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Opel Insignia

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Opel Insignia
Overview
ManufacturerOpel
Production2008–present
Body and chassis
ClassLarge family car (D)
Compact crossover estate (Country Tourer)
LayoutTransverse front-engine, front-wheel drive or four-wheel-drive
Chronology
PredecessorOpel Vectra
Opel Omega

The Opel Insignia (from Latin insigne = the emblem/coat of arms) is a large family car engineered and produced by the German automaker Opel. Production of the Insignia began in 2008 as a replacement for the Vectra and Signum.[1] The vehicle is sold under the Vauxhall marque in the United Kingdom, and known as the Buick Regal in China and North America.[2][3] It was launched in Australia and New Zealand under the Holden marque in 2015.[4]

In Chile, the vehicle was originally due to be marketed as the Chevrolet Vectra,[5] but is now sold as the Opel Insignia.[6] The Insignia made its debut in Australia in 2012, badged as an Opel.[7] but was dropped a year later after the brand was withdrawn from the market.[8] The Insignia is produced in Opel's plant in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

2003 Insignia Concept

2003 Insignia Concept
Overview
ManufacturerOpel (General Motors)
Production2003 (Concept car)
DesignerMark Adams
Malcolm Ward
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size luxury car (F)
Body style5-door hatchback
LayoutFR layout
PlatformPremium platform
RelatedBuick Avenir
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 Concept is a full-size luxury car (F-segment in Europe) presented by the German automaker Opel at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany.[9][10] The car has a V8 engine from the Corvette with 344 PS.

The Insignia Concept has a hydropneumatic suspension system, a pantograph-like mechanism for the rear sliding doors, and LED lighting technology.

In early 2005, it was announced by Opel that this concept car cannot be built, because it would be too heavy and too expensive. This vehicle remained therefore a pure concept study. However, this concept car inspired the 2015 Buick Avenir.

Production

In December 2006, What Car? announced that Vauxhall was to ditch the 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.[11] In March 2007, What Car? reported the car would première in 2008's British International Motor Show. Previously, it was thought it would première in 2008's Geneva Motor Show.[12] In October 2005, Auto Express produced computer generated images, which showed an unused design.

In September 2007, What Car? produced computer generated images, showing how the replacement would look like.[13] That month, What Car? gave an update, confirming the car would première in London, thanks to the success of the Corsa C.[14] In November 2007, What Car? announced that Vauxhall had confirmed that the successor's name would be Insignia.[15]

Insignia (2008–present)

Insignia
Overview
Also calledBitter Insignia
Buick Regal
Vauxhall Insignia (United Kingdom)
Holden Insignia (Australia & New Zealand)
Production2008–present
AssemblyRüsselsheim, Germany
DesignerMark Adams
Malcolm Ward[16][17]
Body and chassis
ClassLarge family car (Saloon, Hatchback and Estate)
Compact crossover estate (Country Tourer)
Body style4-door saloon
5-door hatchback
5-door estate
5-door crossover estate (Country Tourer)
PlatformEpsilon II platform
RelatedChevrolet Malibu
Powertrain
Transmission5-speed semi-automatic
6-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 at the 2008 British International Motor Show in London on 23 July as the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia. This reflected the Vauxhall brand that is unique to the United Kingdom.[18] It then went on sale in European dealerships in October 2008 as a 5-door hatchback, 4-door saloon, and 5-door estate, dubbed Sports Tourer – a departure for Opel which traditionally used the "Caravan" name to denote the estate bodystyle. The Insignia is 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.

The Insignia was the first car to debut new badges for both the Opel and Vauxhall brands, and 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.

Design-wise, the Insignia offers 30 mm (1.2 in) more knee room than the Vectra. The saloon and hatchback 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.

  • Rear of the Opel Insignia saloon
    Rear of the Opel Insignia saloon
  • Opel Insignia hatchback (2008-2013)
    Opel Insignia hatchback (2008-2013)
  • Opel Insignia Sports Tourer (2008-2013)
    Opel Insignia Sports Tourer (2008-2013)
  • UK-market Vauxhall Insignia
    UK-market Vauxhall Insignia
  • Holden Insignia VXR (Australia)
    Holden Insignia VXR (Australia)
  • Interior
    Interior

OPC

In early 2009, Opel revealed the Insignia OPC, a high-performance variant of the Insignia.[19] Like the preceding Vectra OPC, it is powered by a 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 (Manufactured in Melbourne, Australia).[19][20] The updated engine makes 239 kilowatts (325 PS; 321 hp) and 435 newton-metres (321 lb⋅ft). Of this 435, 400 newton-metres (300 lb⋅ft) are available from 2,000 rpm.[21] 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.[22]

  • Opel Insignia OPC
    Opel Insignia OPC
  • Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer
    Opel Insignia OPC Sports Tourer

Country Tourer

Opel Insignia Country Tourer makes its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2013: The Country Tourer's main competitors are the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack , Audi A4 Allroad, and Škoda Octavia Scout.

  • Opel Insignia Country Tourer
    Opel Insignia Country Tourer
  • Rear view
    Rear view

2013 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 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 8-inch colour displays, a four-way infotainment system via new a touchpad in the centre console, an 8-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.

  • Opel Insignia facelift
    Opel Insignia facelift
  • Rear view
    Rear view
  • Opel Insignia OPC facelift
    Opel Insignia OPC facelift

Engines

2008–2013

From launch, the Insignia was offered with four petrol engines – a 1.6-L 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp), 1.8-L 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp), 2.0-L Turbo 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp), and a 2.8-L V6 with 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp) – and three diesel engines (all derived from the Fiat/GM JTD engine) – all 2.0 litres with 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp), 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) and 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp). In 2009, a 1.6-L 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 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 engine
Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Note Year
1.4 Turbo S/S I4 1364 cc 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) @4,900–6000 rpm 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) @1850-4,900 rpm 2011–
1.6 VVT I4 1,598 cc 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) @6,000 rpm 155 N⋅m (114 lb⋅ft) @4,000 rpm 2008–12
1.6 Turbo I4 1,598 cc 180 PS (130 kW; 180 hp) @5,500 rpm 230 N⋅m (170 lb⋅ft) @2,200–5,500 rpm
1.8 VVT I4 1,796 cc 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) @6,300 rpm 175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) @3,800 rpm
2.0 Turbo I4 1,998 cc 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp) @5,300 rpm 350 N⋅m (260 lb⋅ft) @2,000-4000 rpm 2008–
2.0 Turbo 4x4 I4 1,998 cc 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp) @5,300 rpm 350 N⋅m (260 lb⋅ft) @2,000-4000 rpm 2008–11
2.0 Turbo 4x4 I4 1,998 cc 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) @5,300 rpm 400 N⋅m (300 lb⋅ft) @2,400–3,600 rpm 2011–
2.8T 4x4 V6 2,792 cc 260 PS (191 kW; 256 hp) @5,500 rpm 350 N⋅m (260 lb⋅ft) @1,900–4500 rpm 2008–
2.8T 4x4 V6 2,792 cc 325 PS (239 kW; 321 hp) @5,500 rpm 435 N⋅m (321 lb⋅ft) @5,500 rpm OPC/VXR 2009–
Diesel engine
Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Note Year
2.0 CDTI I4 1,956 cc 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) @4,000 rpm 260 N⋅m (190 lb⋅ft) @1,750–2500 rpm N/A in UK
2.0 CDTI I4 1,956 cc 130 PS (96 kW; 130 hp) @4,000 rpm 300 N⋅m (220 lb⋅ft) @1,750–2500 rpm
2.0 CDTI I4 1,956 cc 160 PS (120 kW; 160 hp) @4,000 rpm 350 N⋅m (260 lb⋅ft) @1,750–2500 rpm
2.0 CDTI 4x4 I4 1,956 cc 160 PS (120 kW; 160 hp) @4,000 rpm 350 N⋅m (260 lb⋅ft) @1,750–2500 rpm 2010–
2.0 CDTI Bi-Turbo I4 1,956 cc 195 PS (143 kW; 192 hp)@4,000 rpm 400 N⋅m (300 lb⋅ft) @1,750–2500 rpm 2012 –
2.0 CDTI Bi-Turbo 4x4 I4 1,956 cc 195 PS (143 kW; 192 hp)@4,000 rpm 400 N⋅m (300 lb⋅ft) @1,750–2500 rpm 2012 –

2013–present

Alongside the 2013 facelift 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 period from 2014–2018. New engine will be available from end 2014/beginning of 2015.[23]

Petrol engine
Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Note CO2 (g/km) Year
1.4 Turbo S/S I4 1,362 cc 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) @4,900–6000 rpm 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) @1850-4,900 rpm 123
1.6 SIDI Turbo S/S I4 1,598 cc 170 PS (130 kW; 170 hp) @4,250 rpm 260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft) (overboost 280 Nm (207 lbft)) @1,650–4,250 rpm 139
1.8 VVT I4 1,796 cc 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) @6,300 rpm 175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) @3,800 rpm 164
2.0 SIDI Turbo S/S I4 1,998 cc 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) @4,500 rpm 400 N⋅m (300 lb⋅ft) @2,000–4,500 rpm 169
Diesel engine
Model Engine Displacement Power Torque Note CO2 (g/km) Year
1.6 CDTI I4 1,598 cc 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) @4,000 rpm 320 N⋅m (240 lb⋅ft) @2,000 rpm 109-104 2015–
1.6 CDTI I4 1,598 cc 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) @4,000 rpm 320 N⋅m (240 lb⋅ft) @2,000 rpm 104-99 2015–
2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX S/S I4 1,956 cc 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) @4,000 rpm 300 N⋅m (220 lb⋅ft) (overboost 320 Nm (236 lbft)) @1,750–2,500 rpm 99 2013–15
2.0 CDTI I4 1,956 cc 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) @4,000 rpm 300 N⋅m (220 lb⋅ft) (overboost 320 Nm (236 lbft)) @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) @4,000 rpm 350 N⋅m (260 lb⋅ft) (overboost 370 Nm (273 lbft)) @1,750–2,500 rpm 99 2013–15
2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX S/S I4 1,956 cc 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp) @4,000 rpm 350 N⋅m (260 lb⋅ft) (overboost 380 Nm (273 lbft)) @1,750–2,500 rpm 114 2013–15
2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX S/S I4 1,956 cc 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) @4,000 rpm 400 N⋅m (300 lb⋅ft) @1,750–2,500 rpm 114 2014–
2.0 CDTI Bi-Turbo ecoFLEX S/S I4 1,956 cc 195 PS (143 kW; 192 hp)@4,000 rpm 400 N⋅m (300 lb⋅ft) @1,750–2,500 rpm 125 2013-15

Awards

Since making its début, the Opel Insignia has won more than 50 national and international awards, including 'Best Executive Car' in the UK and Slovenia, 'Best Family Car' in Ireland twice, and best car for fleet customers in the UK, Austria, Denmark, and Portugal.[24]

Production and sales

Production started at late 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 has been 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.[29]

At the beginning several trim levels: Essentia, Edition, Sport, Cosmo, OPC, and later Business edition, Selection, Active, 150 years of Opel, Innovation all depending on market.

As of August 2011, over 400,000 Insignias have been sold, and on April 26, 2012, the 500,000th Insignia was produced.[30]

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 assault for the in the 2012 season.[31] Although this was the plan, it turned out they could only afford to run a one-car assault 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,[32] and raced one of them himself in the last round of the 2012 season. Driving both cars for the 2013 season were James Cole and Jack Goff, running under the RCIB Insurance Racing team name.

References

  1. ^ "New Opel Insignia: New Name for a New Era". General Motors. 2007-11-29. Archived from the original on 2008-03-30. Retrieved 2008-04-02.
  2. ^ Aziz, Nick (2008-11-05). "2010 Buick Regal: Insignia-based luxury sedan for China revealed". Leftlane. Retrieved 2009-08-21.
  3. ^ Aziz, Nick (2009-07-20). "Confirmed: Buick Regal coming to America in late 2010". Leftlane. Retrieved 2009-08-21.
  4. ^ Sam McEachern, Opel Returns To Australian Market, This Time Badged As A Holden, 1 May 2014, gmauthority.com
  5. ^ "Multiplicación de novedades". El Mercurio (in Spanish). 2008-10-18. Retrieved 2008-11-04.
  6. ^ "Opel Insignia" (in Spanish). Opel Chile. 2012-01-12. Retrieved 2012-01-12.
  7. ^ Flynn, Malcolm (2012-08-01). "2013 Opel Insignia On Sale In Australia". Themotorreport.com.au. Retrieved 2013-12-14.
  8. ^ Dowling, Joshua (2013-08-02). "Opel abandons Australian arm after less than a year after poor sales". News.com.au. Retrieved 2013-12-14.
  9. ^ "Opel Insignia : Concept Cars". Diseno-art.com. Retrieved 2013-12-14.
  10. ^ "Opel Insignia Concept". Supercars.net. 2004-03-01. Retrieved 2012-01-27.
  11. ^ "Vauxhall to ditch Vectra name". whatcar.com. December 11, 2006. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
  12. ^ "London launch for Vectra replacement?". whatcar.com. March 8, 2007. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
  13. ^ "First look at Vectra replacement". whatcar.com. September 4, 2007. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
  14. ^ "New Vectra launch update". whatcar.com. September 12, 2007. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
  15. ^ "Goodbye Vauxhall Vectra, hello Insignia". whatcar.com. November 29, 2007. Retrieved June 11, 2015.
  16. ^ "Malcolm Ward Appointed Director of Exterior Design". Theautochannel.com. 2009-04-22. Retrieved 2013-12-14.
  17. ^ http://web.archive.org/web/20131214225923/http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/media. Archived from the original on December 14, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2013. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  18. ^ "London show: Vauxhall Insignia". Autocar. 2008-07-22. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
  19. ^ a b Pettendy, Marton (2009-04-16). "First look: HSV's turbocharged Insignia mid-sizer". GoAuto. Retrieved 2009-10-08.
  20. ^ Torr, Feann (2005-08-09). "Opel Vectra OPC: First Look". WebWombat. Retrieved 2009-10-08.
  21. ^ Miercuri, Publicat (2009-07-15). "Cireasa de pe tort". AutoMarket (in Romanian). Retrieved 2009-10-08.
  22. ^ "New Opel Insignia OPC Unlimited Edition Ditches Speed Limiter topping out at 270km/h". Carscoops. 2011-04-15. Retrieved 2013-12-14.
  23. ^ "All-new Opel 2.0 CDTI: New Generation Large Diesel Debuts in Paris". Media Opel. 2014-09-10. Retrieved 2014-11-14.
  24. ^ "Happy Birthday Opel Insignia – Europe's Shooting Star in 2009". bloggersbase.com. Retrieved 2010-05-01.
  25. ^ "Rewind to 2009: Vauxhall Insignia". Quicks. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
  26. ^ Tan, Paul (2008-11-17). "Vauxhall Insignia wins 2009 Car of the Year award". Retrieved 2008-11-17.
  27. ^ "DEKRA Faults Report 2011: Opel Insignia Gets Top Marks for Quality". Retrieved 2010-12-15.
  28. ^ "GTÜ Used Car Report – Opel Insignia is Again Number One". Retrieved 2012-09-17.
  29. ^ "Ford Fiesta is top in 09". Car Dealer Magazine. 2010-01-08. Retrieved 2010-01-16.
  30. ^ "The 500.000th Opel Insignia Leaves The Rüsselsheim Plant". scoopcar.com. Retrieved 2012-04-26.
  31. ^ Turner, Kevin (11 April 2011). "New BTCC team to run Insignias". Autosport. Retrieved 12 April 2011.
  32. ^ Chalcraft, Jodie (2012-10-16). "Two Vauxhall Insignias for Team Hard in 2013". Btcccrazy.co.uk. Retrieved 2013-12-14.
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