Opel, Insignia Grand Sport and Insignia Sports Tourer have just celebrated their world premieres in Geneva, but very soon a third model will join their company. As in its previous generation, the Insignia will be available in a "adventure" version with four-wheel drive and off-road capabilities. Its name: Insignia Country Tourer.
Available for order from June, it will celebrate its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA, September 14 - 24) and is expected to be available in distributors' stores shortly thereafter. The all-terrain vehicle is the ideal choice for fans of winter sports and the countryside but also for those who appreciate the personalized look.
The new Insignia Country Tourer impresses with the advantages of Grand Sport and Sports Tourer, as it is spacious and significantly lighter than the outgoing version thanks to a new architecture. It also has a variety of innovative technologies, as befits a true flagship. In addition, it exudes its own country-style charm, with black protectors and silver front and rear aprons, which give the new model a rugged offroad look. Customers who prefer an even more personalized vehicle have even more options with the Opel Exclusive, choosing for example their own favorite color.
Engines / Frame
A wide range of engines (including the new top diesel) is behind the performance of the new Insignia Country Tourer. In addition, it will be available with the new 8-speed automatic transmission and revolutionary four-wheel drive technology. Twenty millimeters of extra ground clearance combined with the innovative all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring and the new five-link rear suspension, support off-road behavior and offer Insignia Country Tourer the most advanced system in its class. Instead of a traditional rear differential, which distributes equal torque to the rear wheels, it has two electronically controlled multi-disc clutches that allow a more personalized and accurate power transmission to each wheel, regardless of road or weather conditions. To neutralize the tendency to turn in closed turns that the vehicle takes at higher speeds, the system, depending on the throttle pressure and steering wheel motion, sends more torque to the outer rear wheel.
This happens without further intervention of the driver, in a fraction of a second and stabilizes the vehicle. In addition, the Insignia rotates more accurately, responding more spontaneously to the driver's commands. The result is more neutral behavior that makes the vehicle more stable and controlled, regardless of the conditions.
The improved FlexRide frame is the basis for optimal driving behavior depending on the conditions. This adjusts the dampers, the steering system, the throttle response and the shift points (automatically) independently, or based on the "Standard", "Sport" or "Tour" programs that can be selected by the driver. The new, central software "Drive Mode Control" is the heart and soul of the custom frame. It constantly analyzes the information from the sensors and settings and recognizes the personalized driving style.
Exterior / Interior
The new Insignia Sports Tourer is shapely. Its new light architecture is one of the main factors of dynamic performance and flexibility. Country Tourer has all these virtues and more. Its rugged and personalized charm makes it a top model in the Insignia family, while from the beginning of the development process, designers and engineers worked on a third, separate Insignia version.
Its front looks even more dynamic than that of the Sports Tourer. The prominent horizontal grille and the slim headlights create a special impression, while the silver apron emphasizes the durability of the car. Embossed black guards, impressive wheel arches and the lower part of the body emphasize the rugged appearance. Like the front, the rear features elements that suggest its adventurous nature, such as a silver apron and double exhaust tail that enhance the feel of a lower and wider car.
Those looking for a unique Insignia will soon have an unlimited number of options at their disposal thanks to the launch of the Opel Exclusive philosophy with the Insignia Country Tourer. In addition to the usual colors, buyers can choose from 15 additional shades offered exclusively to Exclusive customers. And it's not just that. Opel Exclusive experts can even reproduce any desired shade, with the help of a sample or a photo. In addition, Exclusive customers can further personalize their vehicles with additional rim designs and leather interior options.
As befits the rugged character of an all-terrain vehicle, the new Insignia Country Tourer is above all practical. For easier loading, the rear door can be opened intact. In combination with the "Keyless Open & Start" a simple movement of the foot under the rear bumper is enough to open the rear door (the silhouette of a car projecting on the ground shows the correct area). With one more foot movement under the bumper, the door closes. To increase the cargo space to 1.665 liters, 130 liters more compared to the outgoing model, the new Insignia Country Tourer is available with optional, folding rear seats 40/20/40 that offer even more flexibility in the cargo space layout. The bench of the rear seats falls completely by simply pushing a button located in the luggage compartment. The standard roof rails not only emphasize the adventurous look but also increase the range of use of the new Insignia Country Tourer, allowing loads of up to 100 kg to be carried on the roof.
The wheelbase has been increased by 92 mm, offering even greater space with special advantages for rear passengers. The feeling of well-being is emphasized by the driver-centric cockpit, the premium ergonomic front seats with AGR certification (Aktion Gesunder Rücken eV) and the heated exterior rear seats. The heated windshield and heated steering wheel ensure good visibility and warm hands respectively on cold days.
Security / Comfort / Connectivity
Like the Grand Sport and Sports Tourer, the Insignia Country Tourer is available with a number of state-of-the-art technologies and support systems that offer new levels of safety and comfort. One of the most notable features is the second generation of the IntelliLux LED matrix custom lighting system. The Opel LED matrix lighting system now has 16 LED sections integrated into each of the very slim headlights and includes an innovative active active lighting function and a focused LED beam that provides additional lighting with a range of up to 400 m.
These include a head up display, 360 ° surround view camera, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with automatic emergency braking, Lane Keep Assist with automated Suspended Warning Automated Correction and Address Correction Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The latest IntelliLink systems compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensure excellent entertainment and connectivity. The smartphone can even be charged wirelessly, while being perfectly integrated into the infotainment system. The revolutionary Opel OnStar personal connectivity and support system is included in the offer. It has an extensive range of services from automatic response in the event of a collision to support for a stolen vehicle. Two new services in the OnStar range are the booking service, and the search for parking space. Both services are based on OnStar consultants who can book a room and / or search for suitable parking spaces.