Vauxhall has released the first images of the all-new Insignia Sports Tourer, which will receive its world premiere at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show next month.
Following on from the previous generation, which won the European Car of the Year in 2009, the Insignia Sports Tourer is based on a completely new vehicle architecture. Its revised proportions result in more luggage capacity that has increased to 1,640 litres, over 100 litres, more than the outgoing model. The length of the boot has grown by 97mm to 2005mm versus the previous model and 40/20/40 foldable seats are available, making it even more practical.
Like with the Astra and the forthcoming Insignia Grand Sport, efficiency was key for engineers. The new model is up to 200 kilograms lighter than its predecessor, thanks to the use of lightweight materials and efficient packaging. This weight loss allows for 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 Sports Tourer 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 windscreen 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 Sports Tourer, will offer even more functionality for customers.
It is also the first Vauxhall with an active aluminium bonnet, improving pedestrian protection considerably.
Although the exterior dimensions have grown slightly to 4,986 millimetres, the Insignia Sports Tourer looks much more athletic and agile. The prominent front grille and Monza Concept-inspired headlights all add to this perception. The model’s stance is also emphasised by the extended wheelbase, now 2,829 millimetres, and a front overhang that has been reduced by 30 millimetres. The silver roof rails make it look lower, and emphasise the high-quality design.
The shape looks lighter than before too, with the second-generation model defined by clear lines. The slim, slightly protruding LED rear lights in double-wing design help the rear end of the Insignia Sports Tourer make a strong impression.
Passengers now experience more comfort than in the outgoing model, with more space than before; headroom has increased by 31mm, shoulder-room by 25mm and space for the hips by 27mm. Additional luxury is provided by the optional panoramic sunroof stretching back over the heads of rear-seat passengers to give a greater feeling of space and increased levels of natural light.
The new model contains heating systems that ensure the comfort of all occupants. Reducing the need to spend time de-icing the car in cold weather, the windscreen can be easily defrosted at the push of a button by a fine wire heating element. The heated windscreen also prevents fogging in humid conditions, improving visibility and safety. The heating switches off automatically and can be reactivated if necessary at the push of a button.
Drivers can stay snug thanks to the heated steering wheel, while heated seats are available not only for the driver and front passenger, but for the occupants of the outer rear seats too. The heating in the front is adjustable and can be controlled through the personalisation menu in the information display, while the optional 18-way adjustable heated driver’s seat also features massage and ventilation functions.
The driver of the new Insignia Sports Tourer sits lower in the car and is surrounded by the ergonomically-designed instruments and centre console. As well as via a touchscreen, the controls can be operated by three rows of buttons. The top row is reserved for the infotainment system, the middle for controlling the heating, ventilation and air conditioning and the bottom for driver assistance systems.
Smartphones can be seamlessly integrated into the vehicle’s infotainment software, with the latest Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink systems, and wireless phone charging now available. Vauxhall’s ground-breaking connectivity and service assistant, OnStar, is also on board, offering services ranging from Automatic Crash Response to Stolen Vehicle Assistance. A new Personal Assistant service will be launched with the Insignia, enabling the driver or passengers to ask OnStar advisors, to book a hotel in the car when it is safe to do so. OnStar also provides a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to seven devices to keep all occupants connected while on the go.
