VAUXHALL has lifted the wraps on its next generation Insignia, which will be called the Insignia Grand Sport when making its world premiere at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in March.
Lean and mean, the Grand Sport comes with the promise of more interior space and, as its name suggests, a more athletic appearance – including class-leading aerodynamics.
Like with the current Astra model, the use of lightweight materials has helped cut the Insignia’s weight by up to 175kg, and the newcomer will herald features including all-wheel-drive with torque vectoring and a new eight-speed auto transmission.
That’s not all, as there’s a raft of technologies to make driving the Insignia Grand Sport safer, more relaxing and more comfortable than before.
They include the latest IntelliLux LED matrix lighting, Lane Keep Assist, Head-up Display, premium seats, front and rear seat heating plus a heated windscreen.
Vauxhall says there will also be outstanding infotainment and connectivity on board thanks to the latest generation IntelliLink systems and Vauxhall OnStar.
The Grand Sport will also be the first Vauxhall with an active aluminium bonnet to considerably improve pedestrian protection.
Despite a largely unchanged length compared to its predecessor, the new generation car not only weighs less but its roof is 29mm lower and its track has been increased by 11mm.
A prominent grille and slimline headlamps enhance the car’s front end while something Vauxhall calls a “sweepspear” feature starts in the front door and gives the impression that the Insignia is always ready to pounce.
Inside, the driver gets a completely new driving experience as the centre console provides additional support, the instruments face the driver and all controls can be more easily reached.
Beneath the bonnet will be a range of turbocharged engines, though the new eight-speed automatic transmission will initially only be available in all-wheel drive variants.
