Opel Insignia revealed

Opel have released details concerning their new Insignia range today. Destined for Europe, the Insignia will replace the now dated Vectra and take the fight to the Ford Mondeo, Honda Accord, Mazda6 and Citroen C5.

You can check out the picture gallery below to see just how far Opel’s mid-sizer has come. Gone are the hard edges and flat surfaces of the Vectra, replaced by a combination of taut lines and smooth curves along with an aggressive new stance. Best viewed from the front three quarter angle, the new Insignia looks the goods.

If you think the Insignia looks bigger than the Vectra, you'd be correct. Wider by 50mm, longer by 210mm and with a wheelbase that has been stretched by 35mm increased levels of occupant comfort are all but guaranteed.

Three variants of the Insignia will come to market: the sedan (pictured), as well as a hatchback and a wagon. In Europe there will be a choice of three diesel engines and four petrol engines. The base turbo-diesel engine will produce 82kW/110hp with the range topping diesel good for a handy 119kW/160hp.

The base petrol engine is an 86kW/115hp four-cylinder, with the range topping model being powered by a 194kW/260hp V6. A choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed auto is available along with FWD or AWD specification, depending on the model. A VXR variant is expected to come to light during 2009.

We haven’t seen the Holden badged Vectra in Australia since 2005. At the time, the Vectra was considered expensive (compared to a Commodore) and found little favour with Australian new car shoppers. It remains unknown what plans, if any, Holden have for the new Insignia.

In the meantime, the Opel Insignia is due to make an appearance at the London Motor Show in July, before going on sale in the UK in October this year.

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