After the success of the Mokka compact crossover, which is sold stateside as the Buick Encore, Opel is adding another crossover to its lineup. The Insignia, the sister model of the Buick Regal, will be offered as the Country Tourer. Think of it as a brother-in-spirit of the Audi Allroad, the Volvo XC70, and the Subaru VX Crosstrek.
Visually, the Insignia Country Tourer is differentiated from the standard station wagon by its increased ground clearance, rugged-looking plastic appliqués, fender flares, larger front air intakes, and larger exhaust tips. The powertrain choices are taken from the Insignia’s sizeable parts bin: Opel will offer a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel with either 161 or 192 horsepower, and a 247-hp, 2.0-liter gasoline four. Transmission choices are limited to a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic; shifting duties in the diesel will be handled by the auto only. All three versions come with Opel’s all-wheel-drive system, which uses a Haldex clutch.
- First Drive: 2014 Buick LaCrosse
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- Instrumented Test: 2013 Buick Encore FWD / AWD
The Insignia Country Tourer is another positive sign of life at GM’s ailing German subsidiary. The Mokka has demonstrated that the crossover approach works; the Insignia Cross Tourer is a clear move upmarket. Think what you like of these vehicles, they are wildly popular with affluent customers in Europe. What’s more, they’re still technically station wagons, which is a bonus. So will there be a Regal Country Tourer down the road? There’s no clear indication either way right now, but we’re not holding our breath. With a new Buick chief designer in the wings, however, the brand could take this new and more youthful direction.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/kU4ERF0F-sg/
Ralph Dale Earnhardt Sr Ralph Dale Earnhardt Jr Carl Michael Edwards III William Clyde Elliott
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