Jump to content

Opel Insignia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 51.198.13.245 (talk) at 21:29, 14 May 2022. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Opel Insignia
Overview
ManufacturerOpel[a]
Also called
Production2008–present
Model years2009-present (Europe)
2011-2020 (North America)
2018-present (China)
2018-2020 (Australia & New Zealand)
Body and chassis
ClassLarge family car (D)
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive
Chronology
Predecessor

The Opel Insignia is a large family car (D-segment in Europe) developed and produced by the German car manufacturer Opel since 2008. Taking its name from a 2003 concept car, the model line serves as the flagship Opel car line, slotted above the Astra and Corsa in size. The Insignia serves as the successor for both the Signum and Vectra model lines, replacing both vehicles under a single nameplate.[1] Currently in its second generation, the model line is offered in four-door sedan/saloon body styles, five-door liftback, and as a five-door station wagon/estate.

Sold worldwide, the Insignia is marketed under multiple nameplates. Under Opel tradition, the model line is marketed by Vauxhall in the United Kingdom, taking on the Vauxhall Insignia name. Both generations of the model line have been marketed in Latin America and North America as the Buick Regal[2][3] (sales of the Regal continue in China[4]). GM Australia marketed the second-generation Insignia as the Holden Commodore through 2020 (until discontinuing both the model line and the Holden brand).

The launch vehicle of the GM Epsilon II platform, Opel produces the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia in Adam Opel AG Werk Rüsselsheim in Rüsselsheim, Germany. SAIC-GM produces the Buick Regal in Shanghai, China (exclusively for the Chinese market).

History

In December 2006, What Car? announced that Vauxhall was to ditch the Vectra nameplate from the previous model. Then General Motors Europe president, Carl-Peter Forster, leaked the news to BusinessCar, explaining that the all new car would be "a radical departure" from the current model, and that the "Vectra" name would be dropped to reflect this change.[5]

In March 2007, What Car? reported the car would première at the 2008 British International Motor Show. Previously, it was thought it would première at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.[6] In October 2005, Auto Express produced computer generated images, which showed an unused design.

In September 2007, What Car? produced computer generated images, showing what the replacement would look like.[7] That month, What Car? gave an update, confirming the car would première in London, thanks to the success of the Corsa C.[8] In November 2007, What Car? announced that Vauxhall had confirmed that the successor's name would be Insignia.[9]

First generation (G09; 2008)

Opel Insignia A / Mk I (G09)
Overview
Also called
ProductionOctober 2008 – 2017
Model years2009-2017
2011-2017 (North America)
Assembly
DesignerMark Adams and Malcolm Ward[10][11]
Body and chassis
Body style
PlatformGM Epsilon II SWB
RelatedChevrolet Malibu
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,737 mm (107.8 in)
Length4,830 mm (190.2 in)
4,908 mm (193.2 in) (wagon)
Width1,856 mm (73.1 in)
Height1,498 mm (59.0 in)
Curb weight1,470–1,610 kg (3,240–3,550 lb)

The Insignia debuted as the Vauxhall Insignia at the 2008 British International Motor Show in London on 23 July.[12] It then went on sale in European dealerships in October 2008 for the 2009 model year as a five-door liftback and five-door estate dubbed Sports Tourer – a departure for Opel which traditionally used the "Caravan" name to denote the estate bodystyle. It was the first production car to be based on the Epsilon II platform, which was also used on other models such as the 2010 Saab 9-5 and the Chevrolet Malibu.

Design wise, the Insignia offers 30 mm (1.2 in) more knee room than the Vectra. The saloon and liftback variants have the same 4.83 m (190.2 in) length and wheelbase of 2.73 m (107.5 in). The estate version is slightly longer at 4.91 m (193.3 in) on the same wheelbase.

The Insignia was the first car to debut redesigned badges for both the Opel and Vauxhall brands. For Vauxhall, it was the first car to dispense with the characteristic "V" grille that has adorned Vauxhall models since 1994, which differentiated them from the otherwise identical Opel models.

The Insignia was also the first Opel to debut many new and improved safety features, including:

  • (an improved) Adaptive Forward Lighting – bi-xenon, gas discharge headlamps with variable light beam distribution in width, direction and range. Advanced Front-Lighting System (AFS), static cornering light, complemented by daytime running lights with LEDs. Sensors and software monitor the surroundings, traffic and weather conditions so that the system can activate the appropriate lighting function.
  • Opel Eye – This uses a camera at the top of the windscreen to monitor the area in front of the vehicle. Information from the camera is continuously analysed to identify road markings and traffic signs. Road markings are used as the basis of the first of Opel Eye's two functions: lane departure warning. Traffic signs are recognised and indicated to the driver in the second function: traffic sign memory.

At speeds above 60 km/h (37 mph), Opel Eye warns the driver if the car is about to veer inadvertently out of the lane in which it is travelling. The system can detect road markings and, if they are sufficiently distinct, unmarked road edges. The Insignia was the first production car to feature a dual function frontal camera with traffic sign recognition.

  • Opel Insignia saloon (2008–2013)
    Opel Insignia saloon (2008–2013)
  • Opel Insignia liftback/fastback (2008–2013)
    Opel Insignia liftback/fastback (2008–2013)
  • Opel Insignia Sports Tourer (2008–2013)
    Opel Insignia Sports Tourer (2008–2013)
  • Vauxhall Insignia (Britain; pre facelift)
    Vauxhall Insignia (Britain; pre facelift)
  • Holden Insignia VXR (Australia)
    Holden Insignia VXR (Australia)
  • Chevrolet Vectra
    Chevrolet Vectra
  • Buick Regal (North America)
    Buick Regal (North America)
  • Interior
    Interior

OPC

In early 2009, Opel revealed the Insignia OPC, a high performance variant of the Insignia.[13] Like the preceding Vectra OPC, it is powered by a 2.8 litre turbocharged V6 (Manufactured in Melbourne, Australia).[13][14]

The updated engine makes 239 kW (325 PS; 321 hp) and 435 N⋅m (321 lb⋅ft). Of this 435, 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) are available from 2,000 rpm.[15] It is paired with a six speed manual transmission / six-speed automatic transmission and Saab's (Haldex) active all wheel drive system. The Insignia OPC has a modified MacPherson strut front suspension called HiPerStrut which reduces torque steer.

Also standard is an electronic limited slip differential for the rear wheels and Opel's FlexRide adaptive suspension, which has three settings (OPC, Sport, and Normal). An OPC version of the Insignia Sports Tourer wagon has also been unveiled and is currently on sale. In April 2011, Opel launched the Insignia OPC Unlimited, with no speed limiter.[16]

  • Opel Insignia OPC
    Opel Insignia OPC
  • Opel Insignia OPC
    Opel Insignia OPC
  • Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer
    Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer
  • Opel Insignia OPC (facelift)
    Opel Insignia OPC (facelift)

Country Tourer

The Opel Insignia Country Tourer made its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2013 as a crossover-styled station wagon.

  • Opel Insignia Country Tourer
    Opel Insignia Country Tourer
  • Opel Insignia Country Tourer
    Opel Insignia Country Tourer

Facelift

A major facelift was introduced in June 2013, with new exterior and interior styling, new engines, and new safety features. The car officially premiered at the September 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, before going on sale later in 2013.

The new design includes a newly designed cockpit with a simplified control panel and two eight inch colour displays, a four way infotainment system via new a touchpad in the centre console, an eight-inch touchscreen, steering wheel controls, voice command, radar and camera based driver assistance and safety systems, such as full speed adaptive cruise control and imminent collision braking, rear camera, lane change assistance, blind spot alert, and rear cross traffic alert.

The second generation Insignia was revealed in December 2016, and was reported to be renamed Insignia Grand Sport.

  • Opel Insignia 2.0 Turbo (Chile)
    Opel Insignia 2.0 Turbo (Chile)
  • Opel Insignia
    Opel Insignia
  • Vauxhall Insignia (facelift)
    Vauxhall Insignia (facelift)

Engines

2008–2013

From launch, the Insignia was offered with four petrol engines –

...1.6L 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp); 1.8L 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp); 2.0L Turbo 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp); 2.8L V6 with 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp) –

and three diesel engines (all derived from the Fiat/GM JTD engine), all 2.0 litres -

...2.0L 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp); 2.0L 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp); 2.0L 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp).

In 2009, a 1.6L Turbo petrol 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp), the ecoFLEX diesels and the OPC versions were introduced.

From September 2010, the 2.0 CDTi diesel engine gained Adaptive 4x4 as an option. A '2.0 BiTurbo' CDTI, with 195 PS (143 kW; 192 hp), in development with Saab, was expected to begin production in 2010, but due to the sale of Saab, production was delayed and began production in 2012, as 2WD (FWD) and 4WD. All engines have a six speed manual transmission as standard, with some engines having an automatic transmission as an option.

Since launch, all diesels have improved their emissions. In 2011, some engines gained Start/Stop, all diesel engines have this option, with more petrol engines expected to gain the technology in the future. A 1.4 Turbo 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp), with S/S as standard, is available, replacing the 1.8, and the 2.0 Turbo was upgraded to 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) only with four wheel drive. The 2.0 Turbo with 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp) remains as only FWD.

In 2009, a new range of ecoFLEX diesel engine offered same amount of power, but less CO2-emission (g/km) and fuel consumption. The 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX with 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) and 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) have emission of only 114 CO2-emission (g/km), as well as a version with 2.0 CDTI 4x4. The 195 PS (143 kW; 192 hp) Bi turbo diesel engine has 129 CO2-emission (g/km).

Petrol engines
Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Note(s) Year(s)
1.4 Turbo S/S I4 1,364 cc 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 4,900–6000 rpm 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) at 1850-4,900 rpm 2011–13
1.6 VVT I4 1,598 cc 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) at 6,000 rpm 155 N⋅m (114 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm 2008–12
1.6 Turbo I4 1,598 cc 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) at 5,500 rpm 230 N⋅m (170 lb⋅ft) at 2,200–5,500 rpm
1.8 VVT I4 1,796 cc 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 6,300 rpm 175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) at 3,800 rpm
2.0 Turbo I4 1,998 cc 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp) at 5,300 rpm 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) at 2,000-4000 rpm A20NHT (non-flex fuel version of A20NFT) 2008–13
2.0 Turbo 4x4 I4 1,998 cc 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp) at 5,300 rpm 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) at 2,000-4000 rpm 2008–11
2.0 Turbo 4x4 I4 1,998 cc 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) at 5,300 rpm 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 2,400–3,600 rpm 2011–13
2.8T 4x4 V6 2,792 cc 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp) at 5,500 rpm 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) at 1,900–4500 rpm 2008–13
2.8T 4x4 V6 2,792 cc 325 PS (239 kW; 321 hp) at 5,500 rpm 435 N⋅m (321 lb⋅ft) at 5,500 rpm OPC/VXR 2009–13
Diesel engines
Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Note(s) Year(s)
2.0 CDTI I4 1,956 cc 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) at 4,000 rpm 260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2500 rpm N/A in UK
2.0 CDTI I4 1,956 cc 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) at 4,000 rpm 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2500 rpm
2.0 CDTI I4 1,956 cc 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) at 4,000 rpm 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2500 rpm
2.0 CDTI 4x4 I4 1,956 cc 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) at 4,000 rpm 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2500 rpm 2010–13
2.0 CDTI Bi-Turbo I4 1,956 cc 195 PS (143 kW; 192 hp) at 4,000 rpm 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2500 rpm 2012–13
2.0 CDTI Bi-Turbo 4x4 I4 1,956 cc 195 PS (143 kW; 192 hp) at 4,000 rpm 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2500 rpm 2012–13

2013–2017

Alongside the facelift of 2013 came a new range of engines – some existing, some tweaked, and some brand new. Diesel engines available at launch include the 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX (also with Start/Stop), with outputs of 120 PS, 140 PS, and 163 PS and the existing 195 PS BiTurbo. There is also a non ecoFLEX engine with 130 PS which is only available with automatic transmission.

Petrol engines include the existing 1.4 Turbo and 1.8 (only on some markets), and the all new 1.6 SIDI Turbo engine introduced in the Cascada, and new 2.0 SIDI Turbo.

All engines come with a six speed manual gearbox as standard, with a six speed automatic available as an option on the 1.6 and 2.0 SIDI turbo petrol engines, and the 2.0 CDTI 163 PS and 195 PS diesel engines. All petrol and diesel engines have a Start/Stop system except the 2.0 CDTI with 130 PS.

In September 2014, Opel introduced its all new generation of engines – large diesel engine, starting with 2.0 CDTI engine with 170 PS and 400 Nm, which is a part of new strategy in which Opel will introduce 17 new engines in a period from 2014 to 2018. The new engine became available from the end of 2014/beginning of 2015.[17]

Petrol engines
Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Note(s) CO2 (g/km) Year(s)
1.4 Turbo S/S I4 1,362 cc 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 4,900–6000 rpm 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) at 1850-4,900 rpm 123
1.6 SIDI Turbo S/S I4 1,598 cc 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) at 4,250 rpm 260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft) (overboost 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft)) at 1,650–4,250 rpm 139
1.8 VVT I4 1,796 cc 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 6,300 rpm 175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) at 3,800 rpm 164
2.0 SIDI Turbo S/S I4 1,998 cc 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) at 4,500 rpm 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 2,000–4,500 rpm A20NFT (used in Astra J GTC VXR/OPC) 169
Diesel engines
Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Note(s) CO2 (g/km) Year(s)
1.6 CDTI I4 1,598 cc 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) at 4,000 rpm 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm 109-104 2015–17
1.6 CDTI I4 1,598 cc 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) at 4,000 rpm 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm 104-99 2015–17
2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX S/S I4 1,956 cc 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) at 4,000 rpm 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) (overboost 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft)) at 1,750–2,500 rpm 99 2013–15
2.0 CDTI I4 1,956 cc 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) at 4,000 rpm 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) (overboost 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft)) at 1,750–2,500 rpm Only with AT 119 2013–15
2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX S/S I4 1,956 cc 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 4,000 rpm 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) (overboost 370 N⋅m (273 lb⋅ft)) at 1,750–2,500 rpm 99 2013–15
2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX S/S I4 1,956 cc 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp) at 4,000 rpm 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) (overboost 380 N⋅m (280 lb⋅ft)) at 1,750–2,500 rpm 114 2013–15
2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX S/S I4 1,956 cc 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) at 4,000 rpm 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2,500 rpm 114 2014–17
2.0 CDTI Bi-Turbo ecoFLEX S/S I4 1,956 cc 195 PS (143 kW; 192 hp) at 4,000 rpm 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2,500 rpm 125 2013–15

Awards

Since making its début, the Opel Insignia has won more than fifty national and international awards, including 'Best Executive Car' in the United Kingdom and Slovenia, 'Best Family Car' in Ireland twice, and best car for fleet customers in the United Kingdom, Austria, Denmark, and Portugal.[18]

Production and sales

Production started at the end of 2008 on all major markets in Europe. At launch, the Vauxhall versions were produced in Exclusiv, S, SE, SRi, Elite, and VXR specification levels. It was a popular choice with British buyers, being the nation's ninth best selling car in 2009 – its first full year on sale, outselling its direct competitor the Ford Mondeo, but just falling short of the sales achieved by the more upmarket BMW 3 Series.[23]

At the beginning several trim levels were available, depending on the market: Essentia, Edition, Sport, Cosmo, OPC. Later on others were added, such as the Business edition, Selection, Active, 150 years of Opel, and Innovation.

By August 2011, over 400,000 Insignias had been sold, and on 26 April 2012, the 500,000th Insignia was produced.[24] The last vehicle rolled off the line in April 2017, in time for the release of the Insignia II.

Second generation (Z18; 2017)

Opel Insignia B / MkII (Z18)
Overview
Also calledVauxhall Insignia (United Kingdom)
Buick Regal (North America and China)
Holden Commodore (ZB) (Australia and New Zealand)
Production2017–present
Model years2018–2020 (North America & Oceania)
AssemblyGermany: Rüsselsheim
China: Shanghai (SAIC-GM)
DesignerNiels Loeb[25][26]
Body and chassis
Body style
PlatformE2XX platform
RelatedChevrolet Malibu
Cadillac XT4
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,829 mm (111.4 in)
Length4,897 mm (192.8 in)
4,986 mm (196.3 in) (wagon)
Width1,864 mm (73.4 in)
Height1,455 mm (57.3 in)
Curb weight1,440–1,649 kg (3,175–3,635 lb)

First leaked on public in December 2016,[27] and finally Insignia had its public debut at the International Motor Fair in Belgrade in March 2017. The design took design cues from the 2013 Opel Monza Concept. From this point, the traditional four door notchback saloon version was officially removed. The vehicle was officially revealed on 26 June 2017.

The car is based on a moderately updated version of Epsilon II platform and was wholly developed by General Motors.[28] After the sale of Opel to PSA Group and later Stellantis, it is continued to be produced under license.[29]

Opel dropped the OPC designation for its performance Insignia, instead reverting to their older GSi nameplate, last seen on the third generation Opel Vectra. The GSi nameplate also replaces VXR, on the version of Vauxhall of the Insignia. This version of the Insignia is badged as the ZB Holden Commodore in Australia, and as the sixth generation Buick Regal in the Americas and Asia.

After a 2020 facelift, only the 2-liter four-cylinder petrol engine remained available in Europe, while a new 1.5-liter three-cylinder and a 2.0-liter four cylinder diesel replaced the earlier 1.6 and 2.0. The new diesel engines share their dimensions with the new Duramax inline-six diesel engine.

  • Grand Sport
    Grand Sport
  • Grand Sport facelift
    Grand Sport facelift
  • Sports Tourer
    Sports Tourer
  • Sports Tourer facelift
    Sports Tourer facelift
  • Country Tourer
    Country Tourer
  • Vauxhall Insignia
    Vauxhall Insignia
  • Vauxhall Insignia facelift
    Vauxhall Insignia facelift
  • Buick Regal Sportback
    Buick Regal Sportback
  • Buick Regal TourX
    Buick Regal TourX

Engines

Petrol engines
Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Note(s) CO2 (g/km) Year(s)
1.5 SIDI Turbo S/S I4 1,490 cc 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 5,600 rpm 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) at 2,000-4,500 rpm 133 2017–
1.5 SIDI Turbo S/S I4 1,490 cc 165 PS (121 kW; 163 hp) at 5,600 rpm 250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) at 2,000–4,500 rpm 136 2017–
2.0 SIDI Turbo S/S I4 1,998 cc 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp) at 5,300 rpm 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 2,500–4,000 rpm Holden Commodores only boast 350Nm, in order to ensure V6 remains flagship engine 197 2017–
3.6 SIDI LGX V6 3,564 cc 320 PS (235 kW; 316 hp) at 6,800 rpm 381 N⋅m (281 lb⋅ft) at 5,200 rpm Will be available only on Holden Commodore (all versions) and Buick Regal GS 215 2018–
Diesel engines
Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Note(s) CO2 (g/km) Year(s)
1.5 CDTI S/S I3 1,496 cc 122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp) at 3,500 rpm 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) at 1,750-2,000 rpm 105 2020–
1.6 CDTI S/S I4 1,598 cc 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) at 3,500 rpm 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) at 1,750-2,000 rpm 105 2017–
1.6 CDTI S/S I4 1,598 cc 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) at 3,500-4,000 rpm 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) at 2,000-2,250 rpm 114 2017–
2.0 CDTI S/S I4 1,956 cc 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) at 3,750 rpm 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2,500 rpm 136 2017–
2.0 CDTI BiTurbo S/S 4x4 I4 1,956 cc 210 PS (154 kW; 207 hp) at 4,000 rpm 480 N⋅m (354 lb⋅ft) at TBC 190 2017–

Holden Commodore (ZB)

"Holden Commodore (ZB)" redirects here. For a complete overview of all Commodore models, see Holden Commodore.
Holden Commodore (ZB)
Overview
Also called
Production2018–2020
AssemblyRüsselsheim, Germany (Opel Automobile GmbH)
Body and chassis
Body style5-door liftback/fastback
5-door station wagon
LayoutFF/F4/FR (motorsport)
PlatformE2XX platform
Powertrain
EngineLTG 2.0L I4 turbo-petrol
2.0L Fiat Multijet II I4 turbo-diesel
LGX 3.6L V6 petrol
Transmission8-speed automatic
9-speed ZF 9HP automatic
Chronology
PredecessorHolden Commodore (VF)
Holden Malibu
Holden Insignia (first generation)
Holden Adventra (AWD Tourer)

The Holden Commodore (ZB) is a large family car produced by former GM subsidiary Opel (at the time of its release was owned by Groupe PSA) in Rüsselsheim, Germany, released in February 2018. It is the first iteration of the fifth generation Holden Commodore platform, which is based on the second generation Opel Insignia. The range includes five door liftback and five door station wagon bodystyles.

Holden previously sold the first generation Insignia under the Opel brand (Opel Insignia) in 2012 and 2013,[30] as well as under the Holden brand (Holden Insignia) from 2015 to 2017. It is the first Holden Commodore model to be manufactured outside of Australia, following the closure of Holden's Australian car manufacturing facilities at Elizabeth, South Australia and Fishermans Bend, Victoria on Friday 20 October 2017.

It is the first Commodore in thirty years to come with a four-cylinder engine as standard, and controversially, the first in its forty year production not to have a V8 powertrain option. GM made the decision to discontinue Australian manufacturing of the Holden Commodore due to falling sales and losses.

The ZB Commodore has proven to be unpopular in Australia resulting in cuts to the production schedule[31] and the lowest unit sales per month on record since the original VB Commodore was released in 1978.[32] November 2019 was the lowest month recorded with only 309 Commodores sold.[33]

On 10 December 2019, it was announced that the ZB Commodore, and the Commodore nameplate, would be discontinued at the end of 2020, citing worsening sales. Two months later, GM announced that the Holden brand would exit the Australian and New Zealand markets by 2021.[34]

Development

Development for the ZB Commodore started in 2012, with Holden helping Opel design and develop the next generation Insignia, catering it to Australian conditions.

Once the car was ready, prototypes were sent to Australia for testing. Holden completed over 100,000 km of testing, with engineers bracing the cars to withstand local roads and make it feel similar to previous Commodore generations.[35]

Safety

Akin to its VF Commodore predecessor, the ZB achieved five stars in the ANCAP safety ratings. Originally, the ZB ANCAP rating was awarded based on the Euro NCAP test of a 1.6 litre model which is not sold in Australia.[36] ANCAP conducted an audit test on specification of Australia V6 and confirmed its rating.[37]

ANCAP Test Results
Star rating:
Test[N 1] Points Out of %
Adult Occupant Protection: 35.34 38 93%
Child Occupant Protection: 41.96 49 85%
Pedestrian Protection: 32.83 42 78%
Safety Assist: 9.35 12 77%

Powertrains

The ZB Commodore is available with a range of engines including a four-cylinder petrol, four cylinder diesel and six-cylinder petrol engine. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available across the liftback and wagon body styles.

Models

Compared to the VF Commodore, Holden rearranged the specification levels and model nameplates, with only the Calais (and Calais-V) surviving into the ZB series, this name having originated in the VK-series of 1984 as a luxury focused model. Various price cuts were made and wagon variants are more expensive.

Commodore LT

Commodore LT Sportwagon

The LT is the new entry level Commodore, replacing the previous generation's Evoke model, which is also $3,935 cheaper than the predecessor's drive away price. It features a front wheel drive 2.0L Turbo four cylinder engine with a nine speed automatic, or an optional 2.0L diesel, with an eight speed automatic.

It comes with 17" alloy wheels, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist, a 7" MyLink system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto and Passive Entry & Push Button Start as standard. The model is available as liftback or wagon.

Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Transmission Pricing (Liftback) Pricing (Sportswagon)
Petrol I4 2.0L (1998 cc) 191 kW (256 hp; 260 PS) 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) 9-speed $33,690 $35,890
Diesel I4 2.0L (1956 cc) 125 kW (168 hp; 170 PS) 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) 8-speed $36,690 $38,690
Commodore RS (V6)

Commodore RS The RS is a visually sportier improvement over the LT model, with an upgraded interior featuring different seats and steering wheel. It also possesses more safety features, including Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The RS has two drivetrain choices, a front wheel drive 2.0L Turbo four cylinder engine with a nine speed Automatic, or an All Wheel Drive 3.6L V6 (available as an exclusive option with the liftback body style). It comes with 18" alloy wheels. The model is available as liftback or wagon.

Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Transmission Pricing (Liftback) Pricing (Sportswagon)
Petrol I4 2.0L (1998 cc) 191 kW (256 hp; 260 PS) 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) 9-speed $37,290 $39,490
Petrol V6 3.6L (3564cc) 235 kW (315 hp; 320 PS) 381 N⋅m (281 lb⋅ft) 9-speed $42,490 N/A

Commodore RS–V The RS–V is similar to the RS Model but includes more features such as an upgraded 8" MyLink system incorporating satellite navigation, wireless phone charging, Hi Per Strut Suspension and an Adaptive AWD system. Only the V6 AWD powertrain is offered in liftback and wagon forms.

Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Transmission Pricing (Liftback) Pricing (Sportswagon)
Petrol V6 3.6L (3564cc) 235 kW (315 hp; 320 PS) 381 N⋅m (281 lb⋅ft) 9-speed $46,990 $49,190

Commodore VXR The VXR is Holden's new flagship model following Holden's decision to rest the well known SS nameplate along with the V8 Engine configuration. The VXR nameplate was originally used for the British Vauxhall VXR. It features 20" alloy wheels, sportier lavishings and leather seats with a massage function. Safety features include a 360 degree camera and Continuous Damping Control Suspension. It is only available in liftback with the V6 powertrain.

Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Transmission Pricing (Liftback) Pricing (Sportswagon)
Petrol V6 3.6L (3564 cc) 235 kW (315 hp; 320 PS) 381 N⋅m (281 lb⋅ft) 9 speed $55,990 N/A

Commodore Calais

Holden Commodore Calais Tourer

Retaining the previous generation's familiar name, the Calais is the base luxury model. Standard equipment includes 18" alloy wheels, leather seating with a heating function, wireless phone charging, Blind Spot Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and an 8" MyLink system. Available as a Liftback or Tourer, the former receives the 2.0L petrol four cylinder engine, or an optional diesel engine, while the wagon is exclusively fitted with the V6 powertrain.

Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Transmission Pricing (Liftback) Pricing (Tourer)
Petrol I4 2.0L (1998 cc) 191 kW (256 hp; 260 PS) 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) 9-speed $40,990 N/A
Diesel I4 2.0L (1956 cc) 125 kW (168 hp; 170 PS) 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) 8-speed $43,990 N/A
Petrol V6 3.6L (3564 cc) 235 kW (315 hp; 320 PS) 381 N⋅m (281 lb⋅ft) 9-speed N/A $45,990

Commodore Calais–V

Commodore Calais V

Carrying over the previous generation "V" flair, the Calais–V is the flagship luxury model. Standard offerings include 20" alloy wheels, an Adaptive AWD system, a 360 degree camera, and massaging driver seat. It is available in either a liftback or wagon bodystyle, with the V6 powertrain being the only on offer.

Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Transmission Pricing (Liftback) Pricing (Tourer)
Petrol V6 3.6L (3564 cc) 235 kW (315 hp; 320 PS) 381 N⋅m (281 lb⋅ft) 9-speed $51,990 $53,990

Motorsport

Holden ZB Commodore driven by Jamie Whincup at the 2018 Red Rooster Sydney SuperNight 300

For marketing purposes, the ZB Commodore will be raced in various motorsport disciplines, however, the race cars generally have no physical or mechanical relationship with the production model, other than similar looks, as an exterior shell is built to resemble the road going cars, with a rear wheel drive tube frame chassis underneath.

Supercars Championship The ZB Commodore is used by teams running Holdens in the Supercars Championship. Powered by the same V8 engine as used in the VF, a turbo charged V6 engine was under development for use in 2019, however the project was cancelled in April 2018 amid engineering concerns that the V6 would not be competitive.[38][39]

Sales

Sales of the new Commodore commenced in February 2018. The ZB is the first Commodore produced outside of Australia since the nameplate's induction in 1978, leading to much public backlash.

Consumer uptake and acceptance have been the lowest for any Commodore branded vehicle in the history of Holden manufacturing, however, this has also come at the same time as the nameplate has shifted market segment and competition, with the ZB outperforming all but the Toyota Camry in the Medium/Large segment, including the Mazda6 and Ford Mondeo.[40]

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total
2018 — 363 516 473 885 946 516 635 672 663 701 381 6,751
2019 393 569 406 629 670 550 460 509 419 469 309 5,373

Future developments

When the decision was made to cease vehicle production in Australia and source the ZB Commodore from Europe, Opel and Vauxhall were still subsidiaries of GM. On 1 August 2017, both were sold to Groupe PSA, who announced that it will transfer the Opel Insignia platform to PSA platforms as early as 2021, which means the current model would be discontinued as PSA plans to export PSA-based Opel models globally from 2018 onwards.[41][42]

On 17 October 2018, Holden halted imports of the Commodore due to slow sales, and an increasing number of unsold cars at its dealerships.[43] On 10 December 2019, Holden announced the Commodore range of vehicles is to be discontinued in Australia and New Zealand, with GM Holden shifting focus to concentrate upon SUV sales in 2020.[34]

Motorsport

The Vauxhall Insignia VXR-R of John Thorne competing in the 2012 British Touring Car Championship

The Thorney Motorsport team first ran a Vauxhall Insignia VXR in the last round of the 2011 British Touring Car Championship to prepare a two car team for the season of 2012.[44]

Only one car was run in four rounds – 1 and 2 driven by John Thorne, and 6 and 9 driven by Tony Gilham. Tony's Team HARD bought the two Insignias from Thorney Motorsport,[45] and raced one of them himself in the last round of the 2012 season.

Driving both cars for the season of 2013 were James Cole and Jack Goff, running under the RCIB Insurance Racing team name. RCIB Insurance Racing/Team Hard sold the cars to BMR for the 2014 BTCC season, and would be driven by Jack Goff and Warren Scott. The Insignia was not as competitive as hoped and the cars were replaced mid season with Volkswagen CCs.

Other rebranding

In Chile, the Insignia was introduced in 2008 as the Chevrolet Vectra.[46] In 2013, the model line dropped its Chevrolet name, adopting the Opel Insignia nameplate.

In August 2012, the Opel Insignia was introduced to Australia; following the 2013 withdrawal of Opel from Australia by GM, the model line was dropped from the market.[47][48] For 2015, the Insignia returned to Australia (and for the first time, New Zealand) under the Holden marque, slotted slightly under the Commodore range in market position.

2003 Insignia concept

2003 Insignia Concept
Overview
ManufacturerOpel
Production2003 (Concept car)
Designer
  • Mark Adams
  • Malcolm Ward
Body and chassis
ClassExecutive car (E)
Body style5-door liftback/fastback
LayoutFR layout[49]
PlatformGM V platform[50]
Powertrain
Engine5.7 L LS1 V8
Transmission7-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,915 mm (114.8 in)
Length4,803 mm (189.1 in)
Width1,914 mm (75.4 in)
Height1,414 mm (55.7 in)
Chronology
SuccessorBuick Avenir

The Opel Insignia nameplate saw its first use on a 2003 concept car. For the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show,[51] Opel debuted a concept car previewing a potential mid-2000s full-size luxury car (F-segment) for the brand.[52]

Derived from the rear-wheel drive GM V platform used by the VY Holden Commodore,[53] the Opel Insignia concept vehicle was styled as a fastback 5-door liftback.[54] The engine was sourced from the Chevrolet Corvette C5, pairing a 344 hp LS1 V8 with an all-new 7-speed automatic transmission.[53]

The Insignia debuted several notable features, including a reconfigurable rear seat (changing between 5-passenger seating and a 2+2 layout with a rear center console[51][53]), LED headlamps (powered by 405 LEDs[51]), a reconfigurable dashboard and center console (with air-conditioned storage and humidor[53]). The rear sliding doors were fitted with pantographic hinges, allowing for the deletion of external guide rails.[52]

Intended primarily as a debut of the design language of the Opel brand for the mid-2000s, the Insignia was not officially intended for production.[52] In the beginning of 2005, Opel officially announced that it would not build a production version of the vehicle, claiming it would be too heavy and expensive. Elements of the Insignia concept design were eventually adopted by other GM vehicles, including the 2015 Buick Avenir concept (sharing a similar fastback/4-door coupe configuration) and the 2008-2017 Opel Insignia/Buick Regal (rear fascia) and the 2010-2016 Buick LaCrosse (roofline); its liftback configuration was adopted by the 2018 Insignia/Regal/Commodore.

Notes

  1. ^
  1. ^ For an outline of ANCAP tests, visit the ANCAP website.

References

  1. ^ "New Opel Insignia: New Name for a New Era". General Motors. 29 November 2007. Archived from the original on 30 March 2008. Retrieved 2 April 2008.
  2. ^ Aziz, Nick (20 July 2009). "Confirmed: Buick Regal coming to America in late 2010". Leftlane. Archived from the original on 5 November 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2009.
  3. ^ "Opel Insignia" (in Spanish). Opel Chile. 12 January 2012. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  4. ^ Aziz, Nick (5 November 2008). "2010 Buick Regal: Insignia-based luxury sedan for China revealed". Leftlane. Retrieved 21 August 2009.
  5. ^ "Vauxhall to ditch Vectra name". whatcar.com. 11 December 2006. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  6. ^ "London launch for Vectra replacement?". whatcar.com. 8 March 2007. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  7. ^ "First look at Vectra replacement". whatcar.com. 4 September 2007. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  8. ^ "New Vectra launch update". whatcar.com. 12 September 2007. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  9. ^ "Goodbye Vauxhall Vectra, hello Insignia". whatcar.com. 29 November 2007. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  10. ^ "Malcolm Ward Appointed Director of Exterior Design". Theautochannel.com. 22 April 2009. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
  11. ^ "Media". www.vauxhall.co.uk. Retrieved 5 March 2013.[dead link]
  12. ^ "London show: Vauxhall Insignia". Autocar. 22 July 2008. Retrieved 2 August 2008.
  13. ^ a b Pettendy, Marton (16 April 2009). "First look: HSV's turbocharged Insignia mid-sizer". GoAuto. Retrieved 8 October 2009.
  14. ^ Torr, Feann (9 August 2005). "Opel Vectra OPC: First Look". WebWombat. Retrieved 8 October 2009.
  15. ^ Miercuri, Publicat (15 July 2009). "Cireasa de pe tort". AutoMarket (in Romanian). Retrieved 8 October 2009.
  16. ^ "New Opel Insignia OPC Unlimited Edition Ditches Speed Limiter topping out at 270km/h". Carscoops. 15 April 2011. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
  17. ^ "All-new Opel 2.0 CDTI: New Generation Large Diesel Debuts in Paris". Media Opel. 10 September 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2014.
  18. ^ "Happy Birthday Opel Insignia – Europe's Shooting Star in 2009". bloggersbase.com. Archived from the original on 15 November 2009. Retrieved 1 May 2010.
  19. ^ "Rewind to 2009: Vauxhall Insignia". Quicks. Archived from the original on 4 February 2014. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  20. ^ Tan, Paul (17 November 2008). "Vauxhall Insignia wins 2009 Car of the Year award". Retrieved 17 November 2008.
  21. ^ "DEKRA Faults Report 2011: Opel Insignia Gets Top Marks for Quality". Retrieved 15 December 2010.
  22. ^ "GTÜ Used Car Report – Opel Insignia is Again Number One". Retrieved 17 September 2012.
  23. ^ "Ford Fiesta is top in 09". Car Dealer Magazine. 8 January 2010. Archived from the original on 21 May 2010. Retrieved 16 January 2010.
  24. ^ "The 500.000th Opel Insignia Leaves The Rüsselsheim Plant". scoopcar.com. Archived from the original on 14 December 2013. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
  25. ^ US D847028, Loeb, Niels, "Vehicle, toy replica, and/or other replica", published 2019-04-30, assigned to GM Global Technology Operations LLC 
  26. ^ US D846448, Loeb, Niels, "Vehicle, toy replica, and/or other replica", published 2019-04-23, assigned to GM Global Technology Operations LLC 
  27. ^ "2017 Opel Insignia official reveal hits tomorrow".
  28. ^ "2017 Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport to be brand's flagship model (7 November 2016)". Autocar. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
  29. ^ Niculescu, Aurel (15 September 2020). "Vestigial 2021 Opel Insignia Now in Production, Prices Kick Off at €29,965". autoevolution. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  30. ^ "Used Opel Insignia review: 2012-2013". CarsGuide. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
  31. ^ "Holden halts Commodore, Equinox production as stock overflows | CarAdvice". CarAdvice.com.
  32. ^ "Holden hits new record low, Toyota HiLux under attack, car sales slow for 20th month in a row | CarAdvice". CarAdvice.com.
  33. ^ Davis, Brett (4 December 2019). "Australian vehicle sales for November 2019 (VFACTS)".
  34. ^ a b "Holden just killed the Commodore". www.autocar.co.nz. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  35. ^ "2018 Holden ZB Commodore testing reaches 100,000km milestone". WhichCar. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
  36. ^ "ANCAP to retest new Holden Commodore". 23 February 2018.
  37. ^ DeGASPERI, GoAutoMedia-DANIEL. "News - General News - Safety". GoAuto.
  38. ^ "T8 retains V8 in phased Gen II implementation". Speedcafe. 9 June 2017.
  39. ^ Holden suspends V6 turbo development Speedcafe 6 April 2018
  40. ^ "ZB Commodore charts minor segment wins amidst overall sales decline". WhichCar.
  41. ^ "Insignia-based all-new Commodore gone in 2021… what then for Holden?". Practical Motoring. 10 November 2017.
  42. ^ Pettendy, Marton (17 November 2017). "Where to for Holden and Commodore? (17 Nov 2017)". motoring.com.au. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  43. ^ "Holden Stops Commodore, Equinox Production" from GM Authority (17 October 2018)
  44. ^ Turner, Kevin (11 April 2011). "New BTCC team to run Insignias". Autosport. Retrieved 12 April 2011.
  45. ^ Chalcraft, Jodie (16 October 2012). "Two Vauxhall Insignias for Team Hard in 2013". Btcccrazy.co.uk. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
  46. ^ "Multiplicación de novedades". El Mercurio (in Spanish). 18 October 2008. Retrieved 4 November 2008.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  47. ^ Flynn, Malcolm (1 August 2012). "2013 Opel Insignia On Sale In Australia". Themotorreport.com.au. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
  48. ^ Dowling, Joshua (2 August 2013). "Opel abandons Australian arm after less than a year after poor sales". News.com.au. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
  49. ^ "Concept We Forgot: 2003 Opel Insignia". motor1.com. Retrieved 15 February 2022.
  50. ^ "Concept We Forgot: 2003 Opel Insignia". motor1.com. Retrieved 15 February 2022.
  51. ^ a b c "Opel Insignia : Concept Cars". Diseno-art.com. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
  52. ^ a b c "Opel Insignia Concept". Supercars.net. 1 March 2004. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
  53. ^ a b c d "Concept We Forgot: 2003 Opel Insignia". Motor1.com. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  54. ^ "Opel Insignia Concept". 14 April 2022.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Opel Insignia, Vauxhall Insignia, Holden Insignia and Buick Regal.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Opel_Insignia&oldid=1087848028"