2012 Opel Insignia

Opel has releases the new 2012 Insignia coming with best-in-class new 1.4 turbo ecoFLEX engine, new 2.0 turbo petrol, Start/Stop system and added value.



Exterior upgrades have been kept to an absolute minimum, with new alloy wheel designs and a new paint colour expected to be the only changes to the 2012 Insignia line-up. the interior boasts “Indian Night” Nappa leather seats, new infotainment systems – Navi 600 [



Power for the 2.0 litre engine has been boosted to 184kW and 400Nm of torque (up by 22kW and 50Nm), while top speed is 250km/h and fuel consumption is listed at 8.4 l/100km - improved by 0.5 l/100km.



The two-liter turbo with direct injection in combination with the state-of-the-art 4x4 all-wheel drive goes into the new model year with 30 hp higher output. It is available with six-speed manual transmission or automatic transmission. The engine delivers 250 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm (previously 350 Nm). This powerful drivetrain with manual transmission can sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 7.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.













Press Release



Opel Insignia Model Year 2012: New Engines and Premium Features

• Best-in-class: New 1.4 turbo ecoFLEX thriftiest gasoline engine in mid-size class
• Powerful: New 2.0 turbo with 185 kW/250 hp delivers 400 Nm of torque
• Clever: Start/Stop system available for many engine variants
• Added value: Navigation system, front camera, high-class leather interior

Rüsselsheim. Since making its debut, the Opel Insignia has won more than 50 national and international awards, including the especially prestigious title "Car of the Year". Customers have affirmed this critical success with great demand - over 400,000 units of the brand flagship have been sold to date. With new gasoline engines and state-of-the-art technologies, the Insignia is set to continue its successful run in model year 2012. Prices start at 23,330 euro (RRP incl. VAT).



New gasoline engine with 103 kW/140 hp sets standards in fuel economy



The newly developed 1.4 turbo ecoFLEX gasoline engine is the product of uncompromising "downsizing". In combination with six-speed manual transmission, Start/Stop technology, power steering, aerodynamic underbody paneling and size 225/50 R 17 low-rolling-resistance tires, it is the most economical gasoline engine in the entire mid-size class segment.



All together, these measures reduce the 1.4 turbo fuel consumption - compared with the previous 1.8-liter version, also with 103 kW/140 hp - by two liters in the sedan to 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers. CO2 emissions are reduced by 45 grams to 134 grams per kilometer - in both cases a reduction of more than 25 percent. At the same time, the torque delivered by the most economical gasoline engine in its class was increased by almost 15 percent to 200 Nm.



With this performance potential the Insignia 1.4 turbo ecoFLEX can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 10.9 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 205 km/h. Opel's top model is available with this propulsion variant as a sedan or as a Sports Tourer and - with 5.9 liters per 100 km and 139 g/km CO2 - it also sets standards in the station wagon segment.



Refinements to the new powertrain also include the optimization of the transmission ratio, resulting in reduced consumption and improved agility. The electric power steering REPS (Rack Assist Electric Power Steering) featured for the first time in the Insignia provides additional comfort. Its steering characteristics can now be even more flexibly adapted to every driving situation. A significant advantage of the REPS system is the potential for fuel saving and thus a reduction in CO2 emissions. As it does not permanently rely on a running hydraulic servo pump, the electric power steering is only active when it is required.



2.0 turbo 4x4: More power and torque with reduced consumption



The two-liter turbo with direct injection in combination with the state-of-the-art 4x4 all-wheel drive goes into the new model year with 30 hp higher output. It is available with six-speed manual transmission or automatic transmission. The engine delivers 185 kW/250 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm (previously 350 Nm). This powerful drivetrain with manual transmission can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.



The 2-liter turbo unit is impressive proof that increased output and reduced fuel consumption can go hand in hand. Thanks to extensive measures like the Start/Stop system and low-rolling-resistance tires, Opel engineers were able to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to 8.4 l/100 km and 197 g/km respectively (previously: 8.9 l/100 km, 209 g/km CO2). With this increase in power and torque and the even more dynamic characteristics - with simultaneous reduction in fuel consumption - the Insignia 2.0 turbo 4x4 convinces with a top performance in the premium mid-size class segment.



Opel Start/Stop system with many engine variants



Not just the two units already mentioned benefit from the Opel Start/Stop system. The 162 kW/220 hp 2.0 turbo with front-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission will soon be available with the intelligent fuel-saving technology - including aerodynamic underbody paneling and rolling-resistance-optimized tires.



This reduces fuel consumption by 0.5 to 7.6 liters per 100 kilometers. The Start/Stop system is in its element in city traffic, where up to one liter per 100 kilometers can be saved. The CO2 emissions in the combined cycle were reduced accordingly to 179 instead of the former 189 grams per kilometer.



New infotainment systems



The new infotainment systems Navi 600 and Navi 900 Europa are far superior to the CD or DVD-based predecessor versions in terms of the scope of features offered. All of the map material is stored on SD cards, and the maps can be adapted to suit individual customer needs. In addition to the default points of interest (POIs), further POIs can be downloaded and stored on the device. The driver can select single points and store these in the address book as individual POIs. Another practical feature: as well as the fastest and shortest routes, the navigation system also allows the selection of the most economical, i.e. lowest fuel consumption routes.



The Navi 900 Europa system also offers a voice recognition and log book function - the latter with the option of separating private and business trips. An additional POI announcement informs the driver of points of interest in the direct proximity by audible signal, text or popup. As of the equipment variant "Edition", an especially high-quality Infinity sound system is also available.



Opel front camera with additional functions



The Opel Insignia also offers further optimizations in the model year 2012 in terms of safety. The new Opel front camera, used for traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning to date, now also has the Following Distance Indication which constantly measures the distance to the car ahead in seconds. It is activated automatically from a speed of 40 km/h and helps the driver to avoid rear-end collisions and possible fines for tailgating. The Forward Collision Alert provides a visual signal on the instrument cluster and an audible alarm to warn the driver of an imminent collision with the car ahead. Additionally, the optionally available front camera in conjunction with AFL+ serves as a High Beam Assist.



Premium equipment: Nappa leather "Indian Night"



The model year 2012 Insignia also offers enhanced comfort and additional elegance. It is available on request with premium Nappa leather finish "Indian Night" which is distinguished by a combination of high-quality black leather with contrasting stitching in an elegant Cognac tone. The exterior look is refined by the new dark metallic lacquer "Luxor", which, depending on the light, has blue-violet color reflections. The sporty, elegant silhouette of the Opel Insignia will be rounded off in the coming months by a selection of new alloy wheels with striking rim designs.



Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Opel, on the market potential of the optimized Opel Insignia: "With its new product characteristics, particularly regarding fuel consumption and CO2 reductions, the Insignia will strengthen its outstanding position in its class - to the benefit of our customers."

2012 Vauxhall Astra GTC

Vauxhall launched new car based on the stunning 2010 GTC Paris concept, the 2012 Vauxhall Astra GTC, that would be a competitor for the VW Scirocco and Renault Megane Coupe. Offering a heady mix of dynamic excellence, dramatic design features and competitive pricing. In entry-level trim, the 2012 Vauxhall Astra GTC adopts the sophisticated front suspension from the Insignia VXR, featuring Vauxhall’s HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut), combined with the clever Watt’s link rear axle for unmatched stability and handling precision. Enhancing the GTC’s chassis still further is the option of Vauxhall’s FlexRide adaptive damping. FlexRide automatically adapts to prevailing road surfaces and driving styles, providing drivers with fully optimised handling, even in the event of an emergency situation. In addition, FlexRide offers a choice of three settings – Standard, Tour or Sport – which will change the car’s character on demand at the push of a button.
The 2012 Vauxhall Astra GTC can be ordered with a choice of four engines – one diesel and three petrols. With 165PS, the 2.0 CDTi is an upgraded version of the diesel that’s fitted to some models in the Insignia and Astra ranges. All engines have a diesel particulate filter, six-speed transmission and Start/Stop as standard, maximising economy and performance. That torque also allows the Vauxhall Astra GTC a relaxed cruising gait, meaning a combined mpg of 57.6mpg and C02 emissions of just 129g/km. It also gives
drivers a range potential in excess of 700 miles. Start/Stop and a six-speed gearbox are also standard on both versions of the 1.4-litre Turbo petrol engine. With either 120PS or 140PS, the 1.4T achieves a combined 47.9mpg and 139g/km of C02 emissions, yet each still delivers crisp performance with maximum torque of 200Nm delivered between 1850-4200rpm. The most powerful engine in the range is the 1.6-litre Turbo, which produces 180PS and allows the GTC to hit a top speed of 132mph. The 2012 Vauxhall Astra GTC have the powerful shoulder section gives the car imposing proportions and a purposeful road presence. The line from the C-pillar wraps around the tail and the rear spoiler, which integrates with the roofline. LEDs – optional across the GTC range – highlight the stretched ‘wing’ motif created by the tail lamps

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EDS Creates a 360HP Monster out of the Opel Astra Turbo

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Opel Reveals Sleek Zafira Tourer Concept Prior to Geneva Motor Show Debut

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2011 Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Pricing Revealed

GM has announced Prices for the new Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer will start at £16,575 when it arrives in UK showrooms towards the end of the year.

The Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer is available on the British market with a choice between a 1.4-liter 100PS engine and a 1.7 CDTi diesel with 110PS. The equipment list of the new Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer includes air conditioning, curtain airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESP), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) and Active Safety Front Head Restraints.

Other trim levels include Exclusiv, SE and SRi, each come with a variety of standard and optional equipment, including FlexFold, which allows each section of the 60:40 split-fold rear seatbacks to be lowered at the press of a button housed in the walls of the cargo compartment.

Inside, the Flexfold seat system allows the rear seats to be folded in a 60:40 combination to reveal 500 litres of load space – 30 litres more than the Astra hatchback version.




Press Release

The new Astra Sports Tourer will enter the UK market later this year priced at just £16,575, over £500 less than the current entry-level Astra Estate, yet incorporating a long list of additional standard kit.

Built in Britain at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant, the Astra Sports Tourer range starts with the 1.4 (100PS) ES model, which gains an extra 10PS of power over the equivalent 1.4 Astra Estate. It also adds: air conditioning, curtain airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESP), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), an aux-in socket and Active Safety Front Head Restraints, all as standard.

Better still, the Sports Tourer’s premium over the 5-door hatch model starts from just £995, for which customers benefit from a larger cargo area (500* versus 470 litres, with rear seats up), despite retaining the same wheelbase as the new hatch.

Diesel pricing is equally aggressive, with the entry-level 110PS 1.7 CDTi ES Sports Tourer costing less than the outgoing 90PS 1.3 CDTi Astra Estate Life, yet packing more power and benefiting from sub-120g/km CO2emissions.

The Sports Tourer range comprises four trim levels: ES, Exclusiv, SE and SRi, but adds a variety of standard and optional equipment, including FlexFold, which allows each section of the 60:40 split-fold rear seatbacks to be lowered at the press of a button housed in the walls of the cargo compartment.

Joining the new Astra range, which has now sold over 30,000 units in the UK since it was launched at the end of last year, the Sports Tourer is likely to account for approximately 10 per cent of all sales. Illustrating the depth of Vauxhall’s engineering and manufacturing excellence, the Sports Tourer will be assembled solely at its Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire, while its upper-body structure has been 100 per cent engineered at Vauxhall Engineering Centre in Bedfordshire.