TMR News and Features
The Insignia, officially unveiled back in April, has pulled a rabbit out of the hat for Opel, giving the brand its first Car of the Year award in the European market since 1987. The GM subsidiary has placed second and third a number of times between then and now, but it took the über classy Insignia to bring in the blue ribbon, beating out the Ford Fiesta 321 points to 320. Third place went to the Volkswagen Golf.
In an odd twist of fate, The Insignia’s one point victory is an amusing reversal of fortune for the brand after the Ford S-Max took out first place in 2007 ahead of the Corsa, by a mere two points.
Along with the Opel Eye system that reads road signs and signals, the FlexRide suspension, and nine-mode Adaptive Forward Lighting, the Insignia won the 2009 title courtesy of its ‘artistry with German precision’ styling, active and passive safety features, comfort, and a wide selection of efficient engines. If we’re lucky enough to see it in Australia, we’re looking forward to the 208kW turbo V6. Klosey’s looking forward to the diesel.
For your reference, the winners for 2008 were the Fiat 500, followed by the Mazda2 and Ford Mondeo.
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Comment by turbin
18 November 2008
“although with the new Golf on its way, it’s a good chance for next year’s prize.”
It is the new MK6 Golf that got 3rd, so no chance for next year.
Well done Opel! Now bring on the upcoming Saab 9-5 on the same platform!
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Comment by Mike Stevens
18 November 2008
Cripes, you’re right! I need to stop writing articles first thing in the morning I think, haha. Thanks Turbin, article corrected.
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Comment by turbin
18 November 2008
“we’re looking forward to the 208kW turbo V6.”
Look no further than the Saab Turbo X/Aero XWD. Same made-in-Melbourne motor. Although I expect the new architetcure of the Insignia will be a bit more refined.
No worries re. Golf. ECOTY only applied to ‘new’ models so I guessed (correctly) that meant mk6 rather than the ‘old’ mk5.
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