Posted on Monday 23 June 2008
Updated with new images.
Opel recently took the covers off its new Insignia sedan, the replacement for its aging Vectra (Saturn Aura), and now we have an early look at one of the first variations of the car, a new hatchback model. This prototype was spotted testing at GM’s proving grounds in Germany ahead of the car’s official reveal latest this year.
As the images reveal, the new hatchback variant is essentially the sedan with an extended roofline leading to a sloping rear-lifting tailgate. Load capacity should be similar to rival models such as the Mazda6 and Ford Mondeo hatches.
Like the sedan, three petrol engines ranging from a four-cylinder 140hp unit to a V6 with 260hp will be available in the new hatchback. Two new 2.0L direct-injection diesel engines will also be offered with power outputs of either 130hp or 160hp. In time, the Insignia engine lineup will be extended with an EcoFLEX version offering ultra-low CO2 emissions in addition to other, more powerful variants. There are even rumors of a high-performance twin-turbo petrol V6 engine making its way into a new AWD range-topper.
The new Insignia sedan will make its official debut on the 22nd of July at the London Motor Show. The new car is a crucial model for GM globally as well, as this is the vehicle that will be sold in North America as the next-generation Saturn Aura.
2009 Opel Insignia hatchback June spy shots
2009 Opel Insignia hatchback May spy shots
Opel Insignia Coupe and Estate renderings
At first glance it looks like Mazda 6. And that’s ok.
this stands to be better than the 6. I don’t think the 6 has undergone enough of a change to be considered worthy of the name. it’s going to get trampled. If this is coming state-side for 2010, ford better get that new taurus here, bloody quick too.
I’m interested to see what honda and toyota are going to do with their mid sized cars now that gas prices are making these cars sexy again. Cause honestly, if GM is selling this, and ford has that taurus… people will buy american on looks alone.
the 2010 Taurus will be in our neighborhoods A whole year before this thing gets a Saturn emblem.
94TO, yes… but we know what this looks like already and we still don’t have a clue as to what the next Taurus will look like (minus that one blurry shot we saw a few month back) — so still no clue if will be as big of a trainwreck as the current one…
I wonder if it will be different when it becomes a saturn? as the current Saturn is very different to the Vectra even though they share lots.
Shame Ford dont scrap the Taurus and just bring you guys the Mondeo!