The Vauxhall Insignia

Vauxhall Insignia

• Imposing design study with dynamic coupé lines
• Driver-oriented concept with versatile interior
• Innovative doors, tailgate and lights
• Rear-wheel drive and V8 engine for driver excitement

The presence of Vauxhall’s latest concept, called Insignia, at the Birmingham Motor Show is a clear demonstration of the confidence and creativity in design which is now emanating from the company.

In addition to Insignia’s progressive and dynamic design, the concept features a number of innovations including extensive use of LED lighting technology and pantograph-action doors and tailgate. Further highlights are the versatile interior layout and excellent driving dynamics.

Kevin Wale, Vauxhall chairman and managing director, commented: "The Insignia is a great ambassador of Vauxhall’s new confidence. It emphasises our recent message that ‘Vauxhall is back’, while also demonstrating the kind of innovative ideas we come up with when we think about a bigger Vauxhall."

Insignia is not a conventional, executive luxury saloon or coupé. It has been designed as a ‘driver oriented’, rear-wheel drive concept which can be transformed from a comfortable four-seater for day-to-day business purposes, into a sporty five-seater at the weekend or for family and recreation.

Making a real statement with its exterior styling is key to Insignia. The departure from a more conservative saloon profile is clearly evident in the coupé-style body lines and design details such as the long engine bonnet with sweeping A-pillars and the inward-tapering front and rear ends. Short overhangs, a long wheelbase and wide track (1666 mm) emphasise Insignia’s dynamics even further.

The unmissable radiator grille, milled from solid aluminium, is flanked by large air intakes which dominate the front end and convey an unmistakable sense of confidence: this is a Vauxhall with real engine power under the bonnet, accentuated by the characteristic crease down the middle and a V-shape that flows from the A-pillars. Four sturdy crossbars on the radiator emphasise the grille’s significance in the front-end design.

Seen from the side, Insignia is characterised by a distinct wedge shape with a shoulder line that grows out of the front and rear wings. There are no B-pillars to break up the window line along the side, while massive 21-inch aluminium wheels provide an unmissable feature of the car’s silhouette.

The door handles are flush with the body and activated automatically, but only when the Insignia’s owner approaches the car. The "Open & Start" transponder system identifies the owner by means of coded, theft-secure, radio remote-control that replaces the conventional car key. At the touch of a button, the rear window and tailgate are opened or closed by electric motors.