What's the news?

Vauxhall has released the first images of the facelifted Insignia model that is set to take its bow at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. Revised looks and a restyled interior are complemented by a new range of engines with the standout unit being the 2.0-litre CDTi engine that offers a combination of 140hp and 99g/km.

Exterior

The styling of the new Insignia is meant to bring Vauxhall's flagship model closer to the German premium models it wants to vie for sales with. To that end a deeper front bumper gives the car a more aggressive, dynamic look while a new high-gloss chrome grille ramps the premium feel up. A redesigned wing motif houses the Vauxhall badge while also leading the eyes towards new headlights. 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 Insignia's C-pillar has received some attention to distinguish saloon and hatchback models with the crease line on the five-door models fading out before it reaches the spoiler to leave a 'coupé-like' silhouette. On the saloon this line continues to emphasise the car's length. At the rear new lights are bisected by a repositioned chrome bar and now feature LED bulbs as standard across the range.

Interior

Drivers will rejoice with the news that Vauxhall's button-heavy centre console has been simplified with 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.

An optional eight-inch colour touchscreen allows drivers to access all functions and sub-menus such as radio stations, song titles, smartphone connection or 3D navigation. Incorporating Bluetooth-operated internet connectivity, 3D navigation and voice control the touchscreen is fully compatible with a driver's smartphone allowing for unrivalled communications while on the move. A DMB (Digital Media Broadcast) radio is now standard across the range.

In addition to a redesigned centre console the instrument panel has also received a refresh with an
up to eight-inch high-resolution colour display. In addition to the classic readouts like speed, rpm and fuel level, further information on navigation, smartphone use and audio options are directly in the driver's line of sight and can be adjusted.

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 such as Energy and Tech Line that are designed to appeal to both retail and fleet buyers. Even in standard trim the Insignia is well equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and trip computer, Electronic Stability Control and an electric Park Brake fitted as standard.

Mechanicals

Much work has been carried out on the chassis of the new Insignia with damper and anti-roll bar settings revised for better ride and control, while the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system, 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.

The new Insignia range's powertrain line-up has been broadened with the addition of an all-new petrol engine and new derivatives of the existing 2.0 CDTi unit. The headline grabbing figure is the 99g/km emitted by both 120- and 140hp variants of the 2.0-litre CDTi diesel engine. Even the high power 163hp version fares well with emissions of 114g/km, equating to 65.7mpg combined, but performance hasn't been compromised, with even the 120- and 140hp models producing up to 320- and 370Nm of torque respectively, and the 163hp model up to 380Nm.

For company car drivers the 99g/km models drop into 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 170hp/280Nm that recently launched in the Cascada convertible, and the 2.0-litre SIDI, producing 250hp/400Nm. Both can be coupled with a six-speed manual transmission and stop-start function, or with a new, low-friction six-speed automatic gearbox. In addition to front-wheel drive, the 2.0-litre SIDI Turbo is also available with four-wheel drive.

Anything else?

Order books have now opened for the 2013 Insignia with first deliveries scheduled for October. 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.