New Vauxhall Insignia revealed with class-leading efficiency and technology
With best-in-class CO2 emissions and fuel economy, the Vauxhall Insignia is refreshed for model year 2021 with an all-new range of fuel-efficient powertrains, revised technology, and a bold and attractive exterior design.
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Vauxhall’s new Insignia consumes up to 18 per cent less fuel than the outgoing model thanks to a range of powerful new high-efficiency engines. A new top-of-the-range GSi model also joins the range with unique tuning for its suspension and steering, plus bespoke styling upgrades.
The new Insignia engine line-up features three- and four-cylinder units, including a 1.5-litre (122PS) diesel unit that achieves CO2 emissions of 121g/km WLTP. The three-cylinder engines are up to 50kg lighter than their four-cylinder predecessors in the outgoing model. Above these are two 2.0-litre petrol engines with 200PS and 230PS, as well as a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel, which will be introduced later this year. All Insignia diesel units are fully RDE2 compliant, and thus exempt from the current four per cent BIK surcharge – making them even more ideal for fleet and business users.
The 2.0-litre petrol engines are also the first Vauxhall engines with cylinder deactivation. Unless the driver needs a lot of power, the variable camshaft control deactivates two cylinders, significantly reducing fuel consumption.
POWERTRAINS
- Range of all-new high efficiency petrol and diesel engines
- Modular all-aluminium construction allows three and four-cylinder designs
- Range includes new three-cylinder 1.5-litre diesel
- New 2.0-litre petrol with cylinder deactivation and new nine-speed auto gearbox
The Insignia is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its segment thanks to a range of all-new engines that deliver class-leading power, lively performance and high-efficiency. Overall, the new Insignia consumes up to 18 per cent less fuel than the outgoing model, with CO2 emissions as low as 121g/km WLTP.
The completely new petrol and diesel three and four-cylinder power units feature lightweight aluminium construction and a standardised architecture. On all engines, internal friction and friction losses have been reduced to a minimum, resulting in smooth and efficient power delivery.
Further to the enhancements made to the engine line-up, the powertrain improvements also include the addition of a new nine-speed automatic transmission. Available alongside the six-speed manual, eight-speed automatic and Stepless CVT options, the nine-speed is no bigger than a six-speed transmission and features a greatly reduced gear step size and class-leading shift quality.
Petrol
The engine line-up starts with two all-aluminium four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engines with 200PS and 230PS. Both feature a variable geometry turbocharger, a high pressure 350 bar direct fuel injection system and are fitted with the new nine-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shift.
The 200hp unit (combined 33.1mpg to 37.7mpg according to WLTP, 171g/km CO2) develops maximum torque of 350Nm at only 1,500rpm and can achieve a top speed of 146mph and 0-60mph in 7.2 seconds. The 230hp turbocharged 2.0-litre (combined 30.3mpg to 35.3mpg according to WLTP, 181g/km) is available exclusively with new Insignia GSi. Capable of 147mph and 0-60mph in 7.0 seconds it develops 350Nm at 1,500rpm for exceptional throttle response.
These 2.0-litre units are also the first Vauxhall engines with cylinder deactivation. Unless the driver needs a lot of power, the three-stage variable camshaft control deactivates two cylinders, significantly reducing fuel consumption. It can also operate in a low lift four-cylinder Miller cycle mode that delivers exceptional efficiency under average loads, while a high lift profile is available for high speeds and engine loads.
Diesel
The two petrol engines are joined by a three-cylinder, turbocharged 1.5-litre diesel with 122PS (combined 57.6mpg to 61.4mpg according to WLTP, 121g/km CO2). First introduced in 2019, it’s 10 per cent lighter than the 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel it replaces and features balancer shafts for exceptional smoothness. The engine develops 300Nm of torque and is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. and can achieve a top speed of 127mph and 0-60mph in 10.7 seconds.
In addition to the six-speed manual gearbox, customers have the option of pairing this engine with a smooth eight-speed lightweight automatic transmission (combined 49.6mpg to 56.5mpg according to WLTP, 130g/km CO2). Producing 285Nm, the automatic 1.5-litre (122hp) can achieve a top speed of 124mph and 0-60mph in 11.5 seconds.
Using the same modular engine construction as the three-cylinder diesel is the four-cylinder 2.0-litre (174PS) diesel (combined 51.4mpg to 61.4mpg according to WLTP, 121g/km CO2). Fitted as standard with a six-speed manual transmission it delivers a muscular 381Nm of torque at just 1,500prm and is capable of 0-60mph in 8.2 seconds with a top speed of 142mph.
This engine is optionally available with the refined and responsive eight-speed automatic transmission (combined 49.6mpg to 56.5mpg according to WLTP, 131g/km CO2). The automatic 2.0-litre diesel can achieve 140mph and is capable of 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds.
INSIGNIA GSi
- Advanced Twinster four-wheel drive with torque vectoring
- Unique suspension and steering tuning honed on legendary Nürburgring in Germany
- Powerful turbocharged 2.0-litre (230PS) petrol engine capable of 0-60mph in 7.0 seconds
- Brembo braking system with faster acting eBoost brake-by-wire technology
Engineered for pure driving enjoyment, the new Vauxhall Insignia GSi features a range of bespoke mechanical and visual enhancements. Powered by the turbocharged 2.0-litre (230hp) petrol engine, the new Insignia GSi is capable of 0-60mph in 7.0 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 147mph.
Putting all this power on the road is the sporty Twinster four-wheel drive system with torque vectoring unique to its segment. In all-wheel drive (AWD) mode, two clutches replace a conventional rear differential and deliver the perfect power transfer per wheel in every driving situation. With this technology, the new Insignia GSi is more agile in curves, offers the best cornering and stands out with excellent traction. New to this sophisticated system is the ability to decouple the rear axle and run solely on front-wheel drive in certain conditions for improved fuel efficiency.
Put through its paces on the legendary Nordschleife track at the Nürburgring in Germany, the Vauxhall Insignia GSi features a unique chassis tune for extremely high grip. The powerful Brembo four-piston brakes (with red calipers) are exclusive to the Insignia GSi, as is the specific set-up for the direct steering.
With its electro-hydraulic brake booster, the Insignia represents a platform for technology that will be required for automated driving in the future. The integrated ‘eBoost’ system is a component for “braking by wire”, which dispenses with the need for separate ABS/ESP modules, vacuum lines and vacuum pumps. As a vacuum is generated by an electric motor instead of the engine, fuel consumption is further reduced. Pressure is generated up to three times faster than normal and brake feel has been improved.
The new Insignia GSi comes as standard with mechatronic FlexRide suspension, which adapts dampers and steering in fractions of a second. In addition, FlexRide changes the characteristics of the accelerator pedal response as well as the shift-points of the nine-speed automatic transmission, which can also be operated using the paddles on the steering wheel. The driver can choose between four driving modes ‘Standard’, ‘Tour’, ‘Sport’ and – exclusively for the GSi – ‘Competition’. This latter mode also alters the calibration of the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) for an even more involved drive.
DESIGN
- Revised front and rear styling for bold and attractive look
- Slim and powerful LED headlights standard across the range
- Best in class aerodynamics with impressive drag coefficient of just 0.25
- Unique exterior and interior styling upgrades for new Insignia GSi
With a new front and rear design, the flagship large saloon is reimaged with bold, yet attractive styling. The front of new Insignia follows the example set by the shape of the innovative new LED headlights, with the new chrome-edged radiator grille wider and featuring more prominent slats, making the Vauxhall logo in the middle appear larger.
The LED DRLs are now positioned at the bottom, instead of the top, of the headlight unit.
Overall, the new Insignia looks lower and wider than before, thanks to the position of the air inlets with integrated fog lamps. It looks sharper and more coupe-like in its styling than ever before, with the new Insignia’s design defined by clear lines. The slim, horizontal lines of exterior design continue into the interior, with precisely placed chrome accents adding to the stylish ambience in the top-of-the-range model.
Visually, the new Insignia GSi features the GS-Line exterior styling pack that comprises Sports-style front and rear bumpers and side sills, plus dual visible stainless steel exhaust tailpipes. A GSi specific rear spoiler is also included as are 20-inch bi-colour technical grey, multi-spoke diamond-cut alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. Inside, new Insignia GSi has performance sports seats with a perforated leather covering.
Aerodynamics
The new Insignia is the most aerodynamic car in its class. Designed to cut drag and save energy, it’s engineered for high efficiency and low fuel consumption. Achieving a best in class drag coefficient of as little as 0.25, the new Insignia expends less energy as it passes through the air, thereby reducing its emissions and improving fuel consumption. This impressive drag coefficient has been achieved with the addition of a full covering of the underbody from the engine compartment through to the rear axle with flat panelling to improve the airflow under the car.
Aerodynamic efficiency is further improved with a full-face active shutter in the front grille (not available on Insignia GSi). Taking thermal, electrical and aerodynamic factors into account, the upper and lower portions of the grille open and close to make the new Insignia even more economical to run. In addition, the full-face shutter can also delay cooldown after switching off the engine or accelerate warm-up after a cold start by remaining closed. This is particularly useful in winter, offering significant benefits to fuel consumption and cabin heating comfort.
ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS, INFOTAINMENT AND CONNECTIVITY
- Safety, comfort and convenience increased by latest technologies
- Comprehensive suite of advanced electronic driver safety aids
- Multimedia systems with up to 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Optional E-Call system for rapid access to emergency services
The newest version of the popular Insignia model features class-leading levels of technology and equipment. The Insignia also features a new rear-view camera that improves rearward vision. Safety in reversing can be increased with the optional rear cross traffic alert, which uses radar sensors to detect objects 90 degrees to the left or right behind the car, up to 20m away. The driver is warned by acoustic signals, and on the display screen.
Further driver assist technology includes:
- Forward collision with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection
- Lane keep assist
- Side blind spot alert
- Adaptive cruise control with emergency braking
- Traffic sign recognition
- Advanced park assist
- True head-up display
The optional E-Call system, exclusive to Vauxhall, can be specified for new Insignia orders. It automatically sends an emergency call if the seat belt tensioners or airbags are deployed. Alternatively, help can be summoned in seconds by pressing the red E-Call button.
For driver convenience, infotainment options are compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, from the basic seven-inch colour touchscreen Multimedia Radio to the Multimedia Navi Pro unit. The eight-inch Multimedia Navi Pro unit is standard on SRi VX-Line Nav, Ultimate Nav and GSi models. Journeys can be made easier with real-time traffic information, online map updates and predictive navigation for route planning, while new symbols give the navigation display a fresher, more modern appearance. Compatible smartphones can be charged wirelessly.
Innovative tech features are not limited to the running features or infotainment unit as ergonomically certified AGR seats are available as an option for the driver and passenger, as are massage and ventilation functions. Further desirable upgrades include heated rear outer seats, a heated steering wheel and heated windscreen, plus a Premium Bose sound system.
NEXT GENERATION INTELLILUX HEADLIGHTS
- Revised Intellilux LED Pixel headlight technology
- Features a class-leading total of 84 LED bulbs for each headlight
- Camera controlled set-up reacts faster and more precisely to traffic conditions
- Reduced energy consumption contributes to New Insignia’s best in class efficiency
Revised IntelliLux LED Pixel lighting technology is available in the new Insignia range, and is standard from SRi VX-Line Nav onwards. These class-leading headlights feature high-energy efficiency and project more light for safer conditions driving at night. An industry-leading 84 LED bulbs are fitted in each headlight, instead of the previous 16, allowing the camera-connected control unit to react faster and with more precision to every traffic situation.
The light beam is automatically switched between a dipped and main beam during night driving, with the IntelliLux LED technology able to adjust seamlessly in milliseconds. The precision of these new headlights reduces the possibility of glare for oncoming or preceding traffic, as the camera scans the road to be constantly reactive.
The power of the new IntelliLux LED headlights has been significantly increased, while the reduced energy consumption of the units makes the Insignia more efficient overall. The 84 LED elements are arranged in three rows within the ultra-slim headlight unit. The headlights can be used as LED daytime running lights (DRLs), dipped or main beam to suit the conditions.
Range and direction of the headlights vary according to the driving situation and surroundings. The light functions allow the units to adapt to a curve in the road, to bad weather, to town, country or motorway driving. On the motorway, light beams are extended beyond the line of sight ahead so drivers can clearly see roadside signs, also reducing glare for oncoming drivers. The lights are also optimised to make parking easier.
