Opel launches updated Insignia
The new Opel Insignia celebrated its world premiere at the Brussels Motor Show, with an updated 230hp GSI model sitting at the top of the range.
The flagship of the tradition-rich German brand debuts as GSi, Grand Sport and Sports Tourer with newly developed, extra-efficient petrol and diesel engines. In addition, new low-friction gearboxes further reduce fuel consumption and at the same time increase comfort.
Insignia customers get either a six-speed manual gearbox, a particularly economical, stepless transmission or an eight or nine-speed automatic.
The new Insignia’s aerodynamics are further improved by an active full-face shutter. Compared to its predecessor, NEDC fuel consumption is lowered by up to 18 per cent, while CO2 emissions are as low as around 100g/km. The new Insignia is therefore one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment.
The Opel designers have further improved the Insignia’s high-quality interior. The ergonomically certified AGR seats with many comfort functions are now available in various fabric and leather upholsteries, as well as in Alcantara. For those who value comfort and a classic appearance, the Elegance and Ultimate equipment ranges are the perfect choice. Enthusiastic drivers will be thrilled by the new Insignia GS Line and GSi.
In addition, there are state-of-the-art safety and assistance systems, most notably the new adaptive IntelliLux LED Pixel Light. It now has a total of 168 LED elements – 84 per headlamp.
They provide the Insignia driver with ultra-slim headlamps as well as the best vision and react even faster and more precisely than before, without dazzling anyone in front or oncoming traffic.
“We are proud of our new flagship. The Insignia looks fantastic, featuring class-leading technologies such as the IntelliLux LED Pixel Light, fuel-efficient petrol and diesel engines, adaptive FlexRide suspension and outstanding wellness seats. The GSi is again the top model in the series and as engaging to drive as a real sports car,” said Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller.
The Opel Insignia GSi got its finishing touches on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife. The dynamically tuned chassis offers extremely high grip. The powerful Brembo four-piston brakes (with red calipers) and the direct steering have been further improved.
With its electro-hydraulic brake booster, the Insignia is already today a platform for technology that will be required for automated driving in the future. The integrated eBoost system is a component for ‘braking by wire’, which dispenses with the need for separate ABS/ESP modules, vacuum lines and vacuum pumps etc.
As vacuum is generated by an electric motor instead of the engine, fuel consumption is further reduced. Pressure is built up quicker and brake feel is improved. Also, when ABS is activated, eBoost operates more quietly than on conventional braking systems.
The Insignia GSi comes as standard with mechatronic FlexRide suspension, which adapts shock absorbers and steering in fractions of a second. In addition, FlexRide changes the characteristic of the accelerator as well as the shift-points of the nine-speed automatic transmission.
The driver can choose between the driving modes Standard, Tour, Sport and – exclusively for the GSi – Competition.