Change of form factor: Opel Insignia in the new generation will be a crossover
The current second-generation Insignia is the only Ji-Em-era model in Opel's lineup that is subject to a number of trade restrictions (for example, it cannot be sold lately). The third generation based on the Stellantis platform is expected in 2024, this time in SUV format and mainly with an electric propulsion system.
The Insignia succeeded the medium-sized Vectra popular in Europe in 2008 and was highly successful in its first generation, with over 130,000 units sold in Europe in 2009, 2010 and 2010. Then, under the onslaught of crossovers, non-premium D-class cars began to lose customers, in 2020 the demand for Insignia fell to 20,000 units, by the end of 2021 others are unlikely to be sold.
The second generation Insignia, based on the E2XX Ji-Em platform, entered the market in 2017 as a liftback, wagon and cross wagon. In 2020, the model underwent a planned redesign, and the cross-station wagon disappeared from the lineup due to low demand. In China, the Insignia has a sedan clone called the Buick Regal and in the future will have its own history that has nothing to do with Opel.
Opel Insignia retires after facelift in 2020
Opel, we recall, is now part of Stellantis, whose management will not reduce the line of subsidiaries for the time being. In 2019, Western media reported that the “second” Insignia would definitely have an heir, but then no one knew which one. The other day, the British magazine Auto Express, citing its own source, said that the new Insignia will be made in the format of a mid-size crossover and no other options are expected.
Opel Insignia Sports Tourer after restyling in 2020.
It remains to be seen if the “third” Insignia will get three rows of seats to become a full-fledged family SUV like the Kia Sorento – British colleagues suggest that this could be a lifestyle in the spirit of the Citroen C5 X and the Chinese Ford. Evos, that is, the profile will be a coupe, and there are only five seats in the cabin. Against this version is the fact that by 2025 the Manta-e coupe-shaped electric crossover will appear in the Opel model line, so it is more logical to expect a family car format from the new Insignia, standing a notch above the Grandland.
Opel Insignia after restyling in 2020.
In terms of platform, Auto Express says the Insignia will receive the eVMP modular cart announced by Groupe PSA in the summer of 2020, ahead of the Stellantis infusion. This platform is designed for compact and mid-sized models with a plug-in hybrid or all-electric powertrain. The electric version of the platform includes one or two electric motors (one for each axle), a battery with a capacity of 60 to 100 kWh and a power reserve on a single charge from 400 to 650 km according to the WLTP cycle. The new petrol engines for the plug-in hybrid versions are being developed in cooperation with the Belgian company Punch Powertrain.
The Opel Insignia Country Tourer station wagon has already been discontinued.
Last summer, Stellantis announced its ambitious plans for electric mobility: then it became known that in 2028 Opel will completely switch to electric vehicles, that is, hybrid versions of the new Insignia will not live long on the market. These plans do not include the eVMP platform, but the average STLA “trolleybus” is announced, which no longer means hybrids, but only “electric trains“. Perhaps STLA Medium is a variant or further development of the eVMP platform.
it's too early to talk about the prospects for the appearance of an electric Opel recently: everything will depend on the GR management of Stellantis and its readiness to fit into the “Recently Development Concept for the Production and Use of Electric Vehicles”. Federation recently for the period up to 2030 “approved in August 2021 by the government”.