Insignia revealed

Just hours after its dramatic public debut yesterday – dropping 45 metres to greet wowed crowds at Tower Bridge – the new family car hit the British Motor Show stands this morning.

And the big news is the price tag. Starting at an astonishingly low £15,935, it’s clear the firm is determined to meet its biggest rival, the Ford Mondeo, head on.

Bosses also announced an emissions-busting ecoFLEX variant was on the cards, and likely to be available as early as next spring. The CO2 figures won’t be announced until the Paris Motor Show in October, but GM’s UK chief, Bill Parfitt said: “This car has a really low drag factor, and coupled with tweaks to the drivetrain and tyres, you can expect it to be extremely competitive!”

In the meantime, the saloon will be the first version to reach the showrooms in December, followed by the hatchback in spring next year. There will be seven engines on offer, including the entry-level 1.8-litre 16v VVT in petrol or diesel guise. Prices rise to £28,885 for the petrol-powered saloon with the range-topping 2.8-litre V6 Turbo, four-wheel drive and an auto box.

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