New-look Opel Insignia launched this week

Opel launched the new Insignia in Ireland this week with a host of new features not seen in an Opel before. Following on from the very successful original model, the new Opel Insignia promises better fuel consumption across all engines, a more engaging driving experience and a sleek new image.

Lighter by 175 kilograms, the wheelbase has been increased by 92 millimetres while the overhangs have been reduced and its tracks widened by 11 millimetres. The car is also lower, with a sweeping roofline, prominent grille with slim-line headlamps and rear end high-tech look.

Inside, you get a lower driving position with wrap around cockpit, frameless touchscreen and OnStar personal assistance. The centre stack area has been designed with three functional zones of controls (from top to bottom: infotainment/climate/assistance systems) to facilitate quick and intuitive operations.

IntelliLink’s smartphone projection and voice command via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, together with OnStar’s 4G Wi-Fi hotspot for up to seven devices, while a head up display enhances the digital innovations in abundance in new Insignia.

The new Insignia is available with a wide range of efficient latest-generation turbocharged engines and transmissions. For petrol, the new 1.5-litre Turbo 140hp unit replaces the outgoing 1.4-litre Turbo unit, while the diesel choice includes Opel’s 1.6 ‘Whisper Diesel’ in both 110 and 136hp outputs, as well as the higher output 2.0-litre 170 hp.  Both the 1.6 136hp and 2.0-litre 170hp units are available in both manual and automatic transmission.

The top of the range 2.0-litre Turbo petrol 260hp unit comes with the new eight-speed automatic transmission, which shifts smoothly, and a highly sophisticated all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.