Vauxhall Insignia SUV shapes up

Text: Sam Hardy / Photos: Miroslav

07th June 2011

The Astra isn’t the only Vauxhall that’s being spiced up. Bosses are also planning a flagship SUV, to be based on the Insignia.

Karl-Friedrich Stracke, boss of sister company Opel, confirmed that a new range-topping SUV would arrive in showrooms in 2015. “The Opel [Vauxhall] brand can’t content itself with the Insignia,” he said, inferring that the firm needs a car with even wider global appeal than its current Ford Mondeo rival.

The newcomer is unlikely to compete directly with SUVs from premium brands such as BMW and Audi. Instead, it’s expected to be positioned in the large crossover market, as a rival to Citroen’s DS5.

Our illustration gives a glimpse of how a vehicle larger than the new Zafira Tourer would look. The project would revive Vauxhall/Opel’s FLV – Future Large Vehicle – which was axed in 2008 as a result of the global recession.

The new model has been given fresh impetus with the growth of the Chinese market, where large cars from mainstream makers are proving popular.

This was the driving force behind the DS5, and Citroen sister brand Peugeot is set to launch a production version of its SxC concept in the Far East as well. While the new Vauxhall would share Insignia chassis, a luxurious, flexible seven-seat cabin is likely. Also expected is a raised ride height and a choice of front or four-wheel-drive transmissions.
 
Vauxhall/Opel could extend the SUV’s reach by rebadging it as a Buick for the US; the Astra, Insignia and Antara are already sold there as the Verano, Regal and Enclave respectively.