Vauxhall has given its flagship Insignia family car a facelift for 2020, adding sparkle to its exterior and freshening up its interior technology. New headlights also feature, lighting up the way ahead without dazzling other road users. The latest Insignia is available to order next month, with the first customer deliveries expected in May.
Described as ‘class-leading’, Vauxhall’s IntelliLux headlights use 84 individual LEDs per cluster, allowing the pattern of light to be adjusted in milliseconds in response to information from a forward-facing camera. They can switch from dipped to full beam and change its shape depending on the driving conditions, environment and the car’s speed.
Subtle exterior design changes include new bumpers and a revised grille with slats that help accentuate the Griffin badge. Aficionados may also spot that the front daytime running lights have moved from the top to the bottom of the headlight units, for a less topheavy look. At the rear, there are now chrome bumper trims at either side that mimic integrated tailpipes.
Seven and eight-inch infotainment displays are offered inside, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top version also gets real-time traffic information and wireless map updates, while new symbols are also said to give the navigation ‘a fresher, more modern appearance.’ Meanwhile, a new rear-view camera is fitted along with optional rear cross traffic alert, to detect objects up to 20 metres away while reversing.
There’s no mention of any powertrain changes, with Vauxhall keeping its cards very close to its chest, so we predict that the current offering of 1.6-litre 109bhp or 134bhp and 2.0-litre 168bhp diesel engines will remain the same. Pricing is also unlikely to rise significantly from its current starting point, with the new car expected to kick off at around £21,000. Estate car fans will be disappointed that the Sports Tourer version has already been discontinued in the UK and isn’t expected to make a return, due to disappointing sales volumes.
Equipment levels are expected to follow the latest Vauxhall trends, so expect to see SE, Business Edition, SRi, Elite and Ultimate versions of the new Insignia. Fuller information will coincide with the car’s official debut at the Brussels motor show next month, including first sight of the cabin.
