Vauxhall VXR8, 2014

 

 

 

Vauxhall VXR8, 2014

6.2-litre V8 driving the rear wheels, nearly 600bhp and a soundtrack guaranteed to make your hairs stand on end: welcome Vauxhall's new VXR8 GTS, which can be ordered from today with first deliveries at the end of the year.

The Engine
At the heart of the VXR8 GTS is a new supercharged LSA V8 (identical to that used in the recently launched Chevrolet Camaro ZL1), delivering 576bhp and 545lb ft of torque, an increase of 150bhp and 140lb ft respectively over the outgoing, LS3-engined VXR8. Performance figures will be released soon, but bear in mind that even the naturally-aspirated VXR8 achieved a 0-60mph time in 4.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph…

The new VXR8's Eaton supercharger has 4-lobe rotors, 9psi boost and 1.9 litres of air per revolution. Unlike a turbocharged car, the Eaton supercharger provides the VXR8 with stronger and more linear performance across its entire rev-range. Other LSA features:

•     Stand-alone water to air charge cooling system
•     Separate transmission and differential cooling system
•     Water to oil engine cooling system
•     Bi-modal air-intake system
•     High-flow exhaust manifolds and exhaust system with Bi-modal silencers

The Design
The new front-end design of the VXR8 GTS has bold graphics and shallow ramp angles that emphasise width and stance. The focal point of the new look is a 'twin-nostril' grille and an all-new fascia that helps to deliver both an aggressive look and an air intake surface large enough to cool the LSA V8.

In fact, a total of 130,000 square millimetres of open frontal surface was needed to deliver the cooling required for the new engine - 75 per cent more than the outgoing LS3-engined car.
Daytime running lights - which can now operate when the headlights are turned on - and 20-inch 'Blade' forged alloy wheels complete the front-end design.

At the rear, the VXR8 GTS has distinctive LED tail lamps, while the 'diffuser' rear fascia houses quad exhaust outlets finished in shadow chrome. A unique body-coloured performance rear spoiler with black accents helps set the GTS apart still further.
The inside, the VXR8's cabin design has undergone a raft of design changes. An upgraded instrument panel with suede-style inserts, a new instrument cluster, gauges, centre console, appliques and door trims combine to deliver a more premium look and feel.

The Dynamics
To cater for the extra performance offered by the LSA engine, the VXR8 GTS is fitted with an all-new Brake Torque Vectoring technology. Brake Torque Vectoring helps reduce understeer by generating a 'rotational moment' in the rear axle while the car is under power. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system detects the understeer, applies braking to the inside rear wheel and transfers torque to the outside rear wheel, preventing the front end from washing wide.

The VXR8 GTS also receives third-generation Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) with three independent settings: Touring, Sport and Track. Hardware and software improvements combine to deliver greater body control, sharper handling and a significantly more pliant ride quality, compared with the outgoing model.

Wider tyres also offer drivers more grip. Continental 255/35 R20 (front) and 275/35 R20 (rear) were chosen as standard equipment, due to their exceptional performance in both wet and dry conditions.

To assist drivers in manipulating the various electronic vehicle performance systems, a new Driver Preference Dial has been developed. Located behind the gear lever, the Driver Preference Dial adjusts settings to one of four modes: Touring, Sport, Performance and Track. The vehicle's ESC, Traction Control, Launch Control (manual transmission only), and Bi-Modal Exhaust, as well as its Brake Torque Vectoring and new Electronic Power Steering, are then adjusted accordingly.

The VXR8 GTS's braking capacity has been dramatically increased with the fitment of AP forged 6-piston calipers with two-piece discs front and rear. Combined with the increased disc diameters, the calipers - forged from 6061 T6 aluminium - offer a vastly improved strength-to-weight ratio and deliver noticeable improvements in brake modulation and feel. The rear brake pad size has also been increased by 12 per cent.

Technology
The VXR8 has now come of age, and features an array of technologies never seen before in this model.
In addition to the Side Blind Zone Alert with Reverse Traffic Alert, Automatic Park Assist, Front and Rear Park Assist, Reversing Camera and Passive Entry/Push Button Start, the GTS also picks up a number of additional driver convenience and safety technologies.
Head Up Display is standard and shows a raft of driver information on the windscreen, such as vehicle speed, engine temperature, and even G-forces!

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Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer, 2014

 

 Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer, 2014

 

There are 4 new engines, including: a 99g/km 140PS 2.0 CDTi offering large cost benefits to fleet and high-mileage drivers; an all-new 1.6 SIDI 170PS Turbo petrol; and a new 250PS 2.0 SIDI Turbo petrol. Existing diesel units have also benefited from refinement improvements.

An all-new infotainment system, incorporating Bluetooth-operated internet connectivity, an 8-inch touchscreen, and 3D navigation and voice control, has full smartphone compatibility and allows drivers unrivalled communications while on the move. A DMB (Digital Media Broadcast) radio is now standard across the range.

Since its launch in 2008, the Vauxhall Insignia has largely dominated the mid-size sector and launched the eye-catching design philosophy that has permeated through all subsequent new Vauxhalls. The Insignia's classic exterior lines remain for the new range, refreshed styling at the back and front of the car, but inside there are important changes to its instrument cluster and centre console design, as well as improvements to control-functionality.

The Insignia's range has been simplified, too. There are now eight trims (down from 14 in the outgoing line-up), ranging from Design to Elite, with a mixture of new models that will appeal to both retail and fleet buyers. And like all Vauxhalls, the new Insignia range will come with Lifetime Warranty, allowing first owners peace of mind for as long as they own the car, up to 100,000 miles.

The Vauxhall is raising its game in the highly competitive D-segment with the launch of the new Vauxhall Insignia. 167,000 Insignias have been sold since launch in the UK illustrating its popularity with both retail and fleet buyers, as well as its appeal to buyers who had only previously considered premium cars in the D-sector.

While the Insignia has increasingly found favour with retail buyers, much of its success has been in the fleet market with 80 per cent of Insignias going to business customers.
Vauxhall's combination of more efficient engines, premium design and state-of-the-art infotainment systems will certainly prove tempting to both company car drivers and fleet decision-makers alike.

The new Vauxhall Insignia's direct competitors include the VW Passat, Ford Mondeo, Toyota Avensis and Peugeot 508. Other potential competitors include the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, and Mercedes C-Class.

DESIGN AND AERODYNAMICS
The biggest change existing Insignia customers will see when they sit in the new car is a completely re-designed centre console and instrument cluster. The centre console has been simplified and now has fewer buttons for more intuitive operation of common functions, such as air conditioning and infotainment, while the instrument cluster has new dials and a fresh, high-tech look.

Optional across the range is an 8-inch screen infotainment display (up from 5-inches in the outgoing range) and a new, upgraded instrument cluster with an 8-inch, high-resolution colour display. The cluster incorporates two outer dials showing fuel and revs, while in the centre sits a speedometer that can be displayed in analogue or digital form, or changed to show functions such as smartphone or audio use, or navigation.

The 8-inch infotainment display has touch-screen functionality, allowing drivers to access all functions and sub-menus such as radio stations, song titles, smartphone connection or 3D navigation in an intuitive and safe way. Its illuminated, touch-sensitive surface reacts immediately to finger movements, with even individual letters and numbers being accessible via this method. Up to 60 favourite menus can be stored from all functions and apps, available next year, can also be downloaded via the car's Bluetooth-connected internet.

Touchscreen and touchpad operation, Insignia drivers can also control the infotainment system via re-designed controls on the new-look steering wheel. The advanced voice recognition function can also be operated by a single push of a button on the steering wheel.

Stylish new leather and cloth trims are available in the New Insignia range, complemented by upgraded dashboard materials and decors.

With 40 industry awards to its name - including the coveted European Car of the Year in 2009 - the outgoing Vauxhall Insignia has earned respect from media and customers alike. One of the pillars of its success has been its premium design - we called it 'sculptural artistry meets technical precision' at launch - and with the new range this has been enhanced still further.

Starting at the front of the car, the high-gloss chrome grille is wider and lower than before. The logo-bar that cradles the Griffin badge is thinner and includes winglets that link with the re-designed headlamps. On Elite models, these feature bi-xenon lamps with AFL (Advanced Forward Lighting), which is optional on all other models.

Standard headlamps are trimmed in high-gloss black with chrome-embedded accents, with the up-level AFL lights getting a 'wing-signature' daytime running light with energy-saving LEDs.

The lower front fascia inserts are designed to appear slim and wide to emphasise the upper grille size. Fog lamps are combined with wide, black inserts and chrome accents, which grow in width as they near the cabin.

In profile, the New Insignia range's Hatch and Saloon models are better defined through their unique tailgates and rear spoilers. The crease line on the C-pillar of the Hatch fades out before it reaches the spoiler's trailing edge, giving it a classic coupe silhouette. On the Saloon, the crease line continues along the edge of the spoiler to emphasise the body's length.

At the rear, the New Insignia range models appear wider and lower. The high-gloss chrome logo bar has been positioned lower on the tailgate. It extends into the tail-lights and incorporates the slim-look reversing lamps. The tail and stop functions of the two-piece tail-lights are illuminated by LEDs throughout the range.

The Sports Tourer's rear styling embodies a similar wider and lower appearance. The main visual enablers are again the stretched chrome brand bar, also framing the reverse functions, and an uninterrupted body-colored division between the tailgate glass and the longer, slimmer light units. The rear bumper moldings for all models also incorporate several black 'cut-out' inserts according to the powertrain choice, with or without visible exhaust tailpipes.

The New Vauxhall Insignia range offers a raft of technology, safety and comfort highlights. These include state-of-the-art radar and camera-based assistance systems (including adaptive cruise control and second-generation park assist), premium seats, and 'Open & Start', the keyless entry and start system, to name just a few.

Aerodynamics
Vauxhall's new Insignia is not only the lowest CO2 emitting car in its sector but now also the most streamlined vehicle in the world in its class.

Thanks to clever changes to the body design of the new Insignia, Vauxhall's engineers have reduced the vehicle's drag coefficient to under 0.25 for the Insignia hatchback and 0.28 for the Sports Tourer. New extended underbody covers, wider front spoiler lips, tail lamp housings designed to enhance airflow separation and an integrated rear deck lid spoiler contribute to the new Vauxhall Insignia's slippery shape.

Insignia 2.0 CDTi eco FLEX (120/140PS) models with Start/Stop also feature an additional, ultra-modern aerodynamic element: an active front air shutter. Air flowing through the front grille to cool the engine usually accounts for up to eight per cent of total vehicle air drag. To reduce this effect, a shutter in the lower front grille automatically closes to prevent air entering and causing turbulence. For cold starts, an additional advantage is a faster engine warm-up, which also helps reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Whenever the engine needs air for cooling, the shutter opens automatically.

These changes help the new Insignia eco FLEX (120/140PS) achieve class-leading CO2 emissions of 99g/km and 76.3mpg on the combined cycle.

This gives the eco FLEX a range of up to 1175 miles, which means that an average UK driver covering 8,200 miles, would only have to refill with diesel seven times per year. Or put another way, an ecoFLEX driver could travel from London to Budapest on one tank of fuel!

ENGINES AND CHASSIS
The new Insignia range's powertrain line-up has been broadened still further with the addition of an all-new petrol engine and new derivatives of the existing 2.0 CDTi unit.

Now available with a choice of three power outputs - 120PS, 140PS and 163PS - the New Insignia range's 2.0 CDTi engine offers drivers ultra-low C02 emissions of 99g/km (76.3mpg combined) for the lower two outputs and 114g/km (65.7mpg combined) for the higher output unit (figures for Hatch models). But performance hasn't been compromised, with even the 120 and 140PS models producing up to 320 and 370Nm of torque respectively, and the 163PS model up to 380Nm.

For company car drivers, the new diesel engines offer an even more compelling argument, with both the 120 and 140PS ecoFLEX Hatch versions emitting just 99g/km of C02 and dipping in to the 14 per cent Benefit-in-Kind category for the 2013/14 Tax Year.

Also new to the engine line-up are two direct injection petrol units: the new-generation 1.6-litre SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) producing 170PS/280Nm that recently launched in the 2013 Cascada convertible, and the 2.0-litre SIDI, producing 250PS/400Nm. Both engines provide an exceptional mix of refinement, economy and performance. They can be coupled with a six-speed manual transmission and Start/Stop function, or with a new, low-friction six-speed automatic gearbox.

The Chassis
Across the New Vauxhall Insignia range, there have been improvements including dampers, roll-bars and steering, which result in improved noise and vibration behaviour and even higher levels of comfort. Completely new suspension control arms and carrier housings were built into the axle architecture to improve driving comfort. Electronic Power Steering (EPS) is standard in all but the VXR models has been reprogrammed for improved feel. Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels have also been reduced for enhanced occupant comfort.

Vauxhall's Flex Ride adaptive damping chassis system, with its real-time driving style recognition, is also used in the new Insignia. This innovative chassis networks all driving dynamics systems and features electronic damper adjustment, as well as speed-dependent power steering. The driver can choose between three driving modes: Standard for driving comfort, Tour for an even softer, more comfortable drive, and Sport for a more direct, sporty driving experience.

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Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer, 2014

 

 

 Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer, 2014

Vauxhall is set to add a rugged SUV-inspired all-purpose estate to its new Insignia range in late 2013.
Known as the Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer, and based on the Sports Tourer model, but with all-wheel drive, higher ground clearance and tougher styling, the new car will be unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Design
With its signature griffin grille, now wider and deeper, the front styling is distinctively Vauxhall. The grille's horizontal chrome bar carries the central brand emblem and is sculpted in a wing form, with its outer tips turned upwards alongside the headlamps. A protective panel, in a gleaming silver finish, sweeps out from under the engine compartment; a prominent design theme echoed at the rear.

Another feature is the anthracite-coloured protective cladding on the side sills and lower body sections, which gives the wheel-arches a more pronounced, flared look.

A final visual flourish is provided by distinctive front and rear light units. The headlamps, with embedded chrome accents, incorporate wing-style LED daytime running lights. This theme is repeated at the rear, with LED brake and taillights.

POWERTRAINS
State-of-the-art all-wheel drive is combined with two powerful turbo-diesel engines: a 2.0-litre BiTurbo CDTi, producing 195PS and 400Nm of torque, and a 2.0-litre CDTi with 165PS and up to 380Nm torque available. A choice of six-speed manual or a low-friction, six-speed automatic transmission is available on the 2.0-litre (165PS) diesel engine. The 2.0-litre (195PS) BiTurbo diesel engine is available in automatic only.

The Drivertrain
The electronically controlled 4x4 drivetrain incorporates a high-quality clutch, operating on Haldex principles, and an electronic limited-slip differential to ensure superb traction on both paved and unpaved surfaces. It constantly adapts to the prevailing road conditions, and can vary torque distribution seamlessly between the front and rear axles, as well as between the rear wheels, even before a wheel begins to slip.

When necessary, the clutch controlling drive distribution immediately sends more torque to the rear axle. The 4x4 system's sensors constantly feed individual control modules with information on yaw rate, acceleration, steering angle, wheel speed, throttle pedal position, engine speed and torque. The front/rear power distribution is constantly adapted to the driving situation based on this information.

Ultimate stability and higher dynamics are ensured by the electronically-controlled rear-axle Limited Slip Differential (eLSD). The eLSD controls the distribution of torque between the rear wheels, transferring drive torque to the wheel that has the most grip. While offering better traction in slippery conditions, the sophisticated operation of this adaptive 4x4 drive system guarantees the highest levels of driver control and active safety in all situations. The Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer can even provide propulsion when three wheels are on loose or slippery ground and only one rear wheel has traction.

The adaptive all-wheel system also supports drivers in non-critical situations. To reduce frictional losses and save fuel, the system automatically reverts to front-wheel drive whenever it senses that no adaptive interventions are required.

Off road, the new Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer also benefits from larger tyres and a raised ride height, in addition to its four-wheel drive traction. Ground clearance is 20mm higher than on a standard model, a major advantage when encountering loose, uneven terrain.

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Vauxhall Insignia, 2014

 

 

 Vauxhall Insignia, 2014

The new Vauxhall Insignia range made its world debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show before first UK deliveries start in October 2013.
Available as a five-door Hatch, four-door Saloon and Sports Tourer estate, the new range now starts at just £16,279, nearly £2,000 less than entry into the outgoing line-up. Also available are a range-topping Country Tourer and a high performance VXR version, the fastest car available in the UK for under £30,000.

There are four new engines, including: a 99g/km 140PS 2.0 CDTi offering large cost benefits to fleet and high-mileage drivers; an all-new 1.6 SIDI 170PS Turbo petrol; and a new 250PS 2.0 SIDI Turbo petrol. Existing diesel units have also benefited from refinement improvements.

An all-new infotainment system, incorporating Bluetooth-operated internet connectivity, an 8-inch touchscreen, and 3D navigation and voice control, has full smartphone compatibility and allows drivers unrivalled communications while on the move. A DMB (Digital Media Broadcast) radio is now standard across the range.

Since its launch in 2008, the Vauxhall Insignia has largely dominated the mid-size sector and launched the eye-catching design philosophy that has permeated through all subsequent new Vauxhalls. The Insignia's classic exterior lines remain for the new range, refreshed styling at the back and front of the car, but inside there are important changes to its instrument cluster and centre console design, as well as improvements to control-functionality.

The Insignia's range has been simplified, too. There are now eight trims (down from 14 in the outgoing line-up), ranging from Design to Elite, with a mixture of new models that will appeal to both retail and fleet buyers. And like all Vauxhalls, the new Insignia range will come with Lifetime Warranty, allowing first owners peace of mind for as long as they own the car, up to 100,000 miles.

Vauxhall is raising its game in the highly competitive D-segment with the launch of the new Vauxhall Insignia. 167,000 Insignias have been sold since launch in the UK illustrating its popularity with both retail and fleet buyers, as well as its appeal to buyers who had only previously considered premium cars in the D-sector.
Vauxhall's combination of more efficient engines, premium design and state-of-the-art infotainment systems will certainly prove tempting to both company car drivers and fleet decision-makers alike.
The new Vauxhall Insignia's direct competitors include the VW Passat, Ford Mondeo, Toyota Avensis and Peugeot 508. Other potential competitors include the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, and Mercedes C-Class.

DESIGN AND AERODYNAMICS
The biggest change existing Insignia customers will see when they sit in the new car is a completely re-designed centre console and instrument cluster. The centre console has been simplified and now has fewer buttons for more intuitive operation of common functions, such as air conditioning and infotainment, while the instrument cluster has new dials and a fresh, high-tech look.

Optional across the range is an 8-inch screen infotainment display (up from 5-inches in the outgoing range) and a new, upgraded instrument cluster with an 8-inch, high-resolution colour display. The cluster incorporates two outer dials showing fuel and revs, while in the centre sits a speedometer that can be displayed in analogue or digital form, or changed to show functions such as smartphone or audio use, or navigation.

The 8-inch infotainment display has touch-screen functionality, allowing drivers to access all functions and sub-menus such as radio stations, song titles, smartphone connection or 3D navigation in an intuitive and safe way. Its illuminated, touch-sensitive surface reacts immediately to finger movements, with even individual letters and numbers being accessible via this method. Up to 60 favourite menus can be stored from all functions and apps, available next year, can also be downloaded via the car's Bluetooth-connected internet.

In addition to button, touchscreen and touchpad operation, Insignia drivers can also control the infotainment system via re-designed controls on the new-look steering wheel. The advanced voice recognition function can also be operated by a single push of a button on the steering wheel.

Stylish new leather and cloth trims are available in the New Insignia range, complemented by upgraded dashboard materials and decors.

With 40 industry awards to its name - including the coveted European Car of the Year in 2009 - the outgoing Vauxhall Insignia has earned respect from media and customers alike. One of the pillars of its success has been its premium design - we called it 'sculptural artistry meets technical precision' at launch - and with the new range this has been enhanced still further.

Starting at the front of the car, the high-gloss chrome grille is wider and lower than before. The logo-bar that cradles the Griffin badge is thinner and includes winglets that link with the re-designed headlamps. On Elite models, these feature bi-xenon lamps with AFL (Advanced Forward Lighting), which is optional on all other models.

Standard headlamps are trimmed in high-gloss black with chrome-embedded accents, with the up-level AFL lights getting a 'wing-signature' daytime running light with energy-saving LEDs.

The lower front fascia inserts are designed to appear slim and wide to emphasise the upper grille size. Fog lamps are combined with wide, black inserts and chrome accents, which grow in width as they near the cabin.

In profile, the New Insignia range's Hatch and Saloon models are better defined through their unique tailgates and rear spoilers. The crease line on the C-pillar of the Hatch fades out before it reaches the spoiler's trailing edge, giving it a classic coupe silhouette. On the Saloon, the crease line continues along the edge of the spoiler to emphasise the body's length.

At the rear, the New Insignia range models appear wider and lower. The high-gloss chrome logo bar has been positioned lower on the tailgate. It extends into the tail-lights and incorporates the slim-look reversing lamps. The tail and stop functions of the two-piece tail-lights are illuminated by LEDs throughout the range.

The Sports Tourer's rear styling embodies a similar wider and lower appearance. The main visual enablers are again the stretched chrome brand bar, also framing the reverse functions, and an uninterrupted body-colored division between the tailgate glass and the longer, slimmer light units. The rear bumper moldings for all models also incorporate several black 'cut-out' inserts according to the powertrain choice, with or without visible exhaust tailpipes.

The New Vauxhall Insignia range offers a raft of technology, safety and comfort highlights. These include state-of-the-art radar and camera-based assistance systems (including adaptive cruise control and second-generation park assist), premium seats, and 'Open & Start', the keyless entry and start system, to name just a few.

Two new exterior colours - Emerald Green and Aurum Green - join the exiting 10 colour choices.

Aerodynamics
Vauxhall's new Insignia is not only the lowest CO2 emitting car in its sector but now also the most streamlined vehicle in the world in its class.

Thanks to clever changes to the body design of the new Insignia, Vauxhall's engineers have reduced the vehicle's drag coefficient to under 0.25 for the Insignia hatchback and 0.28 for the Sports Tourer. New extended underbody covers, wider front spoiler lips, tail lamp housings designed to enhance airflow separation and an integrated rear deck lid spoiler contribute to the new Vauxhall Insignia's slippery shape.

Insignia 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX (120/140PS) models with Start/Stop also feature an additional, ultra-modern aerodynamic element: an active front air shutter. Air flowing through the front grille to cool the engine usually accounts for up to eight per cent of total vehicle air drag. To reduce this effect, a shutter in the lower front grille automatically closes to prevent air entering and causing turbulence. For cold starts, an additional advantage is a faster engine warm-up, which also helps reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Whenever the engine needs air for cooling, the shutter opens automatically.

These changes help the new Insignia eco FLEX (120/140PS) achieve class-leading CO2 emissions of 99g/km and 76.3mpg on the combined cycle.

This gives the ecoFLEX a range of up to 1175 miles, which means that an average UK driver covering 8,200 miles, would only have to refill with diesel seven times per year. Or put another way, an ecoFLEX driver could travel from London to Budapest on one tank of fuel!

ENGINES AND CHASSIS
The new Insignia range's powertrain line-up has been broadened still further with the addition of an all-new petrol engine and new derivatives of the existing 2.0 CDTi unit.

Now available with a choice of three power outputs - 120PS, 140PS and 163PS - the New Insignia range's 2.0 CDTi engine offers drivers ultra-low C02 emissions of 99g/km (76.3mpg combined) for the lower two outputs and 114g/km (65.7mpg combined) for the higher output unit (figures for Hatch models). But performance hasn't been compromised, with even the 120 and 140PS models producing up to 320 and 370Nm of torque respectively, and the 163PS model up to 380Nm.

For company car drivers, the new diesel engines offer an even more compelling argument, with both the 120 and 140PS ecoFLEX Hatch versions emitting just 99g/km of C02 and dipping in to the 14 per cent Benefit-in-Kind category for the 2013/14 Tax Year.

The Chassis
Across the New Vauxhall Insignia range, there have been improvements including dampers, roll-bars and steering, which result in improved noise and vibration behaviour and even higher levels of comfort. Completely new suspension control arms and carrier housings were built into the axle architecture to improve driving comfort. Electronic Power Steering (EPS) is standard in all but the VXR models has been reprogrammed for improved feel. Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels have also been reduced for enhanced occupant comfort.

Vauxhall's Flex Ride adaptive damping chassis system, with its real-time driving style recognition, is also used in the new Insignia. This innovative chassis networks all driving dynamics systems and features electronic damper adjustment, as well as speed-dependent power steering. The driver can choose between three driving modes: Standard for driving comfort, Tour for an even softer, more comfortable drive, and Sport for a more direct, sporty driving experience.

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Vauxhall Mokka, 2013

 

 

 Vauxhall Mokka, 2013

The new Mokka SUV continues an unprecedented product revolution by Vauxhall and is set to make further waves with its bold, expressive design, advanced driving dynamics and technology.

Mokka adds a new sports utility vehicle (SUV) to the Vauxhall portfolio, and into the expanding compact SUV segment. Compact SUVs fall under 4.30 metres in length, distinguishing them from their larger counterparts. While many other segments are showing limited growth, the compact SUV market has grown by an impressive seven per cent (first half 2011 versus first half 2012). This rapidly growing segment, which includes the Skoda Yeti and the Nissan Juke and Qashqai, allows Vauxhall to break into brand new territory.

With a striking appearance, safe and spacious, the Vauxhall Mokka will appeal to a wide range of customers. Research has shown that the typical Mokka customer leads a very active lifestyle where leisure activities play a central role in his or her life. That is why the Mokka with its many optional extras, like the FlexFix bicycle carrier, is perfect for people who want to balance their busy daily lives with leisure activities.

Just over half of all Mokka customers are expected to opt for the front-wheel drive variant, while the most popular engine will be the 1.7CDTi, accounting for 42 per cent of sales. The 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and 1.6-litre will account for 20 per cent and 38 per cent of sales respectively.

Potential customers are also predicted to be technology-savvy people who rate safety and comfort features high on their agenda. The Vauxhall Mokka provides many technologies that are unique in the segment such as optional ergonomic premium seats, several front camera system functions and Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL+).

The Vauxhall Mokka will attract customers who are new to the brand. Typically the majority of compact SUV customers (75 per cent) are private buyers, while the rest are likely to be fleet and business. There's even a specific trim aimed at company car drivers, called Tech Line with prices starting from £15,995. Mokka Tech Line offers company car drivers exceptional levels of standard spec, combined with low P11D prices and attractive benefit-in-kind charges. Tech Line models can already be found in the Astra and Insignia model ranges.

Vauxhall is not new to the SUV market and has established a successful track record in this segment over the past two decades. In 1991, Vauxhall launched the all-wheel drive Frontera off-roader. British-built in Vauxhall's Luton plant, it was the first European combined off-roader and SUV model. A year later, the Vauxhall Monterey followed which was a mid-size pure off-road vehicle. After a brief absence from the SUV market, Vauxhall returned in 2006 with the Antara. This crossover model was updated in 2011 with a comprehensively refreshed appearance, powertrain line-up and ride and handling.

The Vauxhall Mokka is available in four trims: S, Exclusiv, Tech Line and SE, with prices starting from £15,995 on-the-road.

DESIGN
Bold and robust, the Vauxhall Mokka's solid, muscular exterior is complemented by design cues that are uniquely Vauxhall.

The front end features a pronounced front grille with a neatly tailored trademark chrome bar featuring the Vauxhall Griffin logo at its centre, framed by bi-xenon 'eagle eye' headlightsthat incorporate LED daytime running lights (standard on the SE).Protective cladding around the bumpers and wheel arches are set against Vauxhall's signature "blade" light catcher on the body side, sweeping upwards to the rear. Upper trim levels feature chrome window inserts and door handles, adding a premium touch.

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Vauxhall Cascada, 2013

 

 Vauxhall Cascada, 2013

The all-new Vauxhall Cascada full-size convertible launches the company into a fourth new sector in a year, following on from its Ampera, Mokka and Adam models.

At nearly 4.7 metres in length, the full size, four-seat, fabric-roof Cascada convertible is longer than an Audi A5 Convertible. It is also the first full-sized convertible designed, engineered and manufactured by Vauxhall since the 1930s.

While the Cascada shares its dimensions with some full-sized convertibles, Vauxhall is positioning it in the C-sector due to its highly competitive pricing. The C-segment accounts for approximately one per cent of the total UK car market or around 21,000 units per annum and Vauxhall expects the Cascada to make up approximately ten per cent of this segment's volume per year.

The Cascada's key competitors include the Volkswagen Eos and Golf Cabriolet, the BMW 1-Series Convertible and the Audi A3 Cabriolet. Vauxhall's latest offering is also longer than many other rival convertibles including premium offerings such as the Audi A5 Cabriolet and the BMW 3-Series Convertible.

The Vauxhall Cascada range will be priced from just £23,995 on-the-road, nearly £8,000 less than an Audi A5 Cabriolet, when it arrives in showrooms April 2013.

As with all Vauxhalls, first Cascada owners will benefit from Lifetime Warranty, lasting the life of the car or up to 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

DESIGN
Cascada's design team, originally headed by Brit Mark Adams, has created a car with classic lines, redolent of the Grandes Routieres (luxury touring cars) of a bygone age, matched with a capacious cabin and high-quality materials.

Exterior Design
At 4696mm long and 1839mm wide (excluding mirrors), Vauxhall Cascada has a broad stance and elegant lines. With the top down, it has a perfectly clean profile with no roof-top cover or visible roll-over protection disturbing the car's silhouette aft of the steeply-raked A-pillar.

The subtle 'blade' on the Cascada's lower body side is mirrored by a sharp crease that swings upward and meets with the wraparound rear light cluster. A gently rising waistline is highlighted by a chrome strip that borders the cockpit, marking the boundary between roof-top and body.

Sculpted with a purposeful power bulge, Cascada's bonnet tops a deep front grille with bold chrome applications. The fog lights are carried in two overturned 'sharkfin' elements, which are enhanced by chrome inserts. Using LED technology, the daytime running lights in the headlamps and the rear lights incorporate Vauxhall's 'wing' signature. In the rear, the LED modules are diffused to give a solid and sharp light signal - typical of cars in the premium sector. A chrome strip linking the boot-mounted light units matches a similar bar across the front of the car.

The Cascada's fabric roof can be specified in one of three colours, which can be coordinated with one of ten body colours. Other personalisation options include an array of six different alloy wheel choices with sizes up to 20-inch.

The Interior
The Vauxhall Cascada's cabin mixes the well-equipped functionality of an Insignia's interior with handcrafted modules not found in any other Vauxhall.

Wrapped in a soft-touch material with high-quality stitching, the instrument cluster tops a wing-shaped panel which flows into the doors and frames the area around each front occupant. All-new, deeply contoured seats are available in a range of embossed fabrics and leathers, and customers have the option of ergonomic, Nappa-leather trimmed seats, which can be heated or ventilated. An Easy Entry system allows access to the rear seats, and electric seat belt presenters make securing front occupants less of a chore.

With a minimum load volume of 280 litres with the roof down, and up to 380 litres roof up, the Cascada is an exceptionally practical convertible. In addition, the rear seats benefit from Vauxhall's FlexFold system, which electrically releases and folds down the 50:50 split rear seats, allowing longer objects to be carried with ease.

In the cabin, several large storage spaces are available: one in each door and one under the instrument panel, and thanks to the use of a standard Electronic Park Brake across the range, a further cubby is located between the front seats.

CHASSIS, DYNAMICS & BODY CONSTRUCTION
Maximising torsional stiffness in a convertible's body is critical to maintaining a high standard of vehicle dynamics. Despite being significantly larger than Vauxhall's last convertible model, the TwinTop, by 71mm in its wheelbase and 56mm/70mm (front/rear) in its tracks, the Cascada's body is 43 per cent stiffer torsionally and 10 per cent more resistant to bending forces.

Targeted underbody strengthening helps the Cascada achieve these figures. Crossed steel bars are mounted to the Watt's link, across the B-pillars and front subframe, while high-strength tubular steel reinforcement sits inside each of the A-pillars. Collectively, these stiffen the body substantially, leading to precise handling and an exceptionally high degree of acoustic comfort.

Chassis
Vauxhall's HiPerStrut suspension has been adapted from the 325ps Insignia VXR and employed at the front of the Cascada. The HiPerStruts combine all the benefits of a conventional MacPherson strut set-up - compact packaging and light weight - but without the drawbacks of that system, such as torque-steer and a loss of traction under hard cornering. The HiPerStrut achieves this by a reduction in kingpin inclination, meaning no loss of negative camber during cornering, and therefore greater stability overall.

At the rear, the Cascada uses a combination of compound crank and Watt's link, with the thickness of each different model's axle beam varying to cater for different kerbweights. The Watt's link rods are connected to a cross member just behind the rear wheels' centre line. Any lateral force exerted on one side is compensated for by an equal force on the opposite wheel.

Cars using a compound crank and Watt's link are rare in the industry, but it's an innovative solution which provides a unique blend of excellent packaging and strong rear-end stability during cornering.

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Vauxhall Astra VXR, 2013

 

 Vauxhall Astra VXR, 2013

The Vauxhall Astra VXR is a more extreme version of the GTC, and nothing embodies the visual changes more than the new model's exterior design revisions.
Adding extra presence, the Vauxhall Astra VXR gets a specially sculpted front and rear bumper, side skirts, aerodynamic roof spoiler and twin bumper-integrated tailpipes. Standard 19-inch wheels with 245/40 ZR tyres underpin the dramatic body, with 20-inch forged items available as an option for those customers who want to make their cars look even bolder.
 

Exterior colours include: Arden Blue, Carbon Black, Power Red and Summit White.
Interior
The centre-piece of the Vauxhall Astra VXR's cabin is Vauxhall's all-new flat bottom steering wheel. Its diameter has been reduced from 370mm to 360mm compared with all other models in the Astra range, making the steering feel even more precise and direct. The handwheel's grip has been enhanced by packing supple sponge rubber around a magnesium/steel hybrid ring and then covering the entire wheel in premium, soft cross-stitched leather. The wheel is available with an optional heated rim, and features the VXR logo, as well as multi-function controls on its spokes.

Other VXR-specific features abound, including a unique sports gearlever and alloy-plated pedals with rubber studs for better foot grip. Glossy piano-black chronograph-inspired dial rings contrast against a satin-black background, while the wing-shaped upper instrument cluster flows back into the doors and armrests. Black headlining, VXR-branded floor mats, and door panel stitching in Arden Blue or Cool Pearl give the Vauxhall Astra VXR's interior a purposeful yet exclusive feel.

A new design of front sports seat, made with cutting-edge lightweight material is standard across the Vauxhall Astra VXR range. Mounted 17mm lower than in the Astra GTC (and 30mm lower than in an Astra Hatch) the seats give front occupants a heightened sense of connection with the car's chassis.

Made from a strong but agile polyamide/fibreglass composite, the seat shells are formed using an organic injection-molded sheet which due to its strength only needs to be 2mm thick, and contributes to a 45 per cent weight saving compared with a seat using a conventional shell.

All Astra VXRs get manually adjustable front seats trimmed in half Black Track cloth and half Morrocana fabric. However, two option packs are also available. The VXR Performance Seat Pack (£495) adds full electric adjustment, heated seats, a manually extendable front seat cushion and lumbar/side-bolster adjustment as part of a package that includes a total of 18 different seat settings.

A Full Leather Pack (£1150) is available, comprising the multi-adjustable electric seat with a high-quality leather finish, embossed with the VXR logo. Two versions of the leather seats are available, each of which has a vertical leather stripe in the centre, picked out in either Arden Blue stitching or a gloss leather with Cool Pearl stitching (with matching door panel stitching). The VXR logo is embossed into the upper part of the front seats, while the seat itself is perforated to provide an air circulation function.

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