Insignia CDTi 4x4 hits British showrooms in September
Since its UK launch at the start of 2009, more than 55,000 Vauxhall Insignias have been sold in the last 18 months. Premium design cues, the choice of all-wheel-drive models and a raft of new technology in its sector has elevated its appeal to not only fleet customers, but also to retail buyers, who now account for 35 per cent of all sales – a 16 per cent improvement over the Vectra.
There has also been a significant increase in the number of upper-trim Insignias sold, such as the SRi, SE and Elite models (over 60 per cent) supporting the fact that Vauxhall is now seen as a viable alternative to more traditional premium cars in the mid-size sector, albeit at a lower price point.
And with some 40 awards now behind it – including the coveted European Car of the Year 2009 – it’s no surprise that UKbuyers made it the best-selling mid-size car soon after its launch in what is Europe’s biggest single market for Insignia. But the Insignia has also become the best-selling or second-best selling mid-size car in 10 other European markets too.
To further boost the Insignia’s competitive position, Vauxhall has now combined the Insignia’s Adaptive 4x4 system, which was previously only available with the 2.0- and 2.8-litre petrol engines, with the 2.0-litre 160PS CDTi diesel engine. A rare combination in this market sector, the Insignia CDTi 4x4 hits British showrooms in September this year and will build Vauxhall’s reputation for technological innovation still further. Moreover, engineers have made refinements on all diesel engines to further improve interior refinement.
The Adaptive 4x4 all-wheel drive system, together with the adaptive FlexRide chassis and the electronically controlled rear limited slip differential (eLSD), sets new standards for driving and handling. Studies show Insignia customers particularly value this innovation: Some 21 per cent of all 2.0-litre petrol models currently sold in the UKhave the Adaptive 4x4 system.
Adaptive 4x4 combines the best characteristics of conventional mechanical and hydraulic all-wheel drive systems, and means that the driven wheels don’t have to spin before corrective measures kick in. The Insignia Adaptive 4x4 can still maintain safe traction even if three wheels are on sand or mud and only one rear wheel can find grip. In bad weather or on treacherous roads, the advanced chassis systems are designed to recognise and avoid danger early enough to support the driver in tricky situations, without detracting from the car’s dynamic appeal.
The Vauxhall Adaptive 4x4 system not only helps out in critical safety situations. It also detects when all-wheel-drive is not required, such as on a dry, clear motorway, and reverts to front-wheel-drive to reduce friction loss and save fuel.
Intelligent Adaptive Forward Lighting with its bi-xenon headlights that can adapt to different road conditions using nine unique lighting functions, has won awards for its safety and innovation. Some 35 per cent of UKbuyers have also opted for the Ergonomic Sport Seats, certified by orthopedic specialists, Action for Healthy Backs.
And for those buyers who tow caravans or trailers, the Insignia’s Retractable Trailer Hitch has proved a popular option. Featuring Trailer Stability Assist, which helps protect against pendulum swings, once the trailer is no longer needed the hitch can be simply folded away, keeping the elegant design of the Insignia intact.
The Insignia Sports Tourer has many useful features, like a power tailgate with programmable opening height, Automatic Self Levelling Rear Suspension (standard with Towing Pack) and the familiar FlexOrganizer cargo management system. The completely flat luggage compartment has a capacity of 540 to 1,530 litres. The result is a stylish estate car that artfully conceals its high utility value.
The upscale design is echoed in the interior cabin which incorporates many high-quality materials. Keeping the styling contemporary, Vauxhall is offering two new trims. The Indian Summer interior offers premium, high quality, Nappa leather in a warm shade, complemented by elegant Cashmerestitching.
A further trim level will also be available in the UK, called SRi Vx-Line. This features a VXR-style sport leather steering wheel and gearshift gaiter, along with 19-inch, five-spoke alloys.
Adaptive 4x4: combining dynamic excellence with all-weather security
* Sophisticated all-wheel drive system at the top of its class
* Adaptive FlexRide chassis system adds driver involvement and dynamic efficiency
* One of many innovative technologies offered in Vauxhall’s mid-sized car
The Vauxhall Insignia saloon, hatch and Sports Tourer feature sophisticated innovations, like the Adaptive 4x4 system, which were previously only available in much more expensive sports cars or luxury saloons. Together with the FlexRide chassis and the electronic-hydraulic multi-disk clutch, the Adaptive 4x4 system sets new standards for its controls’ reaction times.
These are features Insignia owners already appreciate: sales analysis shows that 21 per cent of all 2.0-litre Insignias sold to date have been 4x4 models. Due to this demand, the Insignia saloon, hatch and Sports Tourers now couple the intelligent 4x4 with a 160PS 2-litre turbo diesel, available in UK showrooms this September.
The Adaptive 4x4 is perfect for hauling trailers and for anyone living in regions with inclement weather who has to travel regardless of the rain or snow. If the Sports Tourer model is ordered with a trailer hook, the standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) system will also feature a Trailer Stability Assist program, which counters vehicle instability that may occur when towing a trailer or caravan. It does this by reducing engine torque and applying brake pressure to selected wheels when needed. The Towing Pack also features Automatic Self-leveling rear suspension which maintains a constant rear ride height when load-carrying or towing.
FlexRide comes as standard with Vauxhall’s fully integrated Adaptive 4x4 chassis system which improves stability and provides real time, electronically controlled damping. FlexRide gives the driver the choice between three driving modes. In addition to the standard adaptive mode, the driver can either opt for a comfort-oriented "Tour" or a "Sport" setting. The Sport mode makes the Insignia Sports Tourer driving experience more active, changing the set-up of interlinked functions such as the steering, throttle control and even the ambient lighting of the dashboard.
The Insignia’s all-wheel drive system is among the most sophisticated systems on the market. The Adaptive 4x4 control unit is fully networked with the Insignia’s other control systems - the ESP sensors, the steering angle sensor and accelerator pedal position - to adapt power distribution to prevailing driving conditions.
In contrast, the FlexRide system in the Insignia VXR deliberately caters for the enthusiastic driver. The standard mode delivers ideal all-round performance combined with comfort characteristics suitable for everyday driving. In the “Sport “mode, the chassis suspension stiffens, reducing body roll for more agility. The “VXR” mode provides the ultimate experience: more direct steering, a more responsive throttle and the chassis settings focus on optimal efficiency while dials illuminate in red. The four-wheel drive management unit has also been recalibrated to allow more torque to be sent to the rear wheels.
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Related categories: 4x4 and 4WD car Diesel car Vauxhall
