The new Insignia Grand Sport is all set and ready to keep you warm in these Winter months.

• Sub-zero temperatures across the UK giving drivers early morning headache
• De-icing windscreen and heating car’s interior adding time and inconvenience to commute
• New Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport overcomes winter with premium features including remote control heating and heated windscreen

As the UK remains in the firm grip of winter, with temperatures repeatedly sub-zero for the morning commute, drivers are having to start their days spending time to get their vehicle safe for the journey ahead. Vauxhall believes it has the perfect remedy to this though, with the new Insignia Grand Sport proving to have some of the hottest equipment in its class.

The new Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport helps to banish the cold conditions of winter with several safety and comfort features, to keep not only the driver but also passengers comfortable when it is cold outside.

Bringing premium technology to a mainstream model, the Insignia Grand Sport includes a remote controlled stationary heater – which enables the driver to heat the cabin before even leaving the house – while other features include heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel and a heated windscreen.

Reducing the need to spend time out in the cold scraping ice from view, the windscreen can be easily defrosted at the push of a button by a fine wire heating element. 

The heated windscreen also prevents fogging in humid conditions, further improving visibility and safety. The heating switches off automatically and can be reactivated if necessary by another press of the button.

In addition to the heated windscreen, the new Insignia Grand Sport provides drivers and passengers with several ways to keep warm. 

Drivers can stay snug thanks to the heated steering wheel, while heated seats are available not only for the driver and front passenger, but also for the occupants of the outer rear seats. 

The heating in the front is adjustable and can be controlled through the personalisation menu in the information display, while the 18-way adjustable heated driver’s seat also features massage and ventilation functions.

Thanks to the optional remote controlled stationary heater, the new Insignia warms up the passenger compartment before anyone gets in. The factory-fitted heater can be activated either by remote control timer or automatically thanks to temperature sensors.

“The level of technologies available means that Vauxhall customers can expect a higher level of comfort, even in the colder winter weather,” said Stuart Harris, Vauxhall’s Head of Carline Brand. “The optional heater and heated windscreen help to get drivers on the move quicker, even on frosty mornings.”

The heated seats and steering wheel are also operational when start/stop is running. By switching on the heated rear window, the heated wing mirrors are activated for further improved visibility to the rear.

Ford has already seen pre-orders race towards 1,500 for the All-New Ford Focus RS Performance hatchback.

Ford’s all-new Focus RS has raced up to 1,500 orders from UK buyers without a single test drive being taken. In the month before prices and specifications were announced at September’s Frankfurt Show, 500 Focus RS fans had already paid deposits to secure the first cars.

Since then Ford dealers have logged a stream of 1,000 further prospective buyers keen to be among the first to take delivery from Spring.

Since the wraps first came off the 165mph Focus – the fastest-accelerating model ever to carry the famous RS badge – Ford dealers have been deluged by prospective purchasers keen to be among the first to take delivery.

Though the all-new Focus RS features an extensive list of standard equipment, not least a specially engineered version of Ford’s new 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine delivering a maximum power output of 350PS, there is a comprehensive array of optional extras available.

“These enthusiasts are taking great care in building their optimum specification,” said Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director.

“We expected those first in the queue, many of whom are owners of previous RS models, to be exacting about their requirements, and so it has proved, with many opting for motorsport-style Recaro shell front seats, 19in black forged alloy wheels, luxury pack, electric tilt/side sunroof and Ford SYNC2 navigation and sound system.”

There is a choice of five different colour finishes, including Metallic and Mica options.

The all-new Focus RS, which has a recommended on the road price of £28,940, is a technological powerhouse featuring Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive with Dynamic Torque Vectoring and Launch Control technology which delivers 0-62mph acceleration in just 4.7sec.

While the new all-aluminium 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine shares its fundamental structure with the four-cylinder engine in the all-new Ford Mustang, it has been upgraded for the Focus RS to deliver 10 per cent more power. The engine features a new low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger with larger compressor, enhanced air intake design, and a large-bore high performance exhaust system.

Standard equipment includes 19in multispoke alloy wheels, 350mm ventilated front disc brakes, RS performance rear spoiler, twin high-performance exhaust, Bi-Xenon headlamps, Recaro front seats, dual-zone electronic temperature control, heated windscreen and washer jets and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm system.