Insignia hatch makes debut

Vauxhall’s plans to take the family car class by storm are hatching out. Auto Express can reveal that the Luton firm is pulling the wraps off a five-door version of its Insignia at next week’s British Motor Show, to sit next to the four-door. And below is the first official image of the new arrival.

As with the saloon, the hatch has an elegant, muscular design. Both models boast vastly improved fuel consumption, emissions and driving dynamics, thanks to a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.27Cd. This is the result of more than 650 hours of intensive wind tunnel testing.

Each car has five engine options mated to a six-speed gearbox. These include three petrol units ranging from a 138bhp four-cylinder to a 256bhp V6 in the flagship. Two fresh 2.0-litre direct-injection turbodiesels with 128bhp or 158bhp have also been exclusively developed for the model.

Another unique feature is the new chassis, which can be enhanced by the driver. Based on the innovative FlexRide system and adaptive 4x4, it ensures fast, efficient and equal distribution of torque over the four wheels, improving stability, traction and overall performance.

Both Insignia variants are due to reach the UK in December, while there is speculation an estate may be seen at October’s Paris Motor Show. Prices will be released closer to launch, but sources reveal these will be cheaper than the Ford Mondeo’s and ‘in the same area’ as the Vectra. This should mean a range of £16,000 - £20,000.