Vauxhall Announces pricing for the new Insignia GSi Super saloon, faster than the outgoing VXR.

• Performance variant Insignia available from £33,375 on-the-road
• Flagship model is the fastest Vauxhall to take on Nürburgring circuit 

Following its world premiere at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, Vauxhall has announced the prices for the all-new Insignia GSi, the performance variant of Vauxhall’s flagship model. 

Available in both Grand Sport and Sports Tourer body styles, and powered by either a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol or 2.0-litre BiTurbo diesel engine, the Insignia GSi will be available from £33,375 on-the-road. 

Arriving in Vauxhall showrooms in March, the GSi was developed at the Nürburgring in Germany, and is the fastest Vauxhall to have taken to the iconic track. At 160kg lighter than its predecessor – the Insignia VXR – the GSi features all-wheel drive with torque vectoring, mechatronic FlexRide chassis, Brembo four-cylinder brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres on 20-inch rims. 

Buyers can choose from either the 2.0-litre 260PS/400Nm petrol engine, or the 2.0-litre 210PS BiTurbo diesel engine. Both units are paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox with shift-paddles on the steering wheel, providing an active and responsive driving experience. In Grand Sport body style the Insignia GSi achieves 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 155mph. 

The Grand Sport variant, with either engine option, is available from £33,375 on-the-road, with CO2 emissions of 197g/km (petrol) or 192g/km (diesel). Drivers looking for additional space can select the Sports Tourer body style, available from £34,875 on-the-road with either engine [CO2: 199g/km, petrol and 192g/km, diesel]. 

Exterior design features include chrome air intakes, front and rear GSi bumpers, side sills and a large GSi rear spoiler (Grand Sport only), as well as incorporating Vauxhall’s innovative IntelliLux LED matrix headlamps. On the inside, the GSi features full-leather front sports seats, aluminium pedals, eight-inch colour information display with navigation, plus a Bose sound system and head-up display. 

Four driving modes are available through the GSi’s FlexRide system, allowing damping, steering, gear change-up points and the car’s stability and traction systems to be configured according to a driver’s preference, while 400Nm of torque (260PS petrol engine) – delivered through Michelin Sport Pilot 4 tyres – gives exceptional levels of grip and prevents understeer. 

Vauxhall launches a new top of the rnage trim level to the Grandland X - The Ultimate !

• New top-of-the-range Ultimate trim level for Grandland X
• Highly specified with leading-edge technology as standard
• New 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel (177PS) engine debuts
• Available to order now, priced from £33,995 on-the-road

Following the successful launch of the all-new Grandland X SUV at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, Vauxhall has introduced a new top-of-the-range variant to the line-up. The new Ultimate trim level, which is also available on the popular Mokka X and Crossland X models, has a high level of equipment as standard and debuts the new 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel (177PS) engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Grandland X already offers a selection of ultra-modern assistance and comfort features regardless of trim. OnStar, Dual Zone Climate Control, Lane Departure Warning and Rear Parking Sensors are just some highlights available across the range.

Sitting on 19-inch BiColour alloys, the new Ultimate Grandland X adds to this impressive list of features with kit including Automatic Cruise Control and a Denon premium sound system. Also standard are black roof and door mirrors, alloy sports pedals, heated steering wheel, heated rear outer seats, 360-degree Panoramic Camera and Premium LED Adaptive Forward Lighting Pack with projector headlights. Few SUVs in this class are as well-equipped.

New 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel (177PS) Engine

The Grandland X Ultimate also introduces Vauxhall’s new top-of-the-range 2.0-litre diesel engine, allied with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The new diesel engine is refined and powerful, delivering 177PS at 3,750rpm and 400Nm of torque at 2,000rpm to give effortless acceleration. This helps it achieve 0-60mph in 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 133mph.

With performance comes also economy, the Grandland X 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel (177PS) Blue Injection engine offers official CO2 emissions of 128g/km and 57.6mpg combined.

A rarity in this class, the Grandland X Ultimate also sees the range debut of an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Similar to that seen in Vauxhall’s flagship Insignia range, it has been engineered with a smooth linear shift pattern.

Available to order now, the new Grandland X Ultimate is priced from £33,995 on-the-road.

The All-New Insignia Sport Tourer from Vauxhall, an ENORMOUS step forward for tech, quality and kit.

MARKET & MODEL

• Up to 200kg lighter than the outgoing version
• 1,665 litre boot – over 135 litres more space than predecessor
• Length of the boot has grown by 1997mm to 2005mm

DESIGN

• Dynamic large looks, inspired by 2013’s Monza Concept
• Bold, agile, and fun approach to both design and handling
• Updated interior enhances driver experience and brings added comfort to occupants

DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS & INTELLILUX

• High level of safety equipment with Lane Keep Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking
• Next-gen IntelliLux LED Matrix lighting delivers optimal performance without dazzling
• 32 LED lenses enhance long-range visibility with spotlight and curve illumination

CONNECTIVITY

• New OnStar services facilitate hotel bookings and parking
• IntelliLink infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration
• Bose sound system offers top quality audio for greater listening pleasure

COMFORT AND PACKAGING

• More space than before, with option of flexible 40:20:40 layout
• Ergonomically-designed, heated seats for front and outer rear passengers
• Raft of features to keep occupants comfortable at all times

POWERTRAINS

• Engines from 110PS to 260PS; including all-new 1.5-litre Turbo petrol
• New intelligent all-wheel drive with improved FlexRide
• State-of-the-art torque vectoring for power on the road in any condition

MARKET & MODEL

• Up to 200kg lighter than the outgoing version
• 1,665 litre boot – over 135 litres more space than predecessor
• Length of the boot has grown by 1997mm to 2005mm

Vauxhall’s all new Insignia Sports Tourer is on sale now priced from £18,685 on-the-road. It is based on a completely new vehicle architecture, and its revised proportions result in more luggage capacity that has increased to 1,665 litres, 135 litres, more than the outgoing model. The length of the boot has grown by 97mm to 2005mm versus the previous model and 40/20/40 foldable seats are standard across the range, making it even more practical. For those pulling a caravan or a trailer, towing capacity for the Sports Tourer is up to 2200kg.

The Insignia Sports Tourer is up to 200kg lighter than its predecessor, thanks to use of lightweight materials and more efficient packaging. This weight loss allows for high-tech features such as the ultra-modern all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring and the new eight-speed automatic transmission to exploit their strengths to the full.

There is a raft of top technologies that make driving the Insignia Sports Tourer safer, more relaxing and more comfortable than before. Next generation IntelliLux LED matrix lighting, Lane Keep Assist, Head-up Display and unique AGR-certified premium seats, front- and rear- seat heating and a heated windscreen are just some examples.

Outstanding infotainment and connectivity are also on board thanks to the latest generation IntelliLink systems and Vauxhall OnStar, which with the launch of the Insignia Sports Tourer, will offer even more functionality for customers. The new Insignia is also the first Vauxhall with an active aluminium bonnet, improving pedestrian protection considerably.

“Vauxhall’s best-ever product portfolio is further enhanced with the launch of the new Insignia Sports Tourer,” said Rory Harvey, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. ““It has all of the elegance of its Insignia Grand Sport sibling but with even more practicality, including a boot that is more spacious than its predecessor’s.”

DESIGN

• Dynamic large looks, inspired by 2013’s Monza Concept
• Bold, agile, and fun approach to both design and handling
• Updated interior enhances driver experience and brings added comfort to occupants

Although the exterior dimensions have grown slightly to 4,986 millimetres, the Insignia Sports Tourer looks even more athletic and agile than its predecessor. The prominent front grille and Monza Concept-inspired headlights all add to this perception. The model’s stance is also emphasised by the extended wheelbase, now 2,829 millimetres, and a front overhang that has been reduced by 30 millimetres. The silver roof rails make it look lower, and emphasise the high-quality design.

The shape looks lighter than before too, with the second-generation model defined by clear lines. The slim, slightly protruding LED rear lights in double-wing design help the rear end of the Insignia Sports Tourer make a strong impression.

Monza Concept-inspired design by Brit Mark Adams

The Monza Concept was the inspiration behind the interior and much of the exterior design. Although the exterior dimensions have grown slightly, the new Insignia looks much more athletic and agile. A prominent front grille and Monza Concept-inspired headlights add to the dynamism in the Sports Tourer’s design.

On the outside, the slim, slightly protruding LED rear lights in double-wing design help the rear end of the new Insignia make a strong impression in either body style. Despite a largely unchanged length compared to its predecessor, the new generation Sports Tourer has managed to shed around 60kg of weight from its body-in-white alone. In total, the new car weighs up to 200kg less than the outgoing model. Its roof is 29mm lower and its track has increased by 11mm.

The grille sits lower than on the previous model and further emphasises the car’s solid stance. What its British Designer Mark Adams calls a “sweepspear” feature starts in the front door and gives the impression that the new Insignia is always ready to pounce, another nod to the athletic lightness of the Monza Concept.

Down both sides, the window graphics have an upper chrome strip, rather than a full-chrome treatment, and the roofline graphically pulls the car down and emphasises its stretched appearance. The “blade” light catcher in the lower doors pulls attention rearwards, while clear and simple lines at the rear, combined with the double-wing LED signature, also give the car a wider appearance. The newly-designed, high-mounted LED brake light has been integrated into the roofline and helps to give the rear end of the Insignia a high-quality look that is often limited to premium brands.

“In its proportions as well as in each detail, we wanted the new Insignia to deliver an upscale quality feel,” said Mark Adams, Vauxhall/Opel Vice President Design Europe. “Its design combines flowing lines and subtle surfaces with crisp, precise lines to exaggerate its dramatic proportions: it looks longer, lower and wider than it actually is, and it definitely looks upscale. Every design feature conveys technical know-how and the utmost precision. The new Insignia is an excellent value proposition with the aura of a car from the premium, upper class.”

Luxurious Interior

The attention to detail is also apparent inside the new Insignia Sports Tourer. Clean lines, tactile surfaces and first-class craftsmanship provide a feeling of elegance and lightness to all occupants.

The driver sits 3cm lower in the car, closer to the centre of gravity, and benefits from instruments and controls that fall easily in hand, including a central infotainment screen, which is angled towards the driver.

The frameless touchscreen of the IntelliLink infotainment system is easier and more intuitive to use than before. The instrument panel features subtly sculptured surfaces, and a wide horizontal layout.

Many functions are controlled via the touchscreen to simplify the interface, while all functions have been grouped into three distinct sections to allow quick and intuitive operations: the upper ones for the major functions of the infotainment system, the central ones for climate and heating controls, and the lower ones for driver assistant controls.

DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS & INTELLILUX

• High level of safety equipment with Lane Keep Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking
• Next-gen IntelliLux LED Matrix lighting delivers optimal performance without dazzling
• 32 LED lenses enhance long-range visibility with spotlight and curve illumination

The new Insignia Sports Tourer introduces a more refined and sophisticated IntelliLux LED headlight system featuring new functions that further improve night-time visibility.

Having developed its award-winning matrix lighting technology in recent years, Vauxhall has introduced a 32-light system within the Insignia’s ultra-slim headlamps. The increased number of LED segments in the headlamps results in smoother transitions between lighting patterns to suit every driving condition. Automatically and constantly adapting the range and distribution of light from the headlamps, the new system delivers a brighter light in a precise manner, at all times managing to avoid dazzling other road users.

New functions, including curve and spotlight illumination, improve long-range visibility when driving at night. When taking a curve with the full beam engaged, the light intensity automatically rises based on the steering angle to increase the illumination and help the driver to see the road situation ahead. Each headlight also features a high-beam spotlight for additional illumination up to 400m ahead, further improving the Insignia’s long-range visibility.

First shown on the Vauxhall Monza concept in 2013, demonstrating the company’s vision of how its cars would look in the future, Vauxhall introduced its IntelliLux LED matrix headlights in the award-winning Astra. Initially featuring a 16-light system, Vauxhall has been able to develop the technology significantly with the second generation, incorporating twice as many LED segments while maintaining an ultra-slim appearance.

Driver assistance technologies

In addition to the latest generation of IntelliLux lighting, the new Insignia has a number of driver assistance systems and technologies. No other car in the segment offers such a wide range of intelligent technologies when compared with Vauxhall’s flagship model.

The additional driver assistance systems include the latest Head-up-Display technology. The system projects information on speed, traffic signs, set speed of speed limiter or navigation direction onto the windscreen and into the driver’s direct line of sight, helping you keep your eyes on the road.

The new Insignia is also equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control(ACC), which measures the distance to the vehicle in front and adapts the speed accordingly. ACC will also initiate automatic emergency braking if the distance decreases suddenly. Additionally, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning (LDW) provides gentle steering wheel movements (and LDW alerts if necessary) to help drivers avoid accidents due to unintentionally drifting out of their lane.

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert system uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to detect objects coming from up to 20m at 90 degrees from the left or right side behind the vehicle, making reversing out of driveways or parking spaces safer and easier. Forward Collision Alert assists drivers in avoiding or mitigating the impact of front-end collisions with situation-dependent emergency braking settings. If the Insignia nears the vehicle ahead too quickly, the system warns the driver with a loud audible alarm, a visual warning in the instrument cluster and an LED projection on the windscreen.

Parking is easier too thanks to Advanced Park Assist. Ultrasound sensors on the Insignia’s front and rear bumpers identify suitable parking spaces and detect possible obstacles. When the parking spot is calculated, the system automatically parks the vehicle without the driver needing to touch the wheel, only requiring the driver control the pedals and gears.

CONNECTIVITY

• New OnStar services facilitate hotel bookings and parking
• IntelliLink infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration
• Bose sound system offers top quality audio for greater listening pleasure

Thanks to the latest Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink systems, the Insignia Sports Tourer offers outstanding connectivity at an affordable price. While your smartphone is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle’s infotainment system, it can also be charged wirelessly thanks to the latest inductive charging technology.

The ground-breaking connectivity and service assistant, Vauxhall OnStar, is also on board, offering services ranging from automatic crash response to stolen vehicle assistance. A new concierge service is launched with the all-new Insignia, enabling its occupants to ask OnStar advisors to select a hotel and proceed to room reservation. Furthermore, up to seven devices can be connected to the Wi-Fi Hotspot available with OnStar.

Vauxhall OnStar with powerful mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot and comprehensive services

Occupants of the new Vauxhall Insignia with OnStar will always be fully connected thanks to the powerful 4G/LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot to which they can connect all their mobile devices. In addition, they have access to convenient services such as vehicle diagnostics and destination download.

Vauxhall has extended the OnStar service by offering two features that make their debut in the new Insignia. The first new addition is OnStar’s Personal Assistant service, where subscribers can contact OnStar to ask the advisor for hotel recommendations, and subsequently book suitable accommodation via booking.com.

Supplementing the Personal Assistant service, OnStar will offer a second new feature to reduce the stress often associated with the search for a suitable parking space. OnStar users can contact an advisor for directions to the most suitable car park and have the exact location sent directly to the car’s navigation system.

Phone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Making connectivity easier than ever, your smartphone is integrated seamlessly thanks to the second generation of Vauxhall’s flagship R 4.0 IntelliLink and Navi 900 IntelliLink infotainment systems compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,

When it is safe to do so, Apple users are able to make calls, start navigation directions to a destination with Apple Maps, send and receive messages, and listen to music via Spotify, all either through the integrated touchscreen or Siri. Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem. Vauxhall OnStar also allows up to seven smartphones to be connected to the car’s powerful 4G/LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot.

The R 4.0 IntelliLink system comes with an intuitive seven-inch colour touchscreen, whereas the Navi 900 IntelliLink system, with integrated navigation, comes with an eight-inch colour touchscreen.

Built-in Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming is available across the range in the new Insignia. DAB+, enabling better radio selection and reception, is also available as an option. In addition, Navi 900 IntelliLink not only offers an integrated navigation solution, but also a high level of personalisation – the home screen and its ‘apps’ can be tailored according to customer preferences.

Bose sound system for better in car audio

Insignia owners can increase their in-car listening experience further by choosing the optional Bose sound system. Vauxhall engineers have worked closely with Bose to ensure that the system delivers top quality sound throughout the new Insignia.

To achieve the impressive sound, the system has eight high-quality speakers, which are all connected to the digital amplifier with Bose Digital Signal Processing, delivering seven channels of customised equalisation and Active Sound Management.

COMFORT AND PACKAGING

• More space than before, with option of flexible 40:20:40 layout
• Ergonomically-designed, heated seats for front and outer rear passengers
• Raft of features to keep occupants comfortable at all times

The next generation Insignia Sports Tourer is more practical than before; the overhang between bumper and boot has been reduced, thanks to the neatly designed rear end, making loading easier. Thanks to the increased width between the wheel arches it is now easier to pack bulky items. The luggage capacity has increased further too, reaching 1,665 litres when the rear seats are folded down – 135 litres more than the outgoing model.

To make loading as easy as possible, the tailgate can be opened with a kick gesture, without the need to touch the car. In combination with Keyless Entry, a simple small kicking motion under the rear bumper is enough to open or close the tailgate. To further increase loading space, the new Insignia Sports Tourer comes with optional 40/20/40 foldable rear seats, enabling more flexible luggage space configurations. The rear seats can be folded down simply at the push of a button, conveniently located in the luggage compartment.

Vauxhall is still one of few manufacturers to offer seats certified by “Aktion Gesunder Rücken”

(Campaign for Healthy Backs). These premium ergonomic seats offer a unique combination of side bolster settings, massage, memory and ventilation functions.

Keeping the cold at bay

The new Insignia helps to banish cold conditions, all too familiar for drivers in the UK, with several safety and comfort features to keep the driver and passengers comfortable when it is cold outside.

The windscreen can be easily defrosted at the push of a button by a fine wire heating element, and also prevents fogging in humid conditions to further improve visibility and safety. The heating switches turn off automatically and can be reactivated if necessary by another press of the button.

In addition to the heated windscreen, the new model 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.

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 improved visibility to the rear.

Spacious interior thanks to new layout

The new Insignia cabin has clean, crisp surfaces that give a premium feel while boasting a spacious layout. Rear occupants greatly benefit from the new design and the reworked proportions, which were achievable thanks to the extended wheelbase and a completely new layout. As a result, rear passengers have 32mm more room at hip height, 25 mm more shoulder and knee room and 8mm more headroom. This makes the Insignia more comfortable for occupants especially on long journeys.

Storage in the new Insignia extends beyond the versatile luggage capacity, with the new model featuring an array of practical storage spaces and compartments for everyday items. Side pockets in each door, the illuminated glove compartment and the centre console provide multiple stowage opportunities, while four cup holders – in the front and rear – keep drinks safe and secure. The FlexOrganizer Pack with side rails, dividing nets and various fastening solutions is available as an option so that all loaded materials can be stored safely and tidily.

Cap-less fuel filler

The new cap-less fuel filler features an internal mechanism that, when the fuel nozzle is inserted into the filler opening, pushes aside two opening covers in the filler neck. The system also has an integrated misfuel detector which ensures that the internal cover of the fuel filler neck can only be opened by using the correct fuel nozzle. When the nozzle is removed, the covers automatically close.

Vauxhall to offer £1000 contribution on insurance for younger drivers for the Corsa L.E.

• Young drivers (18-24) can get a £1,000 insurance contribution when they buy a Corsa
• Deal can be combined Vauxhall’s great finance offers for even greater affordability

Vauxhall is helping young drivers (aged 18-24) cover the initial cost of getting on the road, with a £1,000 (including VAT) insurance contribution when they buy a Corsa Limited Edition.

Young drivers can combine the insurance contribution with one of Vauxhall’s great finance offers, helping to make the cost of motoring more affordable. 

With a variety of competitive offers to choose from, including Personal Contract Payment plans, the Corsa is a fantastic option to get young drivers on the road.

The Corsa Limited Edition is ideally suited as a first car, with a host of features that make the model stand out from the crowd. 

On the outside, 17-inch black alloy wheels, front lower spoiler, side sills, VXR-style roof spoiler and a chrome-effect exhaust give the model an imposing road presence, while sports suspension and LED daytime running lights enhance performance and driver visibility.

Inside, the Corsa Limited Edition offers exceptional comfort and connectivity. Sports-style front seats, VX-Line interior pack (VX-Line leather covered flat-bottom steering wheel, VX-Line leather covered gear knob and handbrake lever), air conditioning and tinted rear windows give all occupants extra comfort. Vauxhall’s latest generation IntelliLink system with smartphone integration and audio streaming keeps the driver connected and able to change the journey playlist to suit, when it’s safe to do so.

“We are all aware of the high insurance premiums faced by young drivers, so to help young drivers get on the road Vauxhall has introduced a £1,000 insurance contribution programme,” said Leon Caruso, Vauxhall’s Retail Sales Director. “The Corsa Limited Edition is a great choice as a first or second car, with dynamic design features and superb connectivity, all backed up by excellent safety equipment.” 

The insurance contribution programme is available now for a limited time while stocks last, and is eligible on new Corsa Limited Edition models ordered and registered before 30th June 2017. Customers must be aged 18-24 and hold a full driving licence.

Tracker announces that the bulk of it's recovered cars are less than £20,000

• 32% of stolen vehicles recovered, valued at under £5,000 reveals TRACKER
• www.tracker.co.uk

A whopping 32% of all stolen vehicles recovered by TRACKER in 2016 were valued at less than £5,000. The age, mileage and even brand of a vehicle doesn’t appear to matter to vehicle thieves as much as motorists may think, which should serve as a stark warning to the average car owner, advises stolen vehicle recovery expert, TRACKER. 

Interestingly, confirming the demise of the prestige car as the thieves’ number one target, the average value of cars stolen and recovered by TRACKER in 2016 was just over £16,000, down from over £19,000 in 2015 – a 13% drop in value. Over £11.5 million worth of stolen vehicles were returned by TRACKER to their rightful owners last year, a notable 10% year-on-year increase for TRACKER.

Whilst the most expensive car recovered by TRACKER in 2016 was a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG worth £120,000, the reality is that less than 1% of stolen vehicles TRACKER recovers are worth between £75,000-£120,000. 

Andy Barrs, Head of Police Liaison at TRACKER and a former Chief Superintendent for South Yorkshire Police, comments, “Understandably, many vehicle owners think that organised car thieves typically target high end prestige cars. Yet our data tells us that criminals continue to target more affordable, popular brands, such as Ford, Vauxhall, and VW models. Indeed, these were stolen in record numbers last year, with the lowest value car stolen and recovered being a VW Golf worth £400. 

“If people think their car isn’t worth enough for thieves to steal it, think again. 3 out of 4 stolen cars we recovered were worth less than £20,000. The message for all motorists is to protect their car from thieves or as we say at TRACKER – if you love it, track it!” 

Unlike other devices, TRACKER’s unique technology can locate stolen vehicles anywhere, even when they are hidden in a garage or shipping container. TRACKER has been reuniting car lovers with their vehicles for over 20 years, and it’s this expertise which makes TRACKER the leader in stolen vehicle recovery. TRACKER stolen vehicle recovery systems work like an electronic homing device. A covert transmitter is hidden in one of several dozen places around the vehicle. There is no visible aerial, so the thief won’t even know it’s there.

Percentage of vehicles stolen and recovered by TRACKER, by value
£1000 or less 3%
£1001-£5000 29%
£5001-£10,000 17%
£10,001-£15,000 11%
£15,001-£20,000 11%
£75,000-£120,000 0.8%
£10,000 or less 49%
£20,000 or less 72%
£20,001-£74,999 28%

After having his yellow car vandalised, Vauxhall has named the colour yellow after him "Maddox Yellow"

• Vauxhall Motors is intending to rename the shade of yellow Corsa ‘Maddox Yellow’ and joins 100 strong car convoy 

Vauxhall Motors is intending to re-name the shade of its yellow Corsas to ‘Maddox Yellow’ in a show of support for Peter Maddox, the 84-year-old pensioner who had his yellow Vauxhall Corsa vandalised earlier this year. 

The incident happened after he was blamed for ruining the view of the picturesque village of Bibury by parking the car outside his Cotswold cottage. 

Peter and his yellow Corsa hit the headlines earlier this year and he has gone on to win the heart of the nation. 

In his support, a convoy of 100 yellow cars from across the country will join forces in a show of solidarity to Peter and drive through Bibury on Saturday 1^st April, for the UK’s biggest ever, ‘Bright Yellow Car Convoy’. Vauxhall Motors will attend the event with ‘Maddox Yellow’ Corsas, as Bibury gets ready to turn yellow. 

The event, organised by members of the public on Facebook, will support Peter Maddox’s chosen charity, The Butterfly Garden - an educational, therapeutic and recreational scheme, based initially on gardening, for people of all ages dealing with a range of disabilities. 

Peter’s local Vauxhall dealership, The Baylis Group, helped Peter get back on the road right away by replacing his vandalised Corsa with a new 3-door, 1.4 Corsa. However, the colour was changed to ‘Satin Steel’, a grey tone to fit-in with his surroundings. In addition, Vauxhall Motors has given him a service package which will ensure the vehicle stays in ‘mint’ condition.

Denis Chick, Director of Communications at Vauxhall Motors comments: “When we heard Peter’s story we were inspired at the way it captured the heart of the public. We wanted to show our support for Peter, which is why we are intending to rename our yellow shade to ‘Maddox Yellow’. We will also be in the car convoy to show our support. It is for a great cause and no doubt a fun day for lovers of all yellow cars, including Vauxhalls.” 

Peter also commented, saying: “I was upset when I found that my Vauxhall Corsa car had been vandalised just because of the colour. I am touched by the support I have received since. It’s great to see both Vauxhall Motors and the public supporting me and The Butterfly Garden, a charity close to my heart.” 

Vauxhall Motors originally announced the, ‘Corsa Camo-net’, a new accessory when the story first hit the headlines in 2015. The accessory was to be designed specifically for use around National Trust premises and ‘chocolate box’ villages. Quick and easy to operate, the net folded up easily into a back-pack or the boot of a vehicle, so ideal for use in the countryside by ramblers and tourists alike.

Frankfurt to host the debut of the All-New Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer model.

• Sporty top-of-the-range Insignia with rugged looks and premium qualities
• All-wheel drive with torque vectoring and more ground clearance

The latest addition to the all-new Insignia range, Vauxhall’s all-wheel drive Insignia Country Tourer will debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show (September 14^th to 24^th).

The Country Tourer is more spacious and considerably lighter than its predecessor, thanks to an all-new architecture, and comes with a wide range of innovative technologies. With all-round black protective cladding and silver front and rear skid plates, the newcomer has a tough and rugged off-road appearance. 

Powertrain and Chassis

The New Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer comes with a broad powertrain portfolio, including a brand new top-of-the-range diesel engine. In addition, the newcomer will also be available with the new eight-speed automatic transmission and ground-breaking all-wheel drive technology. 

Additional ground clearance of 20mm, plus the innovative all-wheel drive with torque vectoring and new five-link rear suspension cater for those who want to leave the city and explore the countryside. Instead of a traditional rear differential, the Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer boasts two electrically controlled multi-plate clutches that enable a more individual and precise transmission of power to each wheel. 

To stabilise the vehicle and counteract understeer on tight corners taken at higher speeds, the system can send more torque to the outside rear wheel without further driver intervention. 

The improved FlexRide chassis provides the basis for changing road conditions and driving behaviour. It adapts the dampers, steering, throttle response and shift points (on automatic models) independently or based on the ‘Standard’, ‘Sport’ or ‘Tour’ modes, which can be selected by the driver. 

The new central ‘Drive Mode Control’ software is the heart and soul of the adaptive chassis, and continuously analyses the information provided by the sensors and settings, recognising the individual driving style. 

“The Country Tourer takes the Insignia story a step further. With its all-wheel-drive capability, raised ground clearance and rugged appearance, it adds another important dimension to the New Insignia range,” said Rory Harvey, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. 

Design

From the very start of the development process, the designers – led by Brit Mark Adams – and team of engineers worked on a third distinct Insignia variant, meaning the Country Tourer perfectly complements the Grand Sport and Sports Tourer models. 

The prominent landscape grille and slim headlamps give the new Insignia Country Tourer a wide horizontal impression, while the skid plate helps to give the car a solid stance. 

Moulded black protective cladding in the lower fascia, wheel arches and along the lower body side emphasise the rugged appearance. The adventurous design cues continue at the rear too, with the silver-coloured skid plate and dual exhaust bezels reinforcing the lower, wider impression. 

“We wanted our new Insignia Country Tourer to be robust in every respect, while simultaneously displaying the typical elegant Vauxhall philosophy of sculptural artistry and technical precision,” said Mark Adams, Vice President Design. “It has the presence of a true flagship, combining a sophisticated athletic shape enhanced by rugged off road detailing.” 

The new Insignia Country Tourer, is above all, extremely practical. To make loading as easy as possible, the tailgate can be opened without touching the car. 

In combination with Keyless Open & Start, a simple kicking motion under the rear bumper is enough to open the tailgate (a vehicle silhouette projected onto the ground shows the correct area), with another kicking motion required to close it. 

To increase loading space to 1,665 litres, 135 litres more than the outgoing version, the new Insignia Country Tourer comes with optional 40/20/40 foldable rear seats, enabling even more flexible loading space configurations. The standard roof railing not only emphasises the adventurous look, but allows the Insignia Country Tourer to carry roof loads of up to 100kg. 

The wheelbase has been increased by 92mm, enabling a more spacious cabin. The new Insignia Country Tourer comes with AGR-certified premium ergonomic front seats and the heated outer rear seats, heated windscreen and the heated steering wheel like its Grand Sport and Sports Tourer siblings. 

Connectivity

As with its Grand Sport and Sports Tourer siblings, the Insignia Country Tourer comes with numerous technologies and assistance systems that enable a new level of safety and comfort. One of the highlights is the second generation of Vauxhall’s innovative and award-winning adaptive IntelliLux LED matrix light. 

The Vauxhall LED^® matrix light now has 16 LED segments integrated into each of the very slim headlamps, and comes with an innovative active curve lighting function and dedicated LED spotlight with a range of up to 400 metres. Further additions include the head up display, adaptive cruise control (ACC) with automatic emergency braking, Lane Keep Assist with automated steering correction and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The latest Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink systems ensure outstanding entertainment and connectivity, while smartphones can be charged wirelessly and seamlessly integrated with the infotainment system. 

The ground-breaking personal connectivity and service assistant, Vauxhall OnStar, is also on board and offers an extensive service portfolio ranging from automatic crash response to stolen vehicle assistance. 

Two updates to the OnStar portfolio are the booking service, and parking search, both of which can request OnStar advisors to book hotel rooms and/or search for suitable carparks.