Insignia Country Tourer unveiled

Vauxhall / Opel has revealed its contender for the small (but growing) SUV-inspired estate car segment. Called the Insignia Country Tourer, it features all-wheel drive, a raised ride height, some extra body cladding and under-bumper bash plates.

Both the Vauxhall and Opel versions are going to be offered with a choice of two 2.0 litre diesel engines. The first is a 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS) unit, which comes connected to either manual or automatic six-speed transmissions.

Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer (2014) Front Side

For those wanting a bit more power, the alternative is a BiTurbo motor that develops 192 bhp (143 kW / 195 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb/ft) of peak torque. It’s only available with an automatic gearbox, though.

Additionally, Opel buyers will be able to specify a 246 bhp (184 kW / 250 PS) 2.0 litre SIDI turbocharged petrol engine. However, for now at least, that option is being denied to customers in the UK.

Opel Insignia Country Tourer (2014) Rear Side

To ensure its all-terrain abilities live up to the looks, the Country Tourer boasts an all-wheel drive system that’s based around a Haldex clutch and an electronic limited slip differential on the rear axle. Consequently, torque can be switched instantaneously to whichever wheels have the best grip, thereby maintaining traction over rough or slippery surfaces.

The Insignia Country Tourer is due to make its public debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, when final specifications and pricing will be announced.

Related post:
2014 Insignia revealed

Images © General Motors.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

Saab 9-3 Aero Carlsson

Image
Saab has got experience of producing special editions in honour of rally driver Erik Carlsson, having previously named versions of the 900 and 9000 after him during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now it has decided to do it again, this time to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Swedish driver’s first win in Britain’s RAC Rally, which was achieved at the wheel of a Saab 96. Thankfully, the company has resisted the urge to just bung some fancy alloys and a few other extra bits onto something like a mid-range diesel model. Instead, it appears to have resurrected the limited edition Turbo X from a couple of years ago, as the new edition similarly features a turbocharged 2.8 litre petrol V6, Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system and a six-speed automatic gearbox. The result is the 9-3 Aero Carlsson saloon, which turns out to be a very rapid car. With 276 bhp (205 kW / 280 PS) and a healthy 400 Nm of torque, the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) dash takes just 6.9 seconds. But it’s in the mid-range t...
Read more

American spec Fiat 500

Image
Fiat has released the first details and images of the North American specification 500. The tiny city car will be available in Pop, Lounge and Sport trim levels, and is distinguished from the European version by its more aggressive front and rear bumpers, bigger grille and flared sills. Another unique feature is the engine. Fiat has decided to use the 1.4 MultiAir unit currently found in models such as the Fiat Punto Evo and Alfa Romeo MiTo. Perhaps it felt that using the forthcoming two-cylinder TwinAir in the American 500 would have been too much for markets there to take? There’s no word yet on what power output the MultiAir will have, although in its current applications it comes with either 103 bhp (77 kW / 105 PS), 133 bhp (99 kW / 135 PS) or 167 bhp (125 kW / 170 PS). Similarly, prices have yet to be confirmed, but hopefully both details will have been sorted out by the time the order book for the 500 hatch opens later this year. For convertible fans, the 500C is due ...
Read more

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Image
Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
Read more