisticated Adaptive 4x4. Its lightning-fast distribution of torque over the four wheels ensures top stability and traction while improving dynamic handling performance.
hmm... if u put out the fact that it's made by GM, this is one hell of a gorgeous design/car :D:D i must say GM is much better now, or is getting better.
The best design I have seen from Opel/GM in many many years...let hope the quality is on a higher level than before. If this car will come with a powerfull diesel (more than 180 HK) engine I could concider changing my BMW 535d.
Last month at dealers gathering in Rüsselheim, it was unofficially announced that one of the 2.0lt CDTis will pump up 190PS and a 3.0lt CDTi making 260PS. As for the quality in all terms, GM is very well aware that this car is almost the last shot for them to survive, so they pay the utmost attention and effort on it.
the 4-door has better proportions. but the vectra is more practic. I like both and it's well, that Opel like Ford and toyota for example bring out the chance to choose
Nice looking, far better than before and less bitsy than the GM Holden Commodore/Opel clone from Australia. Also, the new Insignia has front end overtones from VW/Audi Passat/A4-not necessarily a bad thing. Pity New Zealand has to endure gas guzzling Commodores and the low rent Korean Daewoo GM products.
It is second time now. Fantastic, sensitive and even sophisticated body design. It is like not Opel or Vauxhall anymore or just opposite, starts to represent the best traditions of these two famous makes. Hi GM!!!
