2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
For Opel, the Insignia has become a bestseller. Now the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker is launching the sedan and sports tourer with all-wheel drive.
From Frank Mertens
The Insignia has become a bestseller for Opel. Since its market launch a year ago, the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker's flagship has sold more than 170,000 times across Europe. With this car, the competition in the middle class has grown into a serious competitor who not only attracts attention through its appearance, but also as a vehicle for innovation. The Insignia not only offers the modern AFL lighting system, but also, for example, the so-called Opel Eye - a camera that recognizes traffic signs and shows the driver in the display on the center console whether he is driving too fast. That's a nice gimmick. More than just a nice gimmick, however, are the seats that have been given a seal of approval by the Working Group for Healthy Backs (AGR). They allow a variety of settings,with which you can choose the right one for your needs. Anyone who has ever sat in a seat like this will hardly want to be without it, as you arrive at your destination much more relaxed.
A plus in security
Opel is now further upgrading the Insignia - and offering it with a modern permanent all-wheel drive system. The surcharge of 3180 euros for the four-wheel drive is worthwhile - and not only for drivers who are on the move in wintry areas. The system also offers better traction on dry surfaces - and therefore a plus in safety. However, the performance of the Insignia 4x4 only becomes apparent on snow-covered roads, such as these days during our test drive with the sedan with the 2.0 liter turbo gasoline engine in the snow-covered Austrian Obertauern.
While the owners of a front-wheel drive car had to drive onto the hard shoulder to put on the snow chains in front of the Tauern Tunnel, we were able to drive past them comfortably and with a good feeling in the Insignia 4x4. The system is designed so that it adapts to the various modes of the Flex-Ride suspension setting at the same time. By pressing a button on the center console, the driver can choose between a tour and a sport mode. You are in normal mode without pressing a button.
80 milliseconds until the force is distributed
The all-wheel drive system leaves a good impression even under difficult conditions, such as when starting up a mountain on an icy surface. Whether you are driving with Hill Start Assist or using the handbrake - the all-wheel drive system ensures in milliseconds that the drive forces are distributed to the wheels that have no grip.
According to Opel, a mere 80 milliseconds should pass between the detection of a critical situation by the sensors and the distribution of power to the wheels. The drive forces are distributed by a hydraulic multi-plate clutch. It is able to transfer almost 100 percent of the forces to one of the two rear wheels, for example when starting up a hill.
Shifting lazy driving possible
The combination of all-wheel drive with the 220 hp four-cylinder in our test car leaves a good impression. The engine is powerful, even from the lower speed ranges. The maximum torque of 350 Newton meters is available between 2000 and 4000 revolutions per minute. This makes driving really lazy when shifting possible. Actually a shame, because the manual six-speed gearbox does a good job and can be shifted crisply. In combination consumption, the Insignia should only consume 9.2 liters, but in reality you have to add one and a half liters if you drive carefully: 10.7 liters are not exactly small.
Diesel follows
The all-wheel drive system is offered for the 2 liter turbo gasoline engine and the 2.8 V6 turbo as well as the OPC version. The price for the entry-level petrol engine with 220 hp starts at 35,685 euros in the Edition trim level. A diesel 4x4 is not yet on offer, but should follow. One is also thinking about an allroad version. It has not yet been decided whether she will come.
