The brand new Insignia has been voted
2009 European Car of the Year.

The 59-strong jury of senior motoring journalists from 23 European countries voted the Insignia first, with the Ford Fiesta coming in second.
37 cars had been put forward for COTY this year, with just seven short listed for the ultimate award, which represents the most impressive car that has been launched in the last 12 months.

Steve Cropley, editor-in-chief of Autocar, COTY’s British-based sponsoring magazine said: ‘We are delighted to be able to deliver good news at such a tough time. The market’s the toughest we’ve seen for 20 years, but nothing alters the fact that the Insignia is a great car…. it deserved to triumph and it did.’

"This is great news for GM/Vauxhall and its employees, suppliers and retailers," said Bill Parfitt, managing director of GM Europe UK. "Vauxhall has made great strides in recent years, particularly in design and dynamics, and the Insignia illustrates what we’re capable of achieving. It offers great quality and value in a prestige package that will provide an exceptional ownership experience to our customers.”

It has been over 20 years since Vauxhall won a COTY award, with the Carlton taking the title in 1987. The Vauxhall Astra was COTY in 1985.

Insignia is the new name on a totally new car from Vauxhall.

With dynamic design and innovative technology throughout, new Insignia takes Vauxhalls design language to the next dimension.
Muscular, but lithe and curvaceous. Sculpted but flowing. New Insignia boasts a coupe-like silhouette for both saloon and hatchback.
Look inside and the design themes continue. Adding comfort, convenience and smart features too.

Theres a choice of five efficient petrol and diesel engines - from 140PS to a 260PS V6 (all Euro 5 compliant) and new technology that is designed to make life easier, whether its a different driving feel to suit your mood, the perfect headlight pattern for every situation, or permanent, adaptive four-wheel drive for smooth, strong acceleration and dynamic handling in all conditions.

Equipment & Range

Infotainment
An all-new satellite navigation system, operated through a centrally-mounted multi-function controller, is available on all Insignias as a cost option. The system includes a seven-inch monitor, 3-D map view and improved scroll and zoom functions. It also incorporates a port for either iPod or MP3 USB functions. In MP3 mode, the system allows improved access to files and directories, and in iPod mode, the interface uses functions such as track and list.

Accessing these functions is easier through the Insignia’s new multi-function controller. In conjunction with the satellite navigation system, the controller uses a turn/push selection action that is located on the centre console between the front seats (in combination with an electric handbrake). This control benefits tall drivers who sit well back in their seats, and another rotary knob, operating the same functions, can also be found below the monitor.

All Insignias come with high levels of equipment as standard, including ESP, passenger airbag deactivation, automatic headlights, Hot Shot (heated washer fluid), electric driver’s seat height adjuster and electrically adjustable four way lumbar support. Cruise control is also standard across the range, along with front, side and curtain airbags, Isofix on all 3 rear seats, and ABS.

Insignia entry price is £15,935 for the 1.8-litre Exclusiv.

But even this model comes with high levels of equipment, including ESP, automatic headlights, an electric driver’s seat height adjuster and electrically adjustable four-way lumbar support. Cruise control is also standard on this model, along with single-zone climate control, front, side and curtain airbags, Isofix and ABS. The 1.8 ECOTEC petrol engine found in the entry level car, producing 140PS and 175Nm of torque, is one of five engines available in the Insignia range, each of which meets Euro 5 emissions standards.

It’s joined by two other petrol units – a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and a 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 – and two new 2.0-litre diesels with either 130 or 160PS.
The 2.0CDTi 130PS Exclusiv is the entry level diesel model, costing £16,935.

Bold, dynamic design comes as standard on all Insignias, as well as a host of new technology that provides more safety and improved dynamics for drivers. Innovative features, such as the Front Camera System, which reads traffic signs and warns drivers if they veer out of their lane, joins next-gen AFL lighting and a standard-on-all-models heated windscreen wash system – known as ‘Hot Shot’.

Insignia is also available with Vauxhall’s clever FlexRide chassis and the choice of either front- or all-wheel drive.

Range

High quality begins with the S entry level, which features chrome highlights with a real metal feel. The interior has metallic trim on the instrument panel, centre console and doors, while the charcoal fabric has a classic ‘labyrinth’ pattern. The S offers generous standard equipment, including comfort items such as manual air conditioning, a CD 300 audio system with seven speakers, power outside mirrors, split rear seat back (60:40), on-board computer, cruise control, steering wheel mounted audio controls and leather trimmed steering wheel. The S comes on 16” steel wheels with 215/60 tyres.

Exclusiv

The Exclusiv will be available in two seat trim colours, charcoal or beige. ‘Dune’ fabric features a pattern inspired by organic graphics in home interiors. As with the S trim, the interior again has metallic inserts on the instrument panel, centre console and doors. Specification over and above the S trim includes single zone climate control, 17” structure wheels with 225/55 tyres, a front centre armrest with storage facility, and interior ambient lighting.

The SE is also available with a choice of interior seat trim, charcoal or beige, and comes with part leather effect seat bolsters. Standard on the SE are 18” alloy wheels with 245/45 tyres, an electronic handbrake, rain sensitive windscreen wipers, electric rear windows, electric passenger’s seat height adjuster and electrically adjustable four way lumbar support. In addition the SE receives an audio upgrade to the CDC400 system with integral six-disc autochanger, MP3 format and DAB digital radio. Flexride is also standard on the 2.0 Turbo petrol engine.

Elite

The Elite model builds on the SE, adding full leather seat trim, available in either charcoal or beige, eight way electrically adjustable drivers seat, dual zone climate control, front and rear parking distance sensors, Intelligent Adaptive Forward Lighting, front fog lights and electrically foldable door mirrors. Flexride (Adaptive Stability Technology) is standard on the 2.0 Turbo and 2.8 V6 petrol engines, while 4X4 is also standard on the 2.8 V6 model.

SRi

The Piano Black décor in the SRi contrasts with silver highlights to create a highly modern and sporting cabin. This is enhanced by the charcoal ‘Vitesse’ fabric found on the SRi’s ergonomic sports seats, and front occupants also benefit from an extendable squab section, the angle of which can be adjusted. A perforated leather sports steering wheel, CD 300 audio and alloy covered pedals are all standard, along with 18” alloy wheels with 245/45 tyres, single zone climate control, electric rear windows, front fog lights and a sports chassis 15mm lower than on other trim levels. Ventilated Sport Leather seats are available as an option, which includes an upgrade to dual zone climate control. FlexRide (Adaptive Stability Technology) is again standard on the 2.0 Turbo petrol engine, but is also available as an option on all other SRi engines.

Insignia is now available to order so to be the first
on the block with our fabulous new car... CLICK HERE

Partners

There are now some fabulous Partners deals available - CLICK HERE for more info!