Words by Rob McSorley
Today Vauxhall have released
first pictures of its revised Insignia range which includes the popular Hatchback
and Tourer body styles.
Changes to the styling include a larger
front grill with prominent badge, revised lower front bumper and new headlights
with standard LED daytime running lights across the range. The rear has also
been heavily revised with new taillights that stretch onto the tailgate as seen
on the Cascada cabriolet. There’s also a revised rear bumper and new alloy
wheel designs across the range.
In the cabin Vauxhall have
addressed the criticisms leveled at the button-heavy dashboard so has
simplified the design in the revised car grouping switches together in relation
to their functions. There is also said to have been a hike in the quality of
the materials used and buyers can spec a new eight-inch touch screen infotainment
system with the ability to sync with mobile devices as well as downloading
apps.
Two new engines have been
introduced consisting of 167bhp 1.6-litre and 246bhp 2.0 litre SIDI turbo
petrol units. It is expected that the new 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine will be
launched in the Insignia in the next year or so. Other engines in the range
have been revised for extra economy, performance and lower emissions which
include the 2.0 turbodiesel which will also get Vauxhall’s new five-speed and
six-speed manual gearboxes. Some versions of this engine emit just 99g/km of CO2
Under the skin there have been
changes made to the suspension including new bushes, revised dampers and anti-roll
bars to improve the car’s refinement, handling and road holding which has
always been little more than average. The electric power steering has also gained
new software to improve weighting and feel on the move.
The biggest news however is the
reduced prices of the revised model that shave thousands off the list price
compared to the current car. For example the entry-level model now costs £16,279
which is £1,771 less than before.
The revised model goes on sale
today with first deliveries in October.
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