Opel Insignia Country Tourer to debut at Frankfurt show

Joining the updated Opel Insignia range at the 2013 Frankfurt show in September will be the all-new Insignia Country Tourer, revealed today as the Opel brand’s new flagship. The vehicle is based on the Insignia Sports Tourer station wagon but gets some off-roading attributes such as taller ground clearance and protective body elements.

Opel was prompted to develop the car following the European success of the smaller Mokka crossover – which arrives locally later this year. The Insignia Country Tourer now meets the demand of Opel customers seeking a toughened-up vehicle with a little extra cargo capacity.

Opel is yet to confirm the Country Tourer for Australia, but Opel Australia spokesperson Michelle Lang suggests that any decision will be influenced by the upcoming Mokka's local success. "Given the Australian market's appetite for SUVs and crossovers, we think the Insignia Country Tourer would be an interesting option for Australia, but any local arrival would still be a long way off."

Ms Lang suggested that a right-hand-drive version would likely make it to the UK wearing Vauxhall badges, which would significantly aid Australia's chances of seeing the Country Tourer.   

In mainland Europe, the Opel Insignia Country Tourer will come standard with all-wheel drive and a range of torquey turbocharged engines, the most powerful of which is a turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0 litre four-cylinder with 187kW and 400Nm on tap. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

Drive is sent to all four wheels via a Haldex-based all-wheel-drive system incorporating an electronic limited-slip differential. The system constantly adapts to changing road conditions and varies torque distribution from 0- 100 per cent between the front and rear axles, as well as between the rear wheels.

Onlookers will be able to easily recognize the Insignia Country Tourer by its taller ground clearance, underbody guards front and rear, and prominent wheel-arches with body cladding. A set of dual-exhaust tips round out the unique visual touches.

Inside, the vehicle gets all the latest goodies introduced for the Insignia’s 2013 update. The highlight is a new centre console with an 8-inch touch-screen display. A touchpad surface common to many luxury cars has also been installed, just below the gear lever.

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