Fresh
A STAR IS BORN...
THIS IS NEW INSIGNIA. A NEW NAME FOR A TOTALLY NEW CAR FROM VAUXHALL. A DYNAMIC DESIGN WITH A COUPÉ-LIKE SILHOUETTE FOR BOTH SALOON AND HATCHBACK. A CHOICE OF FIVE PETROL AND DIESEL ENGINES. AND ITS INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY MAKES LIFE EASIER, WHETHER IT’S A FEEL TO SUIT YOUR MOOD, A HEADLIGHT PATTERN FOR EVERY SITUATION, OR PERMANENT ADAPTIVE FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE FOR DYNAMIC HANDLING.
WORDS BY BRIAN LABAN AND ADAM TOWLER
PICTURES BY VAUXHALL
On 22 July 2008 at the British International Motor Show at ExCel London, we unveiled the next exciting step in the ongoing upward evolution of our brand –with the World Premiere of new Insignia.
Its shape is sculpted and flowing, and its coupé-like silhouette reflects the dynamic brilliance of both saloon and hatchback versions. New Insignia also has a powerful Vauxhall identity – led by its bold new grille, new Griffin badging and unique lighting designs. Inside new Insignia, too, the strong, modern visual themes continue, backed by a huge range of comfort, convenience and practical features.
THE JAW-DROP MOMENT
The first time journalists saw new Insignia (with a small group of other first-time viewers at the Design Studios), there was a moment of silence as the cover slid off the car. But if GM’s Vice President of Design in Europe Mark Adams had any element of concern, he needn’t have. As the assembled few savoured the moment, the compliments started to flow, thick and fast. It was a stunning first meeting.
Look at the overall form and you can see those lines of precision perfectly. They lead from the bold nose; create the geometric forms of the wheel arches and scythe through the side of the car to the rear. And sure enough, there on each side is the sculptural blade feature seen on the GTC concept. But there’s also curvature and softness – what Adams calls the car’s ‘muscles’. And then there are the overall proportions: far more coupé than traditional saloon.
PICTURES BY VAUXHALL
On 22 July 2008 at the British International Motor Show at ExCel London, we unveiled the next exciting step in the ongoing upward evolution of our brand –with the World Premiere of new Insignia.
Its shape is sculpted and flowing, and its coupé-like silhouette reflects the dynamic brilliance of both saloon and hatchback versions. New Insignia also has a powerful Vauxhall identity – led by its bold new grille, new Griffin badging and unique lighting designs. Inside new Insignia, too, the strong, modern visual themes continue, backed by a huge range of comfort, convenience and practical features.
THE JAW-DROP MOMENT
The first time journalists saw new Insignia (with a small group of other first-time viewers at the Design Studios), there was a moment of silence as the cover slid off the car. But if GM’s Vice President of Design in Europe Mark Adams had any element of concern, he needn’t have. As the assembled few savoured the moment, the compliments started to flow, thick and fast. It was a stunning first meeting.
Look at the overall form and you can see those lines of precision perfectly. They lead from the bold nose; create the geometric forms of the wheel arches and scythe through the side of the car to the rear. And sure enough, there on each side is the sculptural blade feature seen on the GTC concept. But there’s also curvature and softness – what Adams calls the car’s ‘muscles’. And then there are the overall proportions: far more coupé than traditional saloon.
Even the new grille and new-look Griffin underline the confidence. ‘The centrepiece is the new badge’, says Adams. ‘We’ve created a momentum, and the new Griffin badge is its perfect statement’.
Inside is equally stunning, with the exterior design theme featuring again in the grab handles, and a wing shape to the dashboard that wraps the cabin around its occupants. Seating comfort is guaranteed with 8-way adjustment including electric 4-way lumbar adjustment, as well as electric height adjustment on all models. Seats on the top models offer leather, plus fingertip power-adjust and memory.
New Insignia will launch with a range of four-door saloon and five-door hatchback models, and five trim and equipment levels – S, Exclusiv, SRi, SE and Elite. The list of standard features includes power heated and adjustable exterior mirrors, remote central locking, map lights front and rear, an on-board information computer, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and rear ISOFIX child seat preparation. And there’s an exceptional choice of interior storage options.
New Insignia’s in-car entertainment and communications options range from radio and CD player to full USB interface options for your portable music player, plus improved Bluetooth® connectivity so you’re always in touch. Trim and materials have moved up a gear, with a choice between warm beige fabrics and leathers coupled with cool, modern wood-effect facia inserts; or sporty black seats with lustrous piano black trim or titanium-effect inserts. So new Insignia cockpit feels spacious, yet with a wonderfully sporty ambience.
Inside is equally stunning, with the exterior design theme featuring again in the grab handles, and a wing shape to the dashboard that wraps the cabin around its occupants. Seating comfort is guaranteed with 8-way adjustment including electric 4-way lumbar adjustment, as well as electric height adjustment on all models. Seats on the top models offer leather, plus fingertip power-adjust and memory.
New Insignia will launch with a range of four-door saloon and five-door hatchback models, and five trim and equipment levels – S, Exclusiv, SRi, SE and Elite. The list of standard features includes power heated and adjustable exterior mirrors, remote central locking, map lights front and rear, an on-board information computer, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and rear ISOFIX child seat preparation. And there’s an exceptional choice of interior storage options.
New Insignia’s in-car entertainment and communications options range from radio and CD player to full USB interface options for your portable music player, plus improved Bluetooth® connectivity so you’re always in touch. Trim and materials have moved up a gear, with a choice between warm beige fabrics and leathers coupled with cool, modern wood-effect facia inserts; or sporty black seats with lustrous piano black trim or titanium-effect inserts. So new Insignia cockpit feels spacious, yet with a wonderfully sporty ambience.