2012 Opel Insignia revealed ahead of Australian launch

This is expected to be the last update before the Opel Insignia goes on sale in Australia, meaning we now have our first look at how the vehicle will appear when it arrives in local showrooms.

Exterior upgrades have been kept to an absolute minimum, with new alloy wheel designs and a new paint colour expected to be the only changes to the 2012 Insignia line-up.

The real upgrades have taken place under the bonnet and on the technology front.

The 2012 Opel Insignia will be available in selected markets with a 1.4-litre turbocharged ecoFLEX petrol engine. Producing 103kW and 200Nm of torque, the engine is teamed with a six-speed manual transmission, start/stop technology, electric power steering, and aerodynamic enhancements including streamlined underbody panels and low rolling resistance tyres.

In sedan mode it sips fuel at a rate of just 5.7 litres/100km on the combined cycle, while the Sports Tourer wagon model averages 5.9 litres/100km. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 10.9 seconds.

Although the 1.4 ecoFLEX model is likely to be reserved for European markets, Australian customers may have a better chance of getting their hands on the 2012 Insignia 2.0 Turbo 4x4 model.

Previously producing 162kW/350Nm, the 2.0 now puts out 185kW of power and 400Nm, leading to a 0-100km/h sprint time as low as 7.5 seconds. Despite the power increases, combined cycle fuel consumption has decreased from 8.9 litres/100km to 8.4 litres/100km, thanks to the introduction of start/stop and low rolling resistance tyres.

Opel has applied the same efficiency upgrades to the 2012 model year front-wheel drive 162kW 2.0 Turbo model. Fuel consumption has been reduced to 7.6 litres/100km, down from 8.1 litres/100km.

Inside, Opel has fitted the 2012 Insignia with an SD card-based infotainment system. The satellite navigation now allows drivers to save points of interest and find the most economical route for their trip.

The front camera – already fitted to the Insignia for traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning – now has the added feature of Following Distance Indication, which measures the distance to the car in front and helps drivers avoid rear-end collisions with visual and audible warnings.

GM Holden, currently responsible for Opel Australia communications, is yet to confirm specific details about our 2012 Opel Insignia. Expect more details to surface closer to its launch.