Like the earlier Vectra, the Insignia is offered in sedan and hatchback body styles. Traditionally, the station wagon stands apart from all other modifications, however, the Caravan designation used for more than half a century has ceased to correspond to the desired image, so the Insignia Sports Tourer wagon has replaced the Vectra Caravan.
«Insignia» translated from English means «Mark of distinction», which is very symbolic, since this car is the embodiment of the new concept of Opel, its new «face» in the 21st century. The design of the model is a complex combination of precise cheekbones and German juiciness, voluminous forms and strict contours.
The interior of the car is characterized by emotional architecture and meticulous attention to detail, as well as the quality of materials and assembly. Everything is done at a high level in order to emphasize that the owner of the Opel Insignia belongs to a select circle of people who can afford to drive such a solid car. Instrument dials have «per second», as on expensive sports chronometers, markings. All rotary knobs are rubber-coated and have precise shifting forces. The center console tilted at 30 degrees, combined with the front panel that extends over the doors, creates a real cockpit around the driver. At first glance, this arrangement may seem cramped, but the Insignia is more spacious than many of its competitors. The range of adjustment of the driver's seat allows you to comfortably get a driver of any height and build. The climate control system, power windows, the Infinity Sound System audio system and other nice little things create the comfort and cozy atmosphere typical of business class cars.
The volume of the luggage compartment of the sedan is 500 liters, and a large part of this volume falls on the foam insert hidden under the raised floor with compartments for small items, but the rear seat backs that fold in a ratio of 2: 3 do not form steps. Although the Sports Tourer wagon does not differ from the sedan in the length of the wheelbase, but thanks to the rear body kit increased by 80 mm, it boasts a 6-gauge compartment with a volume of 540 liters, which is 10 liters more than even the Vectra Caravan, which was famous for its spaciousness.
Under the hood of cars of the Opel Insignia model range, gasoline engines with a volume of 1.6 to 2.8 liters with a capacity of 115 to 260 hp can be installed. With. or two-liter turbodiesels, which, depending on the degree of forcing, are capable of developing power from 100 to 160 hp, moreover, their Ecoflex modifications have a low level of CO emissions2, which in Europe will give the owners of such cars the right to tax benefits. Buyers can choose from both manual and automatic transmissions.
As standard, the car is equipped with front-wheel drive, on the more expensive version, an all-wheel drive transmission with two electronically controlled Haldex clutches is installed, which is responsible for the distribution of torque between the axles and the rear differential lock. All-wheel drive modifications are equipped with a unique multi-link rear suspension with link-to-link articulated arms for better handling. The optimum combination of ease and sensitivity of management is provided by a steering with the hydraulic booster. Proprietary FlexRide system according to the selected driving mode (Tour, Standard, Sport) changes not only the stiffness of the shock absorbers, but also the performance of the power steering, the intensity of responses to the gas pedal and even the backlight of the instruments - in Sport mode it turns red.
As an additional option, the Opel Eye system is provided, which warns the driver of road signs and accidental crossing of marking lines.
Special attention deserves the safety of the Opel Insignia. According to the results of tests conducted by the independent organization Euro NCAP, the car received a rating of five stars out of a possible five. Eight airbags, as well as active safety systems ABS, ESP and TCS ensure the safety of the driver and passengers under any driving conditions.
In 2009, the company introduced sports versions of Opel Insignia OPC and OPEL Insignia Sports Tourer OPC. These modifications are distinguished by a slightly modified appearance, thanks to sports body kits. Forced up to 325 hp is installed on cars. With. a 2.8-liter six-cylinder petrol engine that accelerates the car from 0 to 100 km in just six seconds.
Thanks to the combination of all its advantages, the Opel Insignia was awarded the title «Car of the Year 2009», beating Skoda Superb in this nomination, Volkswagen Golf and Ford Fiesta.
Traditionally for Opel cars, the Opel Insignia twin with right-hand controls - Vauxhall Insignia - is produced from England. In addition, the car is produced under various brands and names, because the Insignia is the first Opel, originally designed to meet the requirements of markets around the world: in Australia, the car is known under the Holden brand, in China the car will be sold under the name Buick Regal, in the USA Saturn Aura, for Chevrolet Insignia is intended from Latin America. It is connected with the popularity of brands in one or another part of the globe, as well as with the local preferences of car owners.
Opel Insignia is a car that rather conditionally belongs to the middle class, because in terms of equipment, handling and dynamic characteristics, it can confidently compete with many models of more prestigious premium classes.
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