Vauxhall Insignia (2009)

With its groundbreaking design and sophisticated technology, the new Insignia takes Vauxhall's new-found design language to another level. The premium styling of the new five-seater - initially available in hatchback and saloon guise - clearly defines Vauxhall's philosophy of making advanced technology and attractive design affordable.

The Vauxhall Insignia boasts a flowing, powerful silhouette with a coupé-like roofline. The body's sculpted shape is accented by sweeping front and rear light designs and enhanced by a bold radiator grille with a new-look Vauxhall emblem. A distinctive "blade" feature runs from behind the front wheel along the side of the car, further emphasising its taut and rakish lines.

"We've re-defined our design vocabulary," says Mark Adams, Vice President Design, GM Europe. "The Insignia is muscular, but lithe and curvaceous. Our aim was to develop a confident look which reinforced the car's superb driving dynamics, but also one that made it clear that this was a premium product, albeit still at a highly competitive price in its class."

Vauxhall's unique design language spreads into the cabin of the Vauxhall Insignia, bringing new levels of luxury, style and quality. The dashboard's top-pad wraps around from the instrument panel to the door, creating a unique wing-shape and embracing the occupants. Ambient lighting, which will be featured in future Vauxhall models, radiates a warm, luxurious aura. Much emphasis has also been put into the development of the seats, which set the highest standards in ergonomics, comfort and safety.

Vauxhall's unique expertise in lighting technology is underpinned by the Vauxhall Insignia's latest generation AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting) system. Nine different light beam settings automatically adjust themselves to cater for various driving conditions, simultaneously enhancing safety and driving pleasure. Moreover, the distinctive styling signature of the front and rear light clusters adds to the Vauxhall Insignia's unique design.

"As each feature demonstrates, the Vauxhall Insignia is the result of our quest to develop a car that combines striking design, excellent driving dynamics and innovative technology," says Hans Demant, Vice President, Engineering for GM Europe.

The further enhanced IDSPlus active chassis system helps the car adapt to prevailing driving conditions. The Vauxhall Insignia will be offered with front-wheel and all-wheel drive. The new 'Adaptive 4X4' system's proactive, instantaneous torque distribution not only ensures optimal traction but also enhances dynamic handling performance.

The Vauxhall Insignia is available with five engines at launch. All meet the Euro 5 emissions standard and come with either manual or automatic six-speed transmissions. The three petrol engines range from a four-cylinder 140PS unit to a V6 with 260PS. Two new 2.0-litre direct-injection diesels engines will be offered with power outputs of either 130PS or 160PS. In time, the Vauxhall Insignia engine line-up will be extended with an EcoFLEX version offering ultra-low CO2 emissions in addition to other, more powerful variants.

The Vauxhall Insignia was developed by GM Europe with a significant contribution coming from Vauxhall's Engineering Centre at Millbrook in Bedfordshire, UK.