Opel Australia interested in new Insignia crossover

The pint-size Mokka will become the first Opel SUV available in Australia in the third quarter of this year, but the German GM brand’s new Insignia Country Tourer crossover looks likely to join it on sale here – at some stage.

Revealed overnight in Europe, the higher-riding, SUV-look all-wheel drive Insignia wagon will make its world debut at the Frankfurt motor show on September 10, when it also officially goes on sale in Germany.

Opel Australia is yet to commit to a local launch, but marketing and PR chief Michelle Lang told motoring.com.au the range-topping Insignia crossover is likely to be released here eventually.

“I wouldn't imagine we would see this is in the near future -- it's being launched at the Frankfurt motor show so our production allocation if we put our hand up would be a long way off.

“Having said that, I think the popularity of SUVs makes this an interesting proposition in so far as offering Australians some choice in this respect.

“Crossover vehicles are a valid and unique alternative to SUVs for families and people who need practicability and versatility whilst not wanting to trade in their desire for a hot looking car. And why should they? Style and practicality are not mutually exclusive.

“To that end I think this incarnation of the Insignia Touring fits the bill perfectly. So we would be interested in making a case for it here, it just wouldn't come to fruition for some time yet.”

No interior shots have yet been revealed, but the Country Tourer is conceptually similar to Audi’s A6 Avant-based Allroad, featuring protective under-body guards front and rear, prominent wheel-arch and lower body cladding and dual exhaust outlets.

Other features include tinted headlights with embedded chrome accents and, on some versions, wing-style LED daytime running lights, plus LED tail-lights.

Opel says that combined with electronic FlexRide variable damping, the Insignia crossover’s all-wheel drive system sets new standards in terms of reaction time and vehicle control.

It is claimed to be able to distribute up to 100 per cent of engine torque to the front or rear wheels, as well as vary torque between the rear wheels via an electronic limited-slip rear differential (eLSD).

Engine choice in Europe will include 2.0-litre four-cylinder SIDI turbo-petrol and CDTI turbo-diesel engines, both producing 400Nm of peak torque.

Given the same engines power Australia’s existing Insignia wagon, expect the Country Tourer to arrive with price premiums over the current pricing spectrum of between about $40,000 and $50,000.

“The sensational success of our young Opel Mokka in the sub-compact SUV segment has demonstrated the popularity of vehicles with a crossover character,” said Duncan Aldred, Opel’s Acting Vice-President of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales.

“With the new Insignia Country Tourer, we are now filling this sporty niche in the larger, mid-size class. It enables us to offer customers an alternative choice they’ve never had before at Opel.

“They can spice up the high quality of our brand flagship with a strong dose of adventure. At the same time, we’re confident the athletic appeal of the Insignia Country Tourer will also attract new customers to our brand.”

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