Vauxhall has revealed its all-new Insignia Sports Tourer ahead of a Geneva Motor Show debut.
Based on a completely new vehicle architecture, the new Insignia Sports Tourer has revised proportions for more luggage capacity - increased to 1,638 litres, over 100 litres more than the outgoing model. The length of the boot has grown by 97mm to 2005mm versus the previous model and 40/20/40 foldable seats are also available. The new car is also up to 200 kilograms lighter than its predecessor, thanks to the use of lightweight materials.
New intelligent all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring features two electrically controlled multi-plate clutches in the all-wheel drive system, replacing the usual rear axle differential for a more precise power transmission to each wheel individually. When cornering, additional torque is transmitted to the outside rear wheel, reducing understeer and enabling more precise control. Vauxhall says the system reacts within a split-second of the accelerator being pressed, ensuring that the car remains more ‘stable and easier to steer in every situation’.
The FlexRide chassis has also been further improved, adapting the dampers, steering, throttle response and shift points (on automatics) independently or based on the modes ‘Standard’, ‘Sport’ or ‘Tour’, which can be selected by the driver. The Insignia Sports Tourer will be available with a range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines along with latest generation transmissions, including the new eight-speed automatic gearbox, a first for the Vauxhall passenger car range.
New technologies include next generation IntelliLux LED matrix lighting, Lane Keep Assist, Head-up Display and unique AGR-certified premium seats, front- and rear-seat heating and a heated windscreen, for example. The latest generation IntelliLink systems will offer more functionality for customers and Vauxhall’s OnStar system now provides Wi-Fi for up to seven devices.
Styling wise, the new ST has a prominent front grille and Monza Concept-inspired headlights. A shortened front overhang and silver roof rails make it look lower. The rear overhang between bumper and boot has been reduced, making loading easier. Thanks to the increased width between the wheel arches it is now easier to pack bulky items says Vauxhall.
The driver of the new Insignia Sports Tourer sits lower in the car and is surrounded by the ergonomically-designed instruments and centre console. As well as via a touchscreen, the controls can be operated by three rows of buttons. The top row is reserved for the infotainment system, the middle for controlling the heating, ventilation and air conditioning and the bottom for driver assistance systems. Smartphones can be integrated into the vehicle’s infotainment software, with the latest Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink systems, and wireless phone charging now available.
Additional driver assistance systems includes a Head-up-Display with information on speed, traffic signs, speed limiter or navigation direction all projected onto the windscreen, as well as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with automatic emergency braking, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. The new model is the first Vauxhall to feature an active bonnet. In the case of a collision, the bonnet lifts in milliseconds, increasing the distance to the engine and offering pedestrians improved protection.