Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer 4×4

Opel’s British arm Vauxhall is launching its first diesel passenger car with an Adaptive 4×4 system – the Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer 4×4.
This new Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer 4×4 version also comes with premium leather at the interior and its launch was encouraged by increasing sales in upper-trim level models like the SRi, SE and Elite.
The Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer 4×4 was previously only available with the 2.0-litre and 2.8-litre petrol engines, and now the 2.0-litre 160PS CDTi diesel unit joins the car’s powering options.
Customers will be able to find the Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer CDTi 4×4 in showrooms across UK starting from September, but at this point pricing is still unknown.
For further details regarding the Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer 4×4 check out the press release after the jump. 
Vauxhall press release :
Luton – Since the Insignia hit UK showrooms at the
start of 2009 it has been a resounding sales success for Vauxhall, with
more than 55,000 cars sold in the last 18 months. Premium design cues,
the choice of all-wheel-drive models and a raft of new technology in its
sector has elevated its appeal to not only fleet customers, but also to
retail buyers, who now account for 35 per cent of all sales – a 16 per
cent improvement over the Vectra.
There has also been a significant increase in the number of
upper-trim Insignias sold, such as the SRi, SE and Elite models (over 60
per cent) supporting the fact that Vauxhall is now seen as a viable
alternative to more traditional premium cars in the mid-size sector,
albeit at a lower price point.
And with some 40 awards now behind it – including the coveted
European Car of the Year 2009 – it’s no surprise that UKbuyers made it
the best-selling mid-size car soon after its launch in what isEurope’s
biggest single market for Insignia. But we weren’t alone: the Insignia
has also become the best-selling or second-best selling mid-size car in
10 other European markets too.
To further boost the Insignia’s competitive position, Vauxhall has
now combined the Insignia’s Adaptive 4×4 system, which was previously
only available with the 2.0- and 2.8-litre petrol engines, with the
2.0-litre 160PS CDTi diesel engine. A rare combination in this market
sector, the Insignia CDTi 4×4 hits British showrooms in September this
year and will build Vauxhall’s reputation for technological innovation
still further. Moreover, engineers have made refinements on all diesel
engines to further improve interior refinement.
The Adaptive 4×4 all-wheel drive system, together
with the adaptive FlexRide chassis and the
electronically controlled rear limited slip differential (eLSD), sets
new standards for driving and handling. Studies show Insignia customers
particularly value this innovation: Some 21 per cent of all 2.0-litre
petrol models currently sold in the UKhave the Adaptive 4×4 system.
Adaptive 4×4 combines the best characteristics of conventional
mechanical and hydraulic all-wheel drive systems, and means that the
driven wheels don’t have to spin before corrective measures kick in. The
Insignia Adaptive 4×4 can still maintain safe traction even if three
wheels are on sand or mud and only one rear wheel can find grip. In bad
weather or on treacherous roads, the advanced chassis systems are
designed to recognise and avoid danger early enough to support the
driver in tricky situations, without detracting from the car’s dynamic
appeal.
The Vauxhall Adaptive 4×4 system not only helps out in critical
safety situations. It also detects when all-wheel-drive is not required,
such as on a dry, clear motorway, and reverts to front-wheel-drive to
reduce friction loss and save fuel.
Award-winning innovative technologies
Adaptive 4×4 is only one of many intelligent technologies offered in
all Insignia models. Intelligent Adaptive
Forward Lighting with its bi-xenon headlights that can adapt to
different road conditions using nine unique lighting functions, has won
awards for its safety and innovation. Some 35 per cent of UKbuyers have
also opted for the Ergonomic Sport Seats, certified by
orthopedic specialists, Action for Healthy Backs.
And for those buyers who tow caravans or trailers, the Insignia’s Retractable
Trailer Hitch has proved a popular option. Featuring Trailer
Stability Assist, which helps protect against pendulum swings,
once the trailer is no longer needed the hitch can be simply folded
away, keeping the elegant design of the Insignia intact.
Sports Tourer: Premium design and functionality combined
The Insignia Sports Tourer has many useful features, like a power
tailgate with programmable opening height, Automatic Self Levelling Rear
Suspension (standard with Towing Pack) and the familiar FlexOrganizer
cargo management system. The completely flat luggage compartment has a
capacity of 540 to 1,530 litres. The result is a stylish estate car that
artfully conceals its high utility value.
The upscale design is echoed in the interior cabin which incorporates
many high-quality materials. Keeping the styling contemporary, Vauxhall
is offering two new trims.  The Indian Summer interior offers premium,
high quality, Nappa leather in a warm shade, complemented by elegant
Cashmerestitching.
A further trim level will also be available in the UK, called SRi
Vx-Line. This features a VXR-style sport leather steering wheel and
gearshift gaiter, along with 19-inch, five-spoke alloys.
CHASSIS
Adaptive 4×4: combining dynamic excellence with all-weather
security

• Sophisticated all-wheel drive system at the top of its class
• Adaptive FlexRide chassis system adds driver involvement and dynamic
  efficiency
• One of many innovative technologies offered in Vauxhall’s mid-sized
  car

The award-winning Vauxhall Insignia saloon, hatch and Sports Tourer
feature sophisticated innovations, like the Adaptive 4×4 system, which
were previously only available in much more expensive sports cars or
luxury saloons. Together with the FlexRide chassis and the
electronic-hydraulic multi-disk clutch, the Adaptive 4×4 system sets new
standards for its controls’ reaction times.
These are features Insignia owners already appreciate: sales analysis
shows that 21 per cent of all 2.0-litre Insignias sold to date have
been 4×4 models. Due to this demand, the Insignia saloon, hatch and
Sports Tourers now couple the intelligent 4×4 with a 160PS 2-litre turbo
diesel, available in UK showrooms this September.
The Adaptive 4×4 is perfect for hauling trailers and for anyone
living in regions with inclement weather who has to travel regardless of
the rain or snow. If the Sports Tourer model is ordered with a trailer
hook, the standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) system will also
feature a Trailer Stability Assist program, which counters vehicle
instability that may occur when towing a trailer or caravan. It does
this by reducing engine torque and applying brake pressure to selected
wheels when needed. The Towing Pack also features Automatic
Self-leveling rear suspension which maintains a constant rear ride
height when load-carrying or towing.
FlexRide improves stability – and driving pleasure
FlexRide comes as standard with Vauxhall’s fully integrated Adaptive
4×4 chassis system which improves stability and provides real time,
electronically controlled damping. FlexRide gives the driver the choice
between three driving modes. In addition to the standard adaptive mode,
the driver can either opt for a comfort-oriented "Tour" or a "Sport"
setting. The Sport mode makes the Insignia Sports Tourer driving
experience more active, changing the set-up of interlinked functions
such as the steering, throttle control and even the ambient lighting of
the dashboard.
The Insignia’s all-wheel drive system is among the most sophisticated
systems on the market. The Adaptive 4×4 control unit is fully networked
with the Insignia’s other control systems – the ESP sensors, the
steering angle sensor and accelerator pedal position – to adapt power
distribution to prevailing driving conditions.
In contrast, the FlexRide system in the Insignia VXR deliberately
caters for the enthusiastic driver. The standard mode delivers ideal
all-round performance combined with comfort characteristics suitable for
everyday driving. In the “Sport “mode, the chassis suspension stiffens,
reducing body roll for more agility. The “VXR” mode provides the
ultimate experience: more direct steering, a more responsive throttle
and the chassis settings focus on optimal efficiency while dials
illuminate in red. The four-wheel drive management unit has also been
recalibrated to allow more torque to be sent to the rear wheels.
All-wheel drive electronics act as early-warning system
A big advantage of Vauxhall’s all-wheel drive system is that wheels
don’t have to spin before the proper corrective measures are introduced.
When the sensors detect a critical situation, it only takes around 80
milliseconds – the blink of an eye – for the system to send the required
power distribution to the wheels. The power can be distributed
seamlessly between the front and rear axle or between the rear wheels.
In contrast to conventional mechanical all-wheel drives, the hydraulic
controls enable lightning-quick reaction and intervention.
The all-wheel drive system constantly receives updates from three
modules called Body Control Module (BCM), Engine Control Unit (ECU) and
the ESP. The car’s system analyses the information and distributes
torque individually to the wheels, as needed.
For ultimate stability and performance, the Adaptive 4×4 all-wheel
drive system is equipped as standard with an electronically controlled
Limited Slip Differential (eLSD). The eLSD electronically controls the
distribution of torque between the left and right rear wheels,
transferring rear axle torque to the wheel that has the most grip. While
offering better traction in slippery conditions, the sophisticated
operation of the Adaptive 4×4 improves stability in all situations
The Insignia 4×4’s power distribution travels from the front axle
differential to a hydraulic Haldex multi-disk clutch, which
electronically distributes the torque as required. This can be from zero
to 100 percent between the front and rear axle. In the rear, power is
distributed by a hydraulic multi-disk clutch which can transfer nearly
100 percent of the power to one rear wheel if required. This gives
drivers the confidence that their Insignia 4×4 can still maintain safe
traction even if three wheels are on sand or mud and only one rear wheel
can find grip.
The modules receive their signals from sensors that capture yaw rate,
acceleration, steering angle, wheel speed, throttle pedal position,
engine speed and torque, and adapt power distribution to the driving
situation based on this information. Even before take-off, the control
module receives information on throttle pedal position and engine speed
and is able to transfer torque between the front and rear axle to
prevent the car losing traction.
Bad roads, rain and mud call for stability and control
Many drivers have experienced the feeling of picking up too much
downhill speed, so they take their foot off the throttle only to realize
their vehicle is struggling to follow the steering direction. The
Insignia’s Adaptive 4×4 system uses a complex sensor system, to redirect
power to individual wheels when the engine is slowing down (drag
torque) as a result of releasing the accelerator. This allows drivers to
steer more accurately and keep control of the vehicle.
Thanks to the many control options like torque and braking torque
distribution and FlexRide damper control, the adaptive all-wheel drive
system handles many critical driving situations without the need for
ESP. which stays in the background as a ‘guardian angel’.
Front-wheel-drive employed where conditions permit 
The Opel Insignia Adaptive 4×4 system not only helps out in tricky
safety situations, it also detects when no external conditions require
special intervention, such as travelling on a motorway. In this case the
system switches off the rear-wheel drive system and reverts to
front-wheel drive to reduce friction loss and save fuel.
POWERTRAIN
Diesel joins Vauxhall’s Insignia 4×4 line up

• First Vauxhall passenger car to combine diesel and all-wheel drive
• Strong performance: 2.0 CDTi develops 160PS
• Reduced emissions and improved fuel consumption
• All-wheel drive offered on two petrol variants since launch

Vauxhall’s active all-wheel drive system has been one of the many
success stories since the Insignia was launched. Now it has added a 2.0
CDTi turbo with this advanced technology, combining the benefits of a
diesel with the safety and handling from all-wheel drive. The Insignia
4×4 CDTi is the first Vauxhall to feature this combination of
technologies.
The Insignia is available with a large range of engines, all
certified to Euro 5 standards. The four petrol engines range from 140PS
to 325PS. The two variants of the 2.0 CDTi turbo diesel offer output
ranging from 130PS to 160PS. In addition, the ecoFLEX model developed
from the 160PS variant offers remarkably low fuel consumption and CO₂
emissions. All diesel engines have undergone substantial NVH
improvements for this model year to enhance overall refinement and
passenger comfort.
Since launch, the Adaptive 4×4 transmission was available as an
alternative to front-wheel drive only in the 2.0 Turbo petrol engine
(220PS).The offer now extends to the 160PS 2.0 CDTi. In addition, the
Adaptive 4×4 will remain standard on the 260PS 2.8 V6 Turbo and 325PS
VXR models.
The first Vauxhall passenger car to combine all-wheel-drive
and diesel
The 2.0 CDTi engine produces 160PS at 4,000rpm, with maximum torque
at 350Nm (up to 380Nm with overboost) at a low 1,750rpm. This
top-of-the-line diesel accelerates to 60mph in 9.8 seconds and allows a
top speed of 130mph yet boasts a combined fuel consumption of just
47.1mpg on the Sports Tourer 4×4. The engine is available with a 6-speed
manual or automatic transmission.
The 2.0 CDTi engine uses a common-rail injection system working at
pressures up to 1,600 bars. It delivers fuel through high-precision,
electro-magnetically-controlled injector nozzles that allow up to five
injections per stroke, enabling extremely precise combustion control in
terms of noise and exhaust emissions. The standard, maintenance-free
diesel particulate filter located close to the engine provides effective
after-treatment of the exhaust gas.
The engine features Vauxhall’s highly innovative “Clean tech”
combustion concept that was launched on the ecoFLEX models in 2009. By
using in-cylinder pressure sensors for the combustion control, the
combustion process is perfectly optimised. The result is an impressive
reduction of NO_x and root particulates, while reaching
optimal fuel economy.
Other features include twin overhead camshafts, four valves per
cylinder, multiple direct fuel-injection and a variable geometry
turbocharger for high torque and a rapid throttle response at low rpm. A
dual mass flywheel ensures minimum vibration and the weight-optimised
intake manifold is made of plastic. The electronically controlled
exhaust gas recirculation has a variable cooling function.
Electro-pneumatically operated bypass flaps are controlled by the engine
management system to ensure that the re-circulated exhaust gas reaches
an optimum temperature for combustion.

* with overboost