Vauxhall Insignia

Insignia marks new era

Forget the Vectra – Vauxhall’s new family car will be called the Insignia. And the new name means the company has finally axed the Vectra badge.

Auto Express Car Reviews

Badge finally confirms that new name is to replace Vectra

Text: Sam Hardy / Photos: Poblete

07th December 2007

Said to mark the dawn of a fresh era for the Luton firm, the new Mondeo rival will make its worldwide debut at the British Motor Show in July.

With a sleeker look, increased quality and a sharper driving experience, the newcomer will be a big leap forward over the outgoing Vectra – and the Insignia name is a conscious effort to distance the two models.

On sale in September, it is billed as the most ambitious car Vauxhall has ever produced, combining the best environmental technology with optimum driver pleasure and active safety.

Drawing visual inspiration from the GTC Concept, which was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year, the Insignia debuts a bold new look with rakish lines and a dramatic face, featuring a large V-shaped grille and striking headlights. At the rear are equally distinctive tail-lights.

Inside, it will boast a classy interior, along with red-backed dials – just
like the GTC’s – which are aimed at moving the model upmarket.
Underpinned by General Motors’ Epsilon 2 platform, the Insignia will follow the Mondeo by growing in size, with more space for passengers and luggage. Its new chassis will offer excellent refinement and comfort, but with more driver appeal than before.

Engines are likely to be carried over from the current line-up, with the range topped by a flagship VXR model, boasting a 296bhp 2.8-litre V6 turbo, along with a new variable four-wheel-drive system. It will also feature the firm’s new Traffic Assist system, which uses radar and video to scan the road ahead, braking the car automatically in the event of a potential collision.