All new Vauxhall Insignia revealed

Following on from the previous generation, which won the European Car of the Year in 2009, and sold over 30,000 in the U.K. last year, the Insignia Grand Sport is based on a completely new vehicle architecture. Its revised proportions give the car a more athletic appearance and an improved road stance, including class-leading aerodynamics and Cd figure of just 0.26.

Like with the Astra, efficiency was key for the engineers. Optimised packaging and the use of lightweight materials have helped cut the weight by up to 175kg, allowing high-tech features such as the ultra-modern all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring and the new eight-speed automatic transmission to exploit their strengths to the full.

There is a raft of top technologies that make driving the Insignia Grand Sport safer, more relaxing and more comfortable than before. Next generation IntelliLux LED matrix lighting, Lane Keep Assist, Head-up Display and unique AGR-certified premium seats, front and rear seat heating and a heated windshield are just some examples.

Outstanding infotainment and connectivity are also on board thanks to the latest generation IntelliLink systems and Vauxhall OnStar, which with the launch of the Insignia Grand Sport, will offer even more functionality for customers. It is also the first Vauxhall with an active aluminium bonnet, improving pedestrian protection considerably.

"The Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport has all of the virtues of its successful smaller brother the Astra, and takes those to a higher level. The Insignia Grand Sport will set new standards for design, efficiency, technology and connectivity when it debuts next year at the Geneva Motor Show." said Rory Harvey, Vauxhall's Chairman and Managing Director.

A highly efficient eight-speed automatic transmission is new to the lineup. It impresses with class-leading shift quality. The gear ratios have been extended and shifts are extremely smooth and hardly noticeable. Simultaneously the car accelerates eagerly - even at low engine speeds. The eight-speed automatic transmission, which will initially only be available in combination with all-wheel drive, is friction-optimised and improves efficiency.

The further improved FlexRide chassis provides the basis for optimal, situation-based driving behaviour. It adapts the dampers, steering, throttle response and shift points (on automatics) independently or based on the modes 'Standard', 'Sport' or 'Tour', which can be selected by the driver. Depending on the selected mode, steering and throttle response are more direct and the ESP anti-skid system intervenes earlier or later. The new central 'Drive Mode Control' software is the heart and soul of the adaptive chassis. It continuously analyses the information provided by the sensors and settings and recognises the individual driving style.