London, England - If I had a dollar for every automotive rumor I've heard, I could be retired now, living on my very own tropical island.
That's just how things go in the automotive world. Some times plans change and at other times, what you hear is simply fairy tales or wishful thinking. However, as I was in UK covering the British International Motor Show, I thought that I should check out the new Vauxhall Insignia just on the off chance that the rumor is true. (FYI: Vauxhall is the name given to GM in Britain, and it is known as Opel in Germany).
What a car! In fact, from what I saw on GM's British Vauxhall stand, I'd say, bring the entire lineup over right now, and be quick about it!!!
Honestly, if you thought that the Saturn Aura received high praise last year (N. American Car of the Year), and that the Saturn Astra did well this year (AJAC's Best Small Car), then you should see what we could be getting from Europe. Yes, the entire Opel/Vauxhall lineup is as good as those two, in fact theirs are even better!
The Saturn Astra which we get here is pretty much their base model. Take a look at the white Astra in our British Auto Show picture gallery to see what can be done to that model. The GM brand in the UK has a special Sports Division called VX-Racing who will happily provide you with performance and styling add-ons for your GM product. All of their wares are available through the local dealer network.
Honestly, the white Astra on the VX-R stand makes the VW GTI look like a Lada! (To current Astra owners, do yourself a favor a check out VX-Racing online. For the sake of a small shipping cost, you could own the coolest Astra around).
However, back to the Insignia...Our current Saturn Aura is based on the Opel Vectra/ Vauxhall Vectra which will now be replaced by the Insignia.
The Insignia lineup includes a choice of seven engines, 4 gasoline and 3 Diesel (although I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for the oil burners to arrive here. even if the Insignia does). Engine size ranges from a 1.6L 4 cylinder EcoTec to a 2.8L 6 cylinder Turbo EcoTec unit and all models carry either a 6 speed manual transmission or a 6 speed automatic unit. There is also an adaptive AWD system available.
That's just how things go in the automotive world. Some times plans change and at other times, what you hear is simply fairy tales or wishful thinking. However, as I was in UK covering the British International Motor Show, I thought that I should check out the new Vauxhall Insignia just on the off chance that the rumor is true. (FYI: Vauxhall is the name given to GM in Britain, and it is known as Opel in Germany).
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What a car! In fact, from what I saw on GM's British Vauxhall stand, I'd say, bring the entire lineup over right now, and be quick about it!!!
Honestly, if you thought that the Saturn Aura received high praise last year (N. American Car of the Year), and that the Saturn Astra did well this year (AJAC's Best Small Car), then you should see what we could be getting from Europe. Yes, the entire Opel/Vauxhall lineup is as good as those two, in fact theirs are even better!
The Saturn Astra which we get here is pretty much their base model. Take a look at the white Astra in our British Auto Show picture gallery to see what can be done to that model. The GM brand in the UK has a special Sports Division called VX-Racing who will happily provide you with performance and styling add-ons for your GM product. All of their wares are available through the local dealer network.
Honestly, the white Astra on the VX-R stand makes the VW GTI look like a Lada! (To current Astra owners, do yourself a favor a check out VX-Racing online. For the sake of a small shipping cost, you could own the coolest Astra around).
However, back to the Insignia...Our current Saturn Aura is based on the Opel Vectra/ Vauxhall Vectra which will now be replaced by the Insignia.
The Insignia lineup includes a choice of seven engines, 4 gasoline and 3 Diesel (although I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for the oil burners to arrive here. even if the Insignia does). Engine size ranges from a 1.6L 4 cylinder EcoTec to a 2.8L 6 cylinder Turbo EcoTec unit and all models carry either a 6 speed manual transmission or a 6 speed automatic unit. There is also an adaptive AWD system available.
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