Opel & Vauxhall Insignia

The important new model from General Motors Europe is based on the Epsilon II architecture expected to underpin many GM models for markets around the world.

Flowery language laced with hyperbole is part of the communication philosophy of some European car companies, but the language from General Motors Europe (GME) at the world premiere of their Opel/Vauxhall Insignia was comparatively modest. True, the company spoke at the British International Motor Show of “breathtaking design and leading technology” and “sculptural artistry meets German precision,” but the overall message was a balanced and sensible description of a precisely designed and engineered car.

It is certainly a very significant model (built in sedan, hatchback, and wagon forms) not just for GME, but also for the GM business empire as a whole. The Insignia's Epsilon II mechatronic chassis architecture is expected to be the basis of the Saab 9-5's replacement as well as for numerous other models including the Saturn Aura.