Opel Insignia Grand Sport (2017)

Pleasantly practical: Interior with wellness guarantee

The attention to the smallest detail is also tangible inside the new Insignia. Like the exterior, the cockpit clearly reflects Opel's design philosophy "sculptural artistry meets German precision". The driver sits lower than previously and is therefore better integrated into the car, getting a sportier, more engaging and intense driving experience. Much attention has been paid to the controls and the infotainment interface. While the head up display enhances the digital character of the instrumentation, the frameless touchscreen of the IntelliLink system exudes a sophisticated and technical character. Many functions are controlled via the touchscreen in order to simplify the interface. The center stack area has been designed with three functional zones of controls (from top to bottom: infotainment / climate / assistance systems) to facilitate quick and intuitive operations.

Rear-seat occupants also greatly benefit from the reworked proportions and enjoy more space. The Insignia Grand Sport trunk volume of 490 to 1,450 liters is quite impressive, while the new Sports Tourer offers a maximum of 1,665 liters - over 130 liters more than the outgoing model. And an excellent view is available with the optional 1,400 x 860 millimeter panorama sunroof that stretches back over the rear passengers' heads.

The Sports Tourer features new practical details: in order to make loading as easy as possible, the tailgate can be opened with a kick, without touching the car. In combination with "Keyless Open & Start" a simple small kicking motion under the rear bumper is enough to open the tailgate and a further kicking motion under the bumper will close it. The clever system can detect any obstruction and stops the mechanism in case of emergency. Then there is the fuel filler cap detail: Opel engineers decided to forgo the customary twist-off cap in the new Insignia generation. Now refueling is easier, faster and above all clean.

Propulsion technologies that increase driving pleasure

The new Insignia is as dynamic to drive as it looks. It is available with a wide range of efficient latest-generation turbocharged engines and transmissions. They have been designed to provide excellent real-life fuel efficiency and low fuel costs. Tests conducted under the WLTP driving cycle (Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure which, compared with the currently applicable NEDC, is more representative of real driving behavior) show that the fuel consumption of the volume engines available for the new Insignia (Gasoline: 1.5-liter Turbo; Diesel: 1.6-liter Turbo) is down by between 3 and 10% compared to the equivalent outgoing variants,

The engine portfolio starts with a newly designed extremely efficient gasoline unit, the 1.5-liter Turbo with 103 kW/140 hp and 121 kW/165 hp (NEDC fuel consumption Grand Sport: urban 7.3 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.8-4.7 l/100 km, combined 5.7 l/100 km; 130-129 g/km CO2; NEDC fuel consumption Sports Tourer urban 7.7-7.5 l/100 km, extra-urban 5.3-4.8 l/100 km, combined 6.2-5.8 l/100 km, 141-132 g/km CO2). A further highlight is the top-of-the-range gasoline engine for the new Insignia.

The 2.0-liter Turbo delivers 191 kW/260 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm (NEDC fuel consumption Grand Sport: urban 11.2 l/100 km, extra-urban 7.1 l/100 km, combined 8.6 l/100 km; 197 g/km CO2; NEDC fuel consumption Sports Tourer urban 11.5 l/100 km, extra-urban 7.1 l/100 km, combined 8.7 l/100 km, 199 g/km CO2). The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder unit comes in combination with the completely new eight-speed automatic transmission, which shifts smoothly, and a highly sophisticated all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring - a unique feature in the midsize segment. On this high-tech all-wheel drive system, two multi-plate clutches replace a conventional rear axle differential and can accelerate the wheels individually in a split-second depending on the driving situation.

The propulsion offering for the Grand Sport is rounded off by the new six-speed manual transmission for the popular 1.6-liter diesel engines with outputs of 81 kW/110 hp and 100 kW/136 hp (NEDC fuel consumption Grand Sport: urban 5.1-4.6 l/100 km, extra-urban 3.9-3.6 l/100 km, combined 4.3-4.0 l/100 km; 114-105 g/km CO2). Above this comes the refined 2.0-liter diesel, which will also be available for the Sports Tourer at launch, with 125 kW/170 hp (NEDC fuel consumption Grand Sport: urban 6.7 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.3 l/100 km, combined 5.2 l/100 km; 136 g/km CO2; NEDC fuel consumption Sports Tourer urban 6.9 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.3 l/100 km, combined 5.3 l/100 km, 139 g/km CO2). A wider selection of diesel engines will be available for the station wagon variant soon.

Safety first: Outstanding assistance systems

The new Insignia not only impresses with a state-of-the-art propulsion technology but also with ultra-modern assistance and comfort features. No other model in the segment offers such a wide range of intelligent technologies as the new edition of the Opel flagship.

One of the highlights in every sense of the word is the second generation of Opel's innovative and award-winning adaptive IntelliLux LED® matrix light, with 32 LED segments - twice as many as in the Astra - taking over the high beam function. The increased number of LED segments enables the various light patterns to adapt to the prevailing traffic situation even more precisely and the transitions are faster and more seamless. To improve visibility even further while driving through curves on full high beam, Opel engineers added an innovative active curve lighting function to the new Insignia's IntelliLux LED® matrix headlights. Last but not least, a further, dedicated LED spotlight located within the low beam module provides additional illumination at full high-beam for up to 400 meters.

Additional driver assistance systems:

• Head up display projects information such as speed, traffic signs, set speed of speed limiter and adaptive cruise control or navigation direction onto the windshield in the driver's direct line of sight.
• 360° camera consists of four individual cameras, one on each side of the car, enabling a 360-degree bird's-eye view and thus facilitating parking and low speed driving maneuvers.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with automatic emergency braking uses a radar sensor to measure the distance to the vehicle in front, adapts speed accordingly and initiates automatic emergency braking if necessary.
• Lane Keep Assist with automated steering correction. If the system registers that the car is unintentionally drifting out of its lane, it shows this on the display and actively counteracts it by providing gentle steering wheel movements.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The system uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to detect objects coming from up to 20 meters at 90 degrees from the left or right side behind the vehicle when reversing out of a parking spot.

First-class: Top-level comfort and infotainment

The new Insignia generation also set standards in comfort. The best example: the premium ergonomic seats of the new generation certified by "Aktion Gesunder Rücken" (Campaign for Healthier Backs). They offer a unique combination of electric side bolster settings, massage, memory and ventilation functions in addition to the multiple standard adjustment possibilities. Passengers in the second row can also look forward to more comfort, because like the driver and front passenger seats, the two outer rear seats are also available with seat heating. Elsewhere, the heated windshield guarantees good visibility quickly on cold winter days while the heated steering wheel keeps the driver's hands comfortably warm.

Great entertainment and outstanding connectivity - both typical for Opel - are ensured by the latest Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink systems. And while the smartphone is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle's infotainment it now can also be charged wirelessly. Naturally, the groundbreaking 24/7 connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar is also on board, offering services ranging from Automatic Crash Response to Stolen Vehicle Assistance. A new Personal Assistant service will be launched together with the Insignia, enabling its occupants to ask Opel OnStar advisors, for example, to book a hotel room or find a parking space. Furthermore, the 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot featured in the OnStar system allows all Insignia occupants to connect their devices to the net.

The new Opel flagship is available to order as a Grand Sport limousine from €25,940 and as a Sports Tourer station wagon from €26,940 (RRP incl. VAT in Germany).

Elegance and Lightness: Eye-Catcher Opel Insignia

A completely new architecture, elongated wheelbase and captivating design: the new Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer are real eye-catchers even before they take to the road. The "Grand Sport" name for the limousine already clearly conveys that the new Insignia is a true flagship with premium looks and feel. Its dynamic lines harbor a first-class interior. While Grand Sport and Sports Tourer drivers can look forward to a cockpit perfectly tailored to their needs, rear-seat passengers especially will enjoy more roominess and experience a completely new sense of space.

Pure emotion: Design inspired by Monza Concept

The much-admired Monza Concept was the inspiration behind the interior and exterior design of the new Insignia Grand Sport: the Monza model was standing there on site while designers were creating Opel's new flagship. Their mission was to make the new Insignia look as upscale and athletic as the concept car.

The result speaks for itself. The Insignia Grand Sport looks as lithe as it is light. Despite a marginal growth in length of 55 millimeters to 4,897 millimeters compared to its predecessor, it has managed to shed around 60 kilograms of weight from its body in white alone. In total, the new generation weighs up to 175 kilograms less and the Sports Tourer even up to 200 kilograms less than the outgoing model. While the wheelbase of its completely new architecture has been elongated by 92 millimeters to 2,829 millimeters, its front and rear overhangs have been reduced and its tracks widened by 11 millimeters. A 29-millimeter lower, sweeping roofline adds to the Insignia's design drama, with its athletic and elegant silhouette reminiscent of a four-door coupé.

The prominent grille and the slim-line headlamps directly inspired by the Monza Concept enhance the wide horizontal gesture of the front end and provide it with a bold appearance. The grille sits lower than on the outgoing model and further emphasizes the solid stance.

The side window graphics with an upper chrome strip rather than a full-chrome treatment, and the coupé-like roofline, graphically pull the car down and emphasize its stretched appearance. The "blade" light catcher in the lower doors pulls attention rearwards. The new Insignia Grand Sport is as sleek as it looks: it has an exemplary drag factor of 0.26 making it one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in its class.

At the rear, clear and simple lines combined with the slim, precise double-wing LED signature also give the car a wider appearance. The newly designed center high-mounted LED stop lamp has been integrated into the roofline, giving the rear end a more high-tech look.

"In its proportions as well as in each detail, we wanted the new Insignia Grand Sport to deliver an upscale quality feel," said Mark Adams, Vice President Design Europe. "Its design combines flowing lines and subtle surfaces with crisp, precise lines to even exaggerate its dramatic proportions: it looks longer, lower and wider than it actually is, and it definitely looks upscale. Every design feature conveys technical know-how and utmost precision. The new Insignia is an excellent value proposition with the aura of a car from the premium class."

The study becomes reality: The elegant, practical Opel Insignia Sports Tourer

The new Insignia Grand Sport already takes many cues from the athletic Monza Concept but this is taken even further in the new generation Insignia Sports Tourer. The newcomer looks much more athletic and agile. The 11-millimeter wider track, the prominent grille and the Monza Concept-inspired headlights all add to this perception. The car's stance is also emphasized by the wheelbase, which has been extended by 92 millimeters to 2,829 millimeters, and a front overhang that has been reduced by 30 millimeters. The Opel blade starting in the front door and sweeping towards the rear helps carry the eye from front to back. The chrome window blade dynamically flows into the LED tail lamps and gives the only 1,500 millimeter tall Opel Insignia Sports Tourer an even more athletic appearance. The silver roof rails (standard in all equipment levels) visually stretch the car, make it look lower and emphasize the high-quality design.

The Insignia Sports Tourer's kinship with the Monza Concept is especially apparent at the rear: the shape looks much lighter than before, with the newcomer defined by clear lines. Together with the slim, slightly protruding LED taillights in double-wing design, they help the rear end of the Opel flagship to make a strong impression. The high-tech look of the Monza Concept thus becomes reality in the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer.

Attention to detail: Top comfort and craftsmanship in interior

The attention to the smallest detail is also tangible inside the Grand Sport and Sports Tourer. The cockpit clearly reflects Opel's design philosophy "sculptural artistry meets German precision". The instrument panel features subtly sculptured surfaces, a distinct driver orientation, and a wide horizontal layout. The overall design clearly reflects a feeling of efficiency, precision and spaciousness. Rear occupants greatly benefit from the new design and the reworked proportions. The extended wheelbase and a completely new package give them 32 millimeters more room at hip height (Sports Tourer: 27 millimeters), 25 millimeters more shoulder and knee room and 8 millimeters more headroom (Sports Tourer: 31 millimeters). The Insignia Grand Sport trunk volume of 490 to 1,450 liters is also quite impressive, while the new Sports Tourer offers a maximum of 1,665 liters - over 130 liters more than the outgoing model. Top comfort is available with the optional 1,400 x 860 millimeter panorama sunroof that stretches back over the rear passengers' heads.

The cockpit of both the limousine and station wagon is fully aligned to the driver, who sits three centimeters lower than previously in the Grand Sport and is therefore better integrated into the car, getting a sportier, more engaging and intense driving experience. The generous center console embraces the driver, providing the feeling of sitting in an upper class car. Clean lines, sculptural surfaces and first-class craftsmanship with soft feel, premium material in all touch zones also contribute to a great feeling of wellness and elegance. The overall experience is intuitive and elegant in its simplicity.

Much attention has been paid to the controls and the infotainment interface. The frameless touchscreen of the IntelliLink system exudes a sophisticated and technical character. Many functions are controlled via the touchscreen in order to simplify the interface, while three functional zones of controls have been designed to allow quick and intuitive operations: the upper ones for the major functions of the infotainment system, the central ones for climate and heating controls, the lower ones for driver assistant controls. This very clear set-up keeps drivers and passengers from having to dive into sub-menus on the touchscreen to find the most essential functions.

On the Safe Side: Driving with IntelliLux LED® and Co.

The new Opel Insignia is elegant, sporty, practical - and it is above all safe. From the highly-praised adaptive LED matrix light system in the Astra, Opel engineers developed the next-generation IntelliLux LED® matrix light for the new Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer - faster, more precise and powerful, with a high-beam range up to 400 meters. Features such as active Lane Keep Assist with automatic steering correction, Adaptive Cruise Control with automatic emergency braking, the new head up display and 360° camera further increase safety for the driver, passengers and all other road users. Additional radar and camera-based assistance systems complete the portfolio of electronic helpers. No other car in this class has as many state-of-the-art technologies on board as the new Insignia.

These even extend to those who are not sitting in the new Insignia. It is the first Opel with an active hood, which substantially improves pedestrian protection. In the event of an accident with a pedestrian, the aluminum hood lifts up in milliseconds to increase the distance to the hard engine block parts.

Highlight: Next-generation IntelliLux LED®

The next-generation IntelliLux LED® matrix light turns a vision into reality: when Opel revealed the visionary Monza Concept at the 2013 IAA and CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann announced it showed what could be expected of Opel cars in the future, the company's exterior lighting experts knew they had their work cut out for them. They were just putting the finishing touches on the adaptive IntelliLux LED® matrix headlights of the new Opel Astra, which consist of 16 LED segments that automatically and constantly adapt the range and distribution of the light beam to every traffic situation. As they admired the show-stopping Monza Concept and its visionary design, Opel's lighting experts also wondered just how they were going to fit their innovative matrix lighting technology for the next-generation Insignia into ultra-slim headlamps.

Luckily for Opel's lighting experts and to the advantage of Insignia customers, LED development is progressing as fast as the speed of light. During the Astra's development, LEDs had become even more compact and powerful, and Opel's engineers used the significantly higher performance to accommodate twice as many LED segments (32) in the new Insignia's Monza Concept-inspired headlights as in the Astra.

Faster, more precise, further: How IntelliLux LED® works in the Insignia

The result is impressive: not only are the headlamps more elegant, thanks to the smoother transitions between the higher number of LED segments, the light patterns can be more precisely adapted. The adaptive IntelliLux LED® matrix headlights of the new Insignia therefore produce a larger amount of even brighter light.

"From the Astra we know how much customers appreciate the benefits of IntelliLux LED® matrix headlights," says Ingolf Schneider, Engineering Group Manager Exterior Lighting. "We are bringing the even more advanced second generation of this innovative technology onto the market in the all-new Insignia, with additional new functions that further improve visibility at night."

To improve visibility even further while driving through curves on full high beam, the engineers added a new function to the new Insignia's IntelliLux LED® matrix headlights. The light intensity at the inner matrix segments rises according to steering angle in order to increase the illumination of the curve. Each IntelliLux LED® headlight also features a high-beam spotlight that provides additional illumination at full high-beam for up to 400 meters, further improving long-range visibility for drivers of the new Insignia.

Despite the futuristic DNA from the visionary Monza Concept, the adaptive IntelliLux LED® matrix headlights of the new Opel Insignia could not be simpler to operate: as soon as the car exits urban areas, the IntelliLux LED® headlights switch themselves on automatically and then constantly adapt the range and distribution of the light beam to every traffic situation, whether driving in town, on country roads, on the highway, making a turn or taking a curve. The state-of-the-art system literally turns night into day for drivers and passengers in the new Opel Insignia - without dazzling other road users.

This is how safety works: Top-class assistance systems

In addition, the new Insignia impresses with many more ultra-modern assistance systems. No other car in this class can boast such a wide range of intelligent technologies as the new generation of the Opel flagship.

New driver assistance systems features include:

• Head up display: Information such as speed, traffic signs, set speed of speed limiter and adaptive cruise control along with navigation direction is projected onto the windshield. Drivers thus have everything in their direct line of sight, ensuring that they keep their eyes on the road.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with automatic emergency braking: Uses a camera and radar sensors to measure the distance to the vehicle ahead and adapt the speed accordingly. If the distance decreases abruptly when the driver ahead suddenly brakes, red LEDs in the windscreen/head up display light up and an audible warning sounds. At the same time, ACC initiates automatic emergency braking - faster than a person could normally react.
• Lane Keep Assist with automatic steering correction: Driving always requires undivided attention, but if the system registers that the car is unintentionally drifting out of its lane, it also provides gentle steering wheel movements to counteract this and shows this on the display when the car is travelling at speeds between 60 and 180 km/h.

This is complemented by assistance systems that provide the Insignia driver with excellent all-round visibility, so their strengths really come into play in urban driving:

• For the first time at Opel, the 360° camera: It consists of four individual cameras, one on each side of the car. The combined system enables an optional 360-degree bird's-eye view, facilitating every parking and low-speed driving maneuver. The driver can thus keep everything in view over the IntelliLink display in the center console - no uncomfortable neck-craning necessary.
• Rear View Camera: Shows the area behind the vehicle on the IntelliLink touchscreen as soon as reverse gear is engaged. Dynamic guidelines based on the steering wheel angle are shown on the display and facilitate accurate reversing into a parking space.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The system uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to detect objects coming from up to 20 meters at 90 degrees from the left or right side behind the vehicle, a very useful function when reversing out of a parking spot with limited visibility.
• Advanced Park Assist: Ultrasound sensors on the Insignia's front and rear bumpers identify suitable parking spaces and detect possible obstacles. When the parking spot is detected, the system automatically parks the vehicle without the driver touching the wheel. The driver just controls the pedals and gear shifting.
• A host of further radar and camera-based automatic assistants complete the portfolio and make driving in the new Insignia even safer. These include established systems such as:
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert. Rearward directed radar sensors cover a range up to 70 meters behind the left and right exterior mirrors, thus alerting the driver to road users approaching in the adjacent lanes. In this way, the system prevents impending collisions if a driver tries to change lanes into oncoming traffic.
• Following Distance Indication in central information display: Uses the front camera or the front radar to detect moving vehicles on the road ahead and calculate the distance to them in seconds, which is more helpful to drivers for their assessment than a meter indication. A stylized green car symbolizes the vehicle in front. If the distance is insufficient, the distance warning is activated and the symbol turns amber.
• Forward Collision Alert: Assists drivers in avoiding or mitigating the impact of front-end collisions with situation-dependent emergency braking settings. If the Insignia nears the vehicle ahead too quickly, the system warns the driver with a loud audible alarm, a visual warning in the instrument cluster and an LED projection on the windscreen. The driver can choose between 'near' 'mid' or 'far' settings.
• Traffic Sign Assist: This newest-generation TSA can detect and display round traffic signs such as speed limits and derestrictions as well as many rectangular signs. The system processes data provided by the front camera as well as map data provided by the optional navigation system. Speed limits are also visible in the head up display if it is on board.

Services, Smartphones, Sound: Flagship Connectivity for new Opel Insignia

Ever been frantically driving around a city looking for a suitable hotel room because you could not book in advance? Ever wanted to attend a concert or take in a football match without knowing where you should park your car? Both situations are known to most drivers and are now a thing of the past thanks to brand new services offered by Opel OnStar that will become available with the launch of the new Insignia. The new OnStar Personal Assistant offers subscribers the chance to book a hotel room at a touch of the blue OnStar button . In addition, the frustrating search for a car park can also be eliminated by asking the OnStar advisor to find the nearest available car park and subsequently send the location to the navigation system . These two new services complement the already impressive offering proposed by Opel OnStar, which includes a powerful 4G/LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, destination download, roadside assistance and automatic crash response to name but a few. In the new Insignia, the OnStar services are combined with two latest generation IntelliLink infotainment systems with seamless smartphone integration and a new Bose sound system with eight high-performance speakers to ensure that Opel's new flagship not only looks good but also offers clever, affordable and high-tech connectivity and infotainment solutions.

Opel OnStar: Powerful mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot and comprehensive services

Ever since its launch in the summer of 2015, Opel OnStar has been capturing the headlines thanks to its wide range of services that not only make driving more comfortable but also safer. OnStar subscribers are always fully connected thanks to the powerful 4G/LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot to which they can connect all of their mobile devices. In addition, they have access to convenient services such as vehicle diagnostics and destination download. For instance, OnStar subscribers looking for a certain destination such as a restaurant or the closest gasoline station press the blue Opel OnStar button to contact an advisor who will send the desired destination directly to the optional navigation system embedded in the vehicle. The established OnStar services have already resulted in 9 million customer interactions in under 24 months.

Given the success of these services, Opel has decided to extend the service portfolio offered by OnStar by two new features that will make their debut with the launch of the new Insignia. The first new addition to the line-up will eliminate the worry of having to frantically drive around a town in the search for a suitable hotel to spend the night. Thanks to OnStar's new Personal Assistant service, subscribers can now contact OnStar by pressing the blue button and ask the advisor to recommend a hotel in the desired price category and location and even proceed to booking a room at the chosen establishment. This will be done via booking.com - a company with a proven record of accomplishment spanning more than two decades in the accommodation booking industry.

In addition, OnStar will offer a second new service to reduce the stress often associated with the search for a suitable car park. OnStar users can contact an advisor for directions to the most suitable parking lot and have the exact location sent to the navigation system. This will be done via Parkopedia, a key parking services provider.

Phone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Elsewhere Opel's solutions for seamless smartphone integration in the new Insignia are just as clever as the two new comfort services offered by OnStar. Both infotainment systems available for Opel's second-generation flagship, R 4.0 IntelliLink and Navi 900 IntelliLink, are, depending on the end device, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, thus bringing the world of smartphones into the car. This allows Apple users to make calls, start navigation directions to a destination with Apple Maps, send and receive messages and listen to music via Spotify right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. A full list of Apple CarPlay apps can be found at apple.com/ios/carplay. Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem. A full list of supported apps is available at android.com/auto. If Opel OnStar is on board, smartphones can also connect to the car's powerful 4G/LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot - for example for flawless online audio streaming.

The standard R 4.0 IntelliLink system comes with the customary intuitive 7-inch color touchscreen, whereas the optional Navi 900 IntelliLink solution with integrated navigation system comes with an 8-inch capacitive color touchscreen. The Navi 900 IntelliLink map data covers all of Europe, and with Opel OnStar, destinations that come from the OnStar advisor or that are sent in advance via myOpel smartphone app can be downloaded directly to the navigation system.

Both radios come with Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming. Digital Audio Broadcast DAB+ enabling better radio selection and reception is also available as an option. In addition, Navi 900 IntelliLink not only offers an integrated navigation solution but also a high level of personalization - the home screen can be tailored according to customer preferences. Based on its favorites concept, users can adapt the infotainment system to their individual needs. Up to 60 favorites including radio stations, phone contacts, playlists, navigation destinations, etc. can be stored.

Sumptuous sound and complementary details

Audiophile Insignia owners can increase their in-car listening experience even further by choosing the optional Bose® sound system. The Opel acoustic engineers have worked closely with their Bose counterparts to ensure that the system delivers the sound that the artist intended when composing the respective piece. To achieve the impressive sound, the system makes full use of the available space in the car by utilizing eight high-quality speakers - one 9.0-cm Twiddler® (mid-high-range speaker) in the center of the instrument panel, two 2.5-cm tweeters in the side-view mirror panels, two 16.5-cm low-mid-range speakers in the front doors, two 13-cm wide-range speakers in the rear doors and one 13.0-cm Richbass™ woofer in a 9.6-litre custom-engineered bass enclosure below the cargo area. These are all connected to the digital amplifier with Bose Digital Signal Processing, which delivers 7 channels of customized equalization and Active Sound Management.

Comfort Can Be So Attractive: Wellness in the New Opel Insignia

The new Opel Insignia offers a wide range of ultra-modern technologies that are unrivalled in this class and make driving safer. But the new Insignia makes travelling on four wheels above all one thing: more relaxing. While the intelligent driver assistance systems play a major role in this, the big difference is the equipment and lay-out of the Grand Sport and Sports Tourer. The wellness repertoire includes AGR-certified (Campaign for Healthier Backs) ergonomic premium seats for driver and front passenger as well as heated seats in the second row, new in the Insignia. The heated windshield ensures good visibility on cold days.

The new Opel flagship's interior also promises excellent comfort, with occupants benefitting from noticeably more space. The Grand Sport and Sports Tourer are also extremely flexible, for instance with a three-way, 40:20:40 split foldable rear seat. This increases maximum load volume in the station wagon to up to 1,665 liters - over 130 liters more than the outgoing model. The new generation is also very practical: the tailgate of the Opel Insignia Sports Tourer can be opened and closed by making a kicking motion under the rear bumper; the optional FlexOrganizer Pack ensures all cargo in the trunk is stored safely and tidily. And fueling the new Insignia is simple, clean and quick thanks to a cap-less fuel filler.

More than heart-warming: New Insignia keeps cold at bay

There is no reason to fear the chill of autumn or winter when you drive or ride as passenger in the new Opel flagship. The Opel Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer feature an array of protective measures against the cold - all the way to an optional, factory-fitted remote controlled stationary heater. The network of heated elements in the new Insignia includes the exterior mirrors, front seats, rear window, steering wheel, outer rear seats and windshield. The windshield is defrosted silently and comfortably at the push of a button, by a fine wire heating element. Meanwhile, the heated windshield also prevents fogging in humid conditions, further improving visibility and safety.

The new Insignia provides drivers and passengers with many more ways to keep warm. Drivers can enjoy the luxury of a heated steering wheel, while seat heating is available not only for the driver and front passenger, but also for the occupants of the outer rear seating positions. In the front, the heating is adjustable, and with the automatic seat heating option it can even be controlled via the personalization menu in the information display.

The ultimate in wellness as well as warmth are the 18-way adjustable and ergonomically certified AGR premium front seats. Opel continues to be one of the few automakers that offers AGR seats and has democratized their availability. In addition to numerous adjustment options, the ergonomic premium front seats in the new Insignia offer a unique combination of electric side bolster settings, massage, memory and ventilation functions. Heated in winter, ventilated in summer - Insignia drivers are comfortable in their premium seats regardless of the season or temperature.

Another highlight is the optional stationary heater for the new Insignia. In contrast to customary practice at some competitors, Opel does not offer this useful feature as a retrofit extra, but rather as a comfortable and clean factory-fitted fixture. Thanks to a remote control timer and corresponding sensors, the Opel flagship already welcomes its occupants on cold mornings with the pre-selected temperature - the cabin is cozy and warm, the windows are de-iced and the engine is warmed up. Entering the car is also easy and comfortable thanks to the Keyless Open and Start feature.

Enjoy space: Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer interior

The new Insignia cabin welcomes driver and passengers with clean, crisp surfaces that are pleasant to the touch while also boasting a spacious lay-out. Rear occupants greatly benefit from the new design and the reworked proportions. The extended wheelbase and a completely new package give them 32 millimeters more room at hip height (Sports Tourer: 27 millimeters), 25 millimeters more shoulder and knee room and 8 millimeters more headroom (Sports Tourer: 31 millimeters). This all increases comfort and wellness especially on long journeys. And everyone in the station wagon enjoys a superb view, as the glass of the optional 1,400 x 860 millimeter panorama sunroof stretches back over the rear passengers' heads, providing an unobstructed view skywards.

The new Insignia is also extremely flexible. To enlarge and divide the luggage compartment as needed, the second row of seats can be folded down in a 40:20:40 three-way split. Luggage compartment volume in the Insignia Grand Sport thus grows from 490 to a maximum of 1,450 liters. The new Sports Tourer even offers nearly 1,665 liters - over 130 liters more than the outgoing model. The rear seat bench can be folded down easily at the push of a button in the luggage compartment.

The new Insignia generation can take on even more. It features an array of practical storage spaces and compartments for everyday items in the cabin. The side pockets on the front doors hold bottles up to 1.5 liters, those in the rear up to 1.0-liter bottles. The illuminated glove compartment provides 5.5 liters of stowage space and the armrest in the center console a further 2.8 liters. Magazines, books or tablets can be stowed in the pockets on the back of the front seats. There are two drink holders in the front console for driver and front passenger, while rear seat passengers can securely set two beverages down in the foldable center armrest.

Easy loader: Insignia Sports Tourer tailgate with an extra kick

The new Sports Tourer generation goes even further with practical details. The overhang between bumper and trunk is reduced, thanks to the neatly designed tailgate, which also makes loading easier. In addition, the width between the wheel arches has increased, which makes it easier to stow bulky items such as a large dog kennel. The same applies to the length of the trunk, which has grown by 97 millimeters to 2,005 millimeters with the backs of the rear seats folded down.

In order to make loading as easy as possible, the tailgate can be opened with a kick, without touching the car. In combination with Keyless Open and Start, a simple small kicking motion under the rear bumper is enough to open or close the tailgate (a vehicle silhouette projected onto the ground shows the correct area). The clever system can detect any obstruction and stops the mechanism in case of emergency. In addition, for practicability, the tailgate opening height can be programmed, in case the car is in a garage. Furthermore, the tailgate can still be opened by a switch on the driver's side of the car, a button at the rear or via the key's remote control. And the FlexOrganizer Pack with side rails, dividing nets and various fastening options is available as an option so that all loaded materials can be stored safely and tidily. The upward-opening trunk cover makes for even easier access to the trunk.

Cap-less fuel filler: The clean Opel Insignia solution

There is a slight difference regarding the fuel filler cap: it's "missing" on the new Insignia generation. But Opel engineers did not forget it, they decided to do without the customary twist-off cap. Now refueling is easier, faster and above all clean, and there is no need to twist off and tighten the cap by hand. When the fuel nozzle is inserted into the filler opening, it pushes aside two opening covers in the filler neck. The system also features an integrated misfuel inhibitor which ensures that the internal cover of the fuel filler neck can only be opened by using the proper fuel nozzle, so the Insignia with a diesel engine cannot accidentally be refueled with gasoline or vice versa. When the nozzle is removed, the covers automatically close.

High Efficiency and Refinement: The Opel State-of-the-art Powertrains

The all-new Opel flagship, the second generation Insignia debuts with a wide range of highly efficient engines and friction-optimized transmissions designed to provide better efficiency and lower fuel costs. Fuel consumption of the expected volume engines available for the new Insignia (gasoline: 1.5-liter Turbo; diesel: 1.6-liter Turbo) is down by three to ten percent compared with the equivalent outgoing models, according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), which is more representative of real driving behavior than the currently applicable New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).

High-tech: All-aluminum engines, eight-speed automatic

The engine portfolio of the new Opel Insignia Grand Sport starts with a newly designed gasoline unit, the 1.5-liter Turbo available in two output levels. The new turbocharged four-cylinder unit with central direct injection belongs to the family of all-aluminum small displacement gasoline engines notable for their performance, high efficiency and refinement. The entry-level engine for the Grand Sport offers 103 kW/140 hp (New European Driving Cycle fuel consumption: urban 7.3 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.7 l/100 km, combined 5.7 l/100 km; 129 g/km CO2) and impresses with strong torque of 250 Nm between 2,000 and 4,100 rpm.

The more powerful 121 kW/165 hp unit for the Grand Sport (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 7.3 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.8 l/100 km, combined 5.7 l/100 km; 130 g/km CO2) has all it takes to be the bestselling gasoline engine available for the Insignia family. Compared to the already very efficient 1.6-liter Turbo (125 kW/170 hp) used in the outgoing model, the new state-of-the-art engine reduces consumption in accordance with the WLTP driving cycle on average by around three percent. The 1.5-liter unit has the largest displacement of all the ultra-modern three and four-cylinder members of Opel's small gasoline engine family. The new 1.5-liter high-tech four-cylinder also impresses with sharp throttle response and ample torque in every situation - two typical features of these units.

A further highlight is the top-of-the-range gasoline engine for the new Insignia. The refined Grand Sport 2.0-liter Turbo delivers 191 kW/260 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 11.2 l/100 km, extra-urban 7.1 l/100 km, combined 8.6 l/100 km; 197 g/km CO2). The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder unit comes in combination with the all-new smooth shifting eight-speed automatic transmission and a highly sophisticated all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring - a unique feature in the midsize segment.

The new eight-speed automatic adds a high-end transmission to the Opel portfolio. Compared to a six-speed automatic, the new eight-speed gearbox is even more responsive. Additional contributors to its outstanding performance include smart design packaging, which reduce its mass and dimensions compared with six-speed units.

All-wheel drive and torque vectoring: The best way to put high power onto the road

The torque vectoring all-wheel drive system of the new Insignia features two electronically controlled multi-plate clutches that replace a conventional rear axle differential and can accelerate the wheels individually in a split-second, depending on the driving situation. When cornering, higher torque is sent to the outside rear wheel, inducing rotation around the vertical axis (yaw) - the Insignia turns in with more precision, responding more spontaneously to inputs from the driver. Torque vectoring also contributes to safety by controlling the distribution of torque according to changes in throttle position, steering angle and road surface, thus damping the amount of yaw. This intelligent use of torque distribution - also known as "yaw damping" - results in neutral vehicle behaviour, making the car more stable and steerable for the driver. New Insignia drivers can choose the amount of yaw damping to suit their driving style by selecting the appropriate driving mode: from high yaw damping in "Tour" to low in "Sport", for sportier vehicle behavior.

"The new generation Opel Insignia sets new benchmarks for midsize automobiles" says William F. Bertagni, Vice President Vehicle Engineering Europe. "Torque vectoring represents the state-of-the-art in transmitting power to the road. The new Insignia with torque vectoring all-wheel drive matches the best in the industry when it comes to 'fun-to-drive'."

Diesel engines with outstanding real-life fuel efficiency

The Grand Sport powertrain offering is rounded off by the new six-speed manual transmission for the all-aluminum turbocharged 1.6-liter diesel engines with outputs of 81 kW/110 hp (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 4.6 l/100 km, extra-urban 3.6 l/100 km, combined 4.0 l/100 km; 105 g/km CO2) and 100 kW/136 hp (NEDC fuel consumption Grand Sport: urban 5.1 l/100 km, extra-urban 3.9 l/100 km, combined 4.3 l/100 km; 114 g/km CO2). The technical highlights of the 136 hp engine include a low-emission combustion system, a fuel system allowing multiple injections, a water-cooled turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, controlled piston cooling jets, a switchable water pump and variable displacement oil pump. The new combination of friction-optimized manual transmission and refined 1.6-liter turbo diesel with 81 kW/110 hp results in average fuel savings in the WLTP driving cycle of ten percent compared to the outgoing model.

In addition, Opel will offer the Grand Sport with the popular 2.0-liter diesel with 125 kW/170 hp (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 6.7 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.3 l/100 km, combined 5.2 l/100 km; 136 g/km CO2).

With its efficient engines, refined transmissions and high-tech such as torque vectoring all-wheel drive, the new Insignia is a strong challenger even for premium brand models.

Opel Exclusive: Your Car, Your Choice, Your Color

When Opel launched the ADAM in 2013, it not only marked the introduction of a new small car to the market - it also tapped in to the increasing demand for more personalization and individuality. The company has continued to develop this concept and is now introducing a program that allows a growing amount of customers to configure their car according to their own personal taste. With the introduction of the new Opel Insignia, the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker will offer a new level of personalization called Opel Exclusive. In a first step, it will provide Opel Insignia buyers with an unlimited choice of colors and a selection of alloy wheels. Later, customers will also have access to an assortment of leather options and other design details that will enable them to create a car that stands out from the crowd and reflects their personal choice.

Selecting the perfect color for a new car can sometimes prove to be more difficult than first meets the eye. The red offered by the carmaker might be too dark, the blue too light or the green tone too close to mint according to personal taste. Therefore, customers sometimes have to accept a compromise when purchasing the car they really want. Opel will be the first volume manufacturer to introduce a solution for this conundrum with the launch of the Opel Exclusive program. However, despite the name maybe suggesting otherwise - Exclusive does not mean elitist or only accessible to a select few. Instead, the name reflects Opel's desire to give customers the chance to create something that is exclusive to their own personal taste, enabling them to reward themselves via personal expression in a way that adds value for them.

"Opel Exclusive almost knows no limits. Individualized colors, customizable design details and inimitable comfort features help you create the Insignia of your choice and exactly how you want it. Literally unique to you," said Opel CMO Tina Müller.

Stand out from the crowd with your exclusive color

When customizing their new Opel Insignia, Opel Exclusive customers can choose from up to 15 pre-defined colors. These are available in addition to the regular colors and solely available to Opel Exclusive clients. However, this is by no means all. Customers looking for even more individualization can create their own color no matter whether it is the shade of their favorite silk tie or the color of the eyes of a loved one. The Opel experts will match the color when a sample is provided so that everybody can have a car in their preferred color.

With the choice of color made, Opel Exclusive customers can add a further level of customization by selecting what they want the paintwork to say about them. Opel will offer three distinctive finishes. The tri-coat paint finish is an innovative mixing ratio. It owes its intensive and smooth appearance to the three-layer coating. The metallic paint finish reflects more incident light, which gives the paint its sparkling shine. And the pearl paint finish dazzles with fine layers of crystals embedded in the paint finish that help bring out an exceptionally natural pearly shine.

In addition to the choice of color and paint finish, Opel Exclusive will also offer a selection of four new and exclusive alloy wheels to help customers create their own unique car. Ranging from 18 to 20-inches, the wheels bring a new level of pure dynamism to the Insignia with their breathtaking design. Additionally, going forward Opel will offer a range of exclusive leather options and decorative design elements so that customers can customize the car even further.

New digital showroom to configure and share

As part of the Exclusive program, Opel will also be exploring new digital solutions such as showroom images in 4K, an ultra-high definition resolution, and augmented reality to allow customers to easily experience their new vehicle in amazing definition while enjoying an immersive experience. The focus is on creating state-of-the-art digital experiences following the mobile first principle and allowing customers wherever they are to experiment when configuring their own personal car. Once they have configured the car of their dreams, potential buyers can then share their ideas with their social media network.