Vauxhall Insignia in Detail

The Vauxhall Insignia makes its much anticipated debut today at the British International Motor Show. With the Exclusiv package, the petrol 140PS 1.8-liter ECOTEC costs £15,935, while the 2.0-litre diesel is £16,935.

Standard equipment for the Exclusiv model includes ESP, automatic headlights, an electric driver’s seat height adjuster and electrically adjustable four-way lumbar support. Cruise control is also standard on this model, along with single-zone climate control, front, side and curtain airbags, Isofix and ABS. Other noticeable standard equipment include Front Camera System, which reads traffic signs and warns drivers if they veer out of their lane, next-gen AFL lighting and a heated windscreen wash system.

Joining the 1.8 ECOTEC engine, which is available with both 6-speed manual and automatic transmission, are two more petrol and two diesel. The 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder makes a substantial 220 PS while the range topping 2.8-litre turbo V6 makes 260 PS and 350Nm of torque between 1900 and 4500rpm. All-wheel-drive is standard on 260PS V6 models, and optional on 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol cars. The two new 2.0-litre turbo-diesels are available with either 130 or 160PS.

See detailed press kit on the following pages.

Press Release

Market and Model

Stylish Vauxhall Insignia shakes up traditional mid-size class segment

• Saloon and hatchback body styles
• Distinctive: Elegant and sporty silhouette
• Versatile: Five engines from 130PS to 260PS

London. With its breathtaking design and leading technology, the new Vauxhall Insignia makes its world premiere at the 2008 British International Motor Show, with a clear remit to rejuvenate the traditional mid-size segment.

“In the same way that Astra and Corsa have freshened up their respective sectors, the new Vauxhall Insignia has been designed to breathe fresh air into what is traditionally a very conservative area of the market,” says Andy Gilson, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director. “Our customers will be able to enjoy premium styling, advanced technology and exceptional dynamics, but at an affordable price.”

The Insignia’s elegant styling combines sculptured artistry with technical precision. Furthermore, Vauxhall has successfully brought sporty coupé design to the mid-size saloon class without compromising interior space – in fact, the Insignia offers three centimetres more knee room than the Vectra. The coupe-like styling has also helped Insignia’s aerodynamics, the car achieving a spectacularly low Cd of 0.27, bringing with it benefits in fuel consumption, cabin refinement and performance. Both body variants have identical 4,830mm length and share the same wheelbase of 2,737mm.

The new car will hit UK dealerships at the end of 2008 with a line-up of five engines. All meet Euro 5 emissions standards and come with either manual or automatic six-speed transmissions. The three petrol engines range from a four-cylinder 140PS unit to a 260PS V6. The two new direct-injection turbo-diesels developed exclusively for the Insignia are both 2.0-litre capacity, but offer different power and torque outputs of either 130PS/300Nm or 160PS/350Nm. All combinations produce competitively low CO2 emissions; an ecoFLEX variant with even lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions will be added in the near future.

The Vauxhall Insignia also highlights many leading technological innovations: the new Front Camera System can both read and memorise road signs as well as alert drivers if they unintentionally veer off the road; the Hot Shot heated washer fluid takes some of the hassle out of winter driving; and the further improved Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) also significantly increases driving safety.

Featuring all new chassis architecture, the Insignia is offered from the start with front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The sophisticated Adaptive 4X4 system’s proactive, instantaneous torque distribution ensures driving stability while providing optimal traction and exceptional dynamics.

In the all-wheel drive Insignia, the FlexRide chassis system with its Adaptive Stability Technology helps the car continually adjust to prevailing road conditions and, in addition, allows drivers to select settings to match their mood. FlexRide is also available in the front-wheel drive version.

The Insignia hatchback offers an impressive luggage compartment volume of 500 to 1,465 litres, and includes a ski-hatch opening (not available on entry model) in the rear seat-back for load-through storage. This model is particularly important in the UK market, where hatchbacks enjoy a high share of the mid-size class segment.

The Insignia was developed by General Motors Europe with a significant contribution coming from Vauxhall’s Engineering Centre at Millbrook in Bedfordshire, UK. The car will be built at GME’s plant in Rüsselsheim, one of the most advanced factories of its kind in the world.

Design

• Aerodynamic: Spectacularly low drag coefficient of 0.27
• Harmonious: Unique design cues for interior and exterior
• Sporty: Coupé silhouette on both saloon and hatchback

With its groundbreaking design and sophisticated technology, the new Insignia takes Vauxhall’s new-found design language to another level. The premium styling of the new five-seater clearly defines Vauxhall’s philosophy of making advanced technology and attractive design affordable.

Vauxhall has a long and successful tradition of building aerodynamic cars - remember the 1990 Calibra with its Cd of 0.26? With a drag coefficient of 0.27, the Insignia is more streamlined than competitors with underbody shields. The Insignia’s fuel consumption and driving dynamics benefit from its sleek, flowing styling which was optimised during more than 650 hours in the wind tunnel.

In addition to its streamlined body shape and sporty roofline, the Insignia boasts numerous details designed to improve aerodynamic performance. These include the front bumper corners, boot-lid spoiler edge, the exterior mirror’s wing form and the profiled rear axle’s lower control arm. The future ecoFLEX version, designed to produce low CO2 emissions, will take these improvements stage further.

Fresh and innovative design

Like the signature crease on the bonnet, a blade form can be seen in the side of the car, highlighting a styling element that will become a defining characteristic of future Vauxhalls. Other design elements of note include a distinctive front grille with a newly-designed Vauxhall Griffin badge, as well as sweeping front and rear light lenses.

“We have redefined our design vocabulary. Opel/Vauxhall’s philosophy behind the new Insignia is 'sculptured artistry meets German precision’,” says Mark Adams, Vice President of Design for GM Europe. "We have created beautiful, sculptural, fluid shapes, which are accented by crisp intersecting lines. This makes the Insignia look muscular, sporty, yet very elegant and graceful.”

The shapes and surfaces of the exterior are also echoed in the Insignia’s interior. Crafted in high quality materials, the new car’s dashboard wraps around from the instrument panel to the door, embracing the occupants. The bold exterior “blade” graphic is picked up in the shape of the interior door grab handle, the steering wheel and the gear-shift surround.

New European Design Center

The Insignia was designed in GME’s European Design Centre, which opened just two years ago. The facility provides state-of-the-art technology required for production and advanced vehicle design. Some 400 people work in the growing design function, creating new products for Vauxhall, Opel and Saab.

The new facility features a Virtual Reality Center with massive high definition screens that allow designers to “build” and test designs and examine them in various environments. Computer programs help designers explore a not-yet built interior and exterior with a 360° view from any level and any perspective, including 3-D visualization.

Powertrain

• Five engines from launch, each meeting Euro 5 standards
• Petrol engines: turbo and naturally-aspirated units, four and six cylinder
• Diesel engines: new 2.0-litre units with maintenance-free particulate filters

The new Vauxhall Insignia launches with a range of five engines, all of which meet Euro 5 emissions standards. The three petrol engines range from 140 to 260PS and two new 2.0-litre turbo-diesels are available with either 130 or 160PS. All engines are highly competitive in terms of CO2 and fuel consumption in their respective power output categories. The powertrain range will be expanded in time with new, more powerful engines. In addition, an ecoFLEX version with low CO2 emissions will join the lineup.

Apart from the auto-only 260PS V6 model, each engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, with all but the 1.8-litre petrol model being available with the optional six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive is standard on 260PS V6 models, and optional on 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol cars.

Overview - Insignia petrol engine range

The 2.0-litre turbo is new in the Vauxhall mid-size class segment. The 220PS direct-injection engine is of all-aluminum construction and generates 350Nm of torque from 2000 to 4000rpm, with twin balancer shafts to ensure smooth running. This engine also illustrates the downsizing policy at GM as this 2.0-litre, four-cylinder model is competitive with five- and six-cylinder cars in terms of performance, but has lower fuel consumption and emissions.

The entry level petrol engine is the 1.8 ECOTEC (140PS) recently introduced on other models in the Vauxhall range. The range-topping petrol engine is the 2.8-litre V6 Turbo, which develops a generous 260PS and 350Nm of torque between 1900 and 4500rpm.

All petrol engines feature camshaft phasing – on both intake and outlet sides for the four-cylinder units, and on the intake side for the V6. Variable valve timing increases torque at low rpm and plays an important role in reducing fuel consumption as well as meeting new Euro 5 emissions standards.

Overview - Insignia diesel engine range

The new-generation Vauxhall 2.0-litre diesel engines in the Insignia feature more power and torque, as well as excellent fuel economy. The Insignia will launch with two versions of the 2.0 CDTI engine developing either 130PS or 160PS. This last engine variant will also power the Insignia ecoFLEX with lower fuel consumptions and CO2 emissions. All versions come with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter as standard and meet Euro 5 emission levels.

The engines have two overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and common-rail, multiple fuel direct injection, together with a variable geometry turbocharger for a rapid throttle response from low rpm. Thanks to the large 70-litre tank, the diesel models boast a range of approximately 750 miles, based on their combined fuel consumption figures.

 

 

Engines	1.8 ECOTEC	2.0 Turbo ECOTEC	2.8 V6 Turbo
Number of cylinders	4	4	6
Displacement (cm3)	1796	1998	2792
Output	140PS @ 6300rpm	220PS @ 5300rpm	260PS @ 5500rpm
Max. torque	175Nm @ 3800rpm	350Nm @ 2000-4000rpm	350Nm @ 1900-4500rpm

 

 

 

Engines	2.0 CDTI	2.0 CDTI
Number of cylinders	4	4
Displacement (cm3)	1956	1956
Output (kW/hp at rpm)	130PS @ 4000rpm	160PS @ 4000rpm
Max. torque (Nm at rpm)	300Nm @ 1750 - 2500rpm	350Nm @ 1750 – 2500rpm

 

Chassis

• Advanced chassis for more comfort and control
• New generation FlexRide allows personalised settings
• Class-leading, Adaptive 4X4 provides optimal traction

An all-new chassis underpins the Vauxhall Insignia. Its MacPherson strut front suspension has dual path top mountings in the body structure turrets, separating the transfer of spring and damper loadings. To reduce unsprung weight, the combined steering knuckle and strut carrier is made from aluminum, and the anti-roll bar from hollow section steel.

Steering and lower suspension arms are attached through two mountings to a substantial front sub-frame, which is bolted via four bushings to the front structure’s longitudinal members. This isolated mounting technique helps reduce the transfer of road shocks and noise to the cabin. The hydraulic damping of the rear arm mounting also adds to ride comfort.

The rear suspension comprises an independent, four-link layout, with the second lower link in aluminum. For all-wheel-drive applications, a lower H-arm is used. The bushes in the rear-most arms are hydraulically damped to help prevent road shocks and vibrations from being transmitted through the steering wheel.

FlexRide system

The new FlexRide system enables drivers to choose a chassis setup that matches their own particular driving style. In addition to the Standard ride setting, FlexRide enables the driver to select a relaxed (Tour) setting or a firmer suspension set-up (Sport) by pressing one of two buttons on the instrument panel. Deactivating the Sport or Tour mode returns the ride to the Standard setting. In all modes, the chassis management system automatically adapts damping in real time to the driving and road conditions.

In Sport mode, FlexRide not only provides stiffer damping, but also swifter throttle response. It also changes the valving in the Variable Effort Steering (VES), raises the shift-points of the automatic transmission to a higher rpm and adjusts the Adaptive 4X4 system for more rear-wheel drive. In Sport mode, the AFL system reacts more quickly, and the lighting on the instrument panel changes from white to red to add to the driving experience.

In the customisation menu, accessible via the infotainment display (optional on SRi models), the driver can personalise the Sport mode by specifying which functions are activated when the Sport button is pushed. For instance, the electronically controlled dampers, VES, and all-wheel drive can be added or switched off.
At the heart of FlexRide is the Driving Mode Control (DMC) which oversees and executes the system’s settings, allowing the car to react to sudden changes in driving style or emergency situations. For example, if an obstacle must be avoided when the car is in ‘Tour’ mode, various chassis sensors convey this to the DMC and the dampers are adjusted within a split second, optimising acceleration, braking and cornering.

FlexRide is standard on all petrol models, other than the 1.8 ECOTEC, where it is available as an option on SRi models. All 130PS 2.0CDTi SRi models can be specified with FlexRide as an option, while SE, Elite and SRi models powered by the 160PS 2.0CDTi also receive FlexRide as an option.

Adaptive 4X4

Both the Insignia’s turbocharged petrol engines are available with the latest-generation advanced all-wheel-drive system. This system will also be available on future, more powerful diesel versions. Called Adaptive 4X4, it is designed to optimise handling and driving stability in all conditions, as well as increase traction at take-off and on slippery surfaces. Under electronic control, the Haldex hydraulic rear clutch unit continuously adjusts and optimises torque distribution between the front and rear axles.

The Adaptive 4X4 control unit is fully integrated with Insignia’s other control systems. It consists of a Power Take-off Unit (PTU) in the front final-drive that transmits engine torque through a prop-shaft to the Rear Drive Module (RDM), which includes a Torque Transfer Device (TTD). A rear electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) enhances the system on SRi models.

Adaptive 4X4 processes signals from the ESP sensors, the steering angle sensor and accelerator pedal position to adapt power distribution to the prevailing driving conditions. While offering better traction on low friction surfaces, the sophisticated operation of the Adaptive 4X4 improves stability in all situations.

In the SRi variant, Adaptive 4X4 is coupled to an electronically-controlled eLSD, which takes chassis control a step further. It is installed alongside the RDM and operates via pressurized clutch plates on a principle similar to the larger TTD. In icy or wet split-friction conditions, for example, it uses input from the rear wheel speed sensors and can transfer up to 50% of torque between the drive shafts, to whichever wheel has more grip.

The eLSD also gives the driver enhanced control when cornering hard or completing a high speed manoeuvre, such as a lane change, by momentarily applying more or less torque to either of the wheels to help the rear of the car follow the direction of the front wheels. That way, the eLSD keeps the Insignia better balanced and more tightly controlled without requiring ‘outside’ intervention from ESP.

Innovation

• New generation AFL caters for diverse driving conditions
• Vauxhall Front Camera System assists drivers without intervention
• Insignia’s seats receive seal of approval from ergonomics experts

New generation AFL

Vauxhall has continually developed its Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) since the first generation system appeared in 2003. The Insignia features the latest generation of this system employing powerful bi-xenon headlamps. Using sophisticated algorithms, the light beam distribution of the headlamps automatically adjusts to the road profile and prevailing visibility conditions. The Insignia offers nine light beam settings -- town, pedestrian area, country, motorway, adverse weather, static cornering, dynamic curve, high beam and LED daytime running light – increasing visibility and making driving safer.

The Insignia’s front LED daytime running lights, which consume considerably less energy, and thereby fuel, than using normal headlamps. The wing-shaped signature light graphics in the front and the rear give the Insignia a distinctive look both day and night.

Front Camera System

The Insignia will be the first Vauxhall to use the Front Camera System, a camera that aids drivers in two different ways. The Traffic Sign Recognition function reads speed limit and no-passing signs and displays them on the instrument panel. The Lane Departure Warning alerts drivers when they unintentionally veer out of their lane. Together, these two integrated systems improve driving safety, reduce stress and can even prevent costly speeding tickets.

The Insignia can detect road signs and lane markings thanks to a high-resolution wide-angle camera mounted on the windscreen, which takes 30 pictures per second. Those images are then filtered by two signal processors with the help of proprietary GM software. If a match occurs, the speed limits and no-passing road signs are displayed as a symbol in the centre of the instrument panel between the main dials. The information can be recalled with the push of a button situated on the steering wheel.

The camera also checks whether drivers stay in their chosen lane on the highway. This helps prevent a dangerous situation such as drivers falling asleep at the wheel by warning them with a gong sound and a blinking signal on the instrument panel. The Lane Departure Warning and Traffic Sign recognition systems can be deactivated via a button on the steering wheel.

These new features enhance driving excitement by informing drivers without intervening in the driving experience.

New seats - more comfort and optimal ergonomics

GM Europe engineers have used the most up-to-date technology to develop new front seats for the Vauxhall Insignia, improving safety as well as comfort and posture. Petite and large drivers alike will find Insignia’s seats safe and comfortable thanks to the extended range of settings, including a height adjustment range of 65mm. And at 175mm, the seat back thickness is two centimeters thicker than on previous Vauxhalls, improving comfort still further.

All Insignias have electric height and four-way electric lumbar adjustment for front seat occupants, while fore and aft power adjustment and seat fan ventilation are optional. Engineers have greatly enhanced the ventilation operation helping to lower noise level and improved performance from a suction-based design. The new Insignia also features latest-generation active head restraints as standard, providing front occupants with highly effective protection against whiplash injuries.

In the Insignia SRi, occupants can extend the length of the front seats cushion up to three centimeters, by a pull-out front section, and also tilt the cushion by three degrees for added comfort.

The orthopedic benefits of the sport seats were awarded a much coveted seal of approval from Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V – an independent panel of ergonomics experts and doctors in Germany.

Equipment & Range

• Large selection of options to meet driver’s needs
• New infotainment system
• Comprehensive range with five levels of trim

Complementing the Insignia’s AFL and Front Camera System is a list of standard and optional equipment that allows drivers to personalise their car to a high degree across the five model range.

Infotainment
An all-new satellite navigation system, operated through a centrally-mounted multi-function controller, is available on all Insignias as a cost option. The system includes a seven-inch monitor, 3-D map view and improved scroll and zoom functions. It also incorporates a port for either iPod or MP3 USB functions. In MP3 mode, the system allows improved access to files and directories, and in iPod mode, the interface uses functions such as track and list.

Accessing these functions is easier through the Insignia’s new multi-function controller. In conjunction with the satellite navigation system, the controller uses a turn/push selection action that is located on the centre console between the front seats (in combination with an electric handbrake). This control benefits tall drivers who sit well back in their seats, and another rotary knob, operating the same functions, can also be found below the monitor.

Range
All Insignias come with high levels of equipment as standard, including ESP, passenger airbag deactivation, automatic headlights, Hot Shot (heated washer fluid), electric driver’s seat height adjuster and electrically adjustable four way lumbar support. Cruise control is also standard across the range, along with front, side and curtain airbags, Isofix on all 3 rear seats, and ABS.

S
High quality begins with the S entry level, which features chrome highlights with a real metal feel. The interior has metallic trim on the instrument panel, centre console and doors, while the charcoal fabric has a classic ‘labyrinth’ pattern. The S offers generous standard equipment, including comfort items such as manual air conditioning, a CD 300 audio system with seven speakers, power outside mirrors, split rear seat back (60:40), on-board computer, cruise control, steering wheel mounted audio controls and leather trimmed steering wheel. The S comes on 16” steel wheels with 215/60 tyres.

Exclusiv
The Exclusiv will be available in two seat trim colours, charcoal or beige. ‘Dune’ fabric features a pattern inspired by organic graphics in home interiors. As with the S trim, the interior again has metallic inserts on the instrument panel, centre console and doors. Specification over and above the S trim includes single zone climate control, 17” structure wheels with 225/55 tyres, a front centre armrest with storage facility, and interior ambient lighting.

SE
The SE is also available with a choice of interior seat trim, charcoal or beige, and comes with part leather effect seat bolsters. Standard on the SE are 18” alloy wheels with 245/45 tyres, an electronic handbrake, rain sensitive windscreen wipers, electric rear windows, electric passenger’s seat height adjuster and electrically adjustable four way lumbar support. In addition the SE receives an audio upgrade to the CDC400 system with integral six-disc autochanger, MP3 format and DAB digital radio. Flexride is also standard on the 2.0 Turbo petrol engine.

Elite
The Elite model builds on the SE, adding full leather seat trim, available in either charcoal or beige, eight way electrically adjustable drivers seat, dual zone climate control, front and rear parking distance sensors, Intelligent Adaptive Forward Lighting, front fog lights and electrically foldable door mirrors. Flexride (Adaptive Stability Technology) is standard on the 2.0 Turbo and 2.8 V6 petrol engines, while 4X4 is also standard on the 2.8 V6 model.

SRi
The Piano Black décor in the SRi contrasts with silver highlights to create a highly modern and sporting cabin. This is enhanced by the charcoal ‘Vitesse’ fabric found on the SRi’s ergonomic sports seats, and front occupants also benefit from an extendable squab section, the angle of which can be adjusted. A perforated leather sports steering wheel, CD 300 audio and alloy covered pedals are all standard, along with 18” alloy wheels with 245/45 tyres, single zone climate control, electric rear windows, front fog lights and a sports chassis 15mm lower than on other trim levels. Ventilated Sport Leather seats are available as an option, which includes an upgrade to dual zone climate control. FlexRide (Adaptive Stability Technology) is again standard on the 2.0 Turbo petrol engine, but is also available as an option on all other SRi engines.