Both the Insignia and Astra are due for facelifts in the next 12 months. The Astra will be seen first, with a Paris show unveiling scheduled this autumn. The Insignia will appear at the Geneva show next spring before going on sale around September 2013.
The significant change for the Insignia is the introduction of a new 1.6-litre turbodiesel, a ground-up new design that will replace the venerable 1.7-litre unit across the Vauxhall range.
Along with a smoother power delivery and quieter operation, the new 1.6 diesel is expected to significantly cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
This prototype covers up the other main changes: cosmetic tweaks to the nose and tail.
New-look headlamps and tail-lights that incorporate LED running lights, a revised grille and redesigned front and rear bumpers are understood to make up the new design.
Vauxhall made significant chassis and engineering changes to the Insignia in 2011, so underskin changes that accompany the 2013 facelift are understood to be minor.
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I hope Vauxhall manages to
I hope Vauxhall manages to keep some drivability in the new 1.6 engine rather than a pure focus on lowering CO2 and better fuel economy - some of the smaller diesels in these larger family cars really do feel short on grunt and in the real world and are very similar on actual fuel economy figures to the 2.0 litre models when you use them.
As let's face it the Insignia is a bit of a heavy old beast compared to some rivals.
Orangewheels wrote: I hope
if its not powerful enough buy a 2.0cdti 130 or 160 or bi turbo. its a 1.6 engine for a reason that is to cut costs. its obvious its not gonna set the world on fire.
The styling of the Insignia
The styling of the Insignia is just right and the best in its class imo.I hope they dont spoil the looks with the facelift as some other manage all too easily.
I thought the FL Astra was
I thought the FL Astra was from August production and available to order? Then I thought the FL Insignia was due to be revealed at the Paris motor show? The FL Astra does not have the 1.6 derv yet still the 1.7 so I assume that will follow later on in the year.