Opel Insignia Officially Revealed!

[Toto]

Originally Posted by Uzzy

Did this replace something in Opel's lineup, or was it a new segment for them? The VUE replaced something and came in heavier (but safer) very differently styled, but with a much better interior.

Opel had the Frontera (1991-2003), a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo. That's it.

[351E]

Originally Posted by Uzzy

They already have. The VUE was the first, now this. The next Astra is getting a lot of Saturn input. Things are looking good as far as I'm concerned.

The small crossover is mostly an American segment, though. So in that case, it's more like Opel receiving an American-themed car. My point is, if stuff that's genuinely Euro (like Astra) becomes too Saturnized, it'll hurt Opel's prospects. For now, Euros value different things in small cars. That's why Ford has a great but pricey Focus hatch in Europe and a cheap, cost-conscious coupe/sedan in the US.

I thought, because GM has many other brands that are American-themed (Chev, Pontiac, Buick) that Saturn would simply import authentic Opels ... cars not designed for the mainstream American taste. Ie, the VW buyer. That sets Saturn apart. In contrast, stuff like the Insignia has Saturn overlapping Chevy and Buick to a much greater extent ... in which case, Saturn is irrelevant.

[Uzzy]

Originally Posted by Toto

Opel had the Frontera (1991-2003), a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo. That's it.

Hardly comparable. But I see what you mean.

[Uzzy]

Originally Posted by 351E

The small crossover is mostly an American segment, though. So in that case, it's more like Opel receiving an American-themed car. My point is, if stuff that's genuinely Euro (like Astra) becomes too Saturnized, it'll hurt Opel's prospects. For now, Euros value different things in small cars. That's why Ford has a great but pricey Focus hatch in Europe and a cheap, cost-conscious coupe/sedan in the US.

I thought, because GM has many other brands that are American-themed (Chev, Pontiac, Buick) that Saturn would simply import authentic Opels ... cars not designed for the mainstream American taste. Ie, the VW buyer. That sets Saturn apart. In contrast, stuff like the Insignia has Saturn overlapping Chevy and Buick to a much greater extent ... in which case, Saturn is irrelevant.

It's not as if Saturn forced the Antara down Opel's throat. GM/Opel obviously wants to try this segment in Europe and I'm sure it's not the only one. Opel does not sell the Outlook, do they? Saturn does not sell the Corsa or Zafira (although, I think they should). The lines are not identical, but the cars they share should be as identical as possible. I do agree that Saturn is the weakest link at GM and if anybody should get cut, it's Saturn. I think their best bet for survival is to become a green brand as others have said. Expand the Green Lines (and actually make it so that people that want them can get them ) And sell a few quirky small European cars (Corsa, Astra, Zafira).

[cbennie2]

Originally Posted by corvettekidc6

wow, we actually gave the germans a car, cant ya tell that this is the new malibu?

We already gave the German's an American car....the Saturn Sky....I mean Opel GT

[Andonis]

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-new...s-ar55902.html

[tgagneguam]

The exterior seems quite fine.

Something about the interior seems... awkward, particularly around the central portion of the dash. Nonetheless, GM's interiors of late seem light-years ahead of their predecessors... and they have moved right near the head of their respective classes, in my opinion.

Overall, I think this would make for a perfect, improved second generation Aura here in the US.

[EldoFan]

Originally Posted by vetmst

OMG if that is the next interior of the Aura the game is OVA. Camry, Accord, Altima go back to the drawing board.

Calm down there.........it's barely even up to Sonata standards.....

[PA Dweller]

Originally Posted by djo165

Let's hope so, but past performance would suggest otherwise. Lot's of GM cars in Europe get things we don't get here.

Yes I truly hope that the next generation Aura gets all the powertrains and options the Opel Insignia will get. Otherwise it will just be a Malibu rebadge.

[DuraMax Hammer]

If anything, I see more Malibu then Camry in the car. If this can be brought over to this side of the pond as the Aura, I really think that would be great. Keep the interior the same, and like was said before, make Saturn something really different compared to Chevy. Let it have a little more Euro styling, but like most everything that is seen over there and then come over to the U.S., it will most likely change. GM won't want to take too big of a chance.

[Uzzy]

Originally Posted by DuraMax Hammer

Let it have a little more Euro styling, but like most everything that is seen over there and then come over to the U.S., it will most likely change. GM won't want to take too big of a chance.

The Astra didn't really change at all. There was not as many options, but they only planned on bringing 40,000 over here.

[PA Dweller]

Originally Posted by Uzzy

The Astra didn't really change at all. There was not as many options, but they only planned on bringing 40,000 over here.

Thats another part of the problem with these Opel's, they are being built in Europe when they should be built here. Thats why were not getting a sedan, a RL version, more options, etc.

[Uzzy]

Originally Posted by PA Dweller

Thats another part of the problem with these Opel's, they are being built in Europe when they should be built here. Thats why were not getting a sedan, a RL version, more options, etc.

It was only a 2-year stop-gap measure. The next Astra is supposed to be built here and the Aura as well, since they do have platform partners on this continent as well.

[DmitryKo]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

You know, I'm not too concerned with this, but the fact that there's a very clear space for a nav. system on top of the center stack really kinda irks me

There will probably be a different center stack assembly for a bigger graphical display.

This is the same as with the current Opel Corsa - a slim 2-line text display comes in a base trim, and optional graphical screen comes with a different, taller display visor.


Corsa OPC with CD 30 MP3 and 2-line text display


(http://media.gm.com/servlet/com.gm.m...tl&language=en, pic #220731)

Corsa Cosmo with DVD 90 NAVI and color graphical display


(http://media.gm.com/servlet/com.gm.m...tl&language=en, pic #213120)

[Uzzy]

^^^ That's the interior of the Corsa? So when are we getting the Saturn Corsa?