Vauxhall and sister Opel have unveiled the new Crossland X SUV and Insignia large car at the Geneva motor show, hoping that the two new models would earn headlines away from the uncertainty resulting from the sale of the two brands to PSA Group.
But the new cars are not likely to be the reason that the Vauxhall-Opel stand was one of the busiest of the show’s press day, as journalists from around the world clamoured to get more information about the impending takeover by PSA Group, which was only announced on Monday and remained one of the biggest talking points of the whole show.
- GM sells Vauxhall and Opel brands to PSA Group
- Read more Vauxhall news, reviews and features at The Car Expert
Ironically the Crossland X and its forthcoming larger sister the Grandland X are built by Vauxhall-Opel’s new owner – both are part of a joint project with PSA.
The Crossland X sits on the same platform as the Peugeot 2008 while the Grandland X is effectively a sister to the Peugeot 3008, named European Car of the Year on the eve of the show.
The Crossland X will replace the current Meriva in the Vauxhall line-up. It is 4.2 metres long, shorter than its currently on-sale Mokka X sister and 16cm under the Astra family hatch.
Two Insignia models debut
Set to become the new Vauxhall range-topper, the Insignia has been unveiled in both Grand Sport hatch and Sports Tourer estate versions.
The car is built on a completely new platform that Vauxhall says adds to the interior space while also improving the on-road performance.
Technology will feature heavily – LED matrix lighting, Lane Keep Assist, a Head-up Display and premium seats with front- and rear-seat heating and a heated windscreen are among the features that will b eon offer when the car goes on sale in the summer.
Vauxhall’s latest generation IntelliLink and OnStar systems are also on show in the car with the OnStar assistance service now offering new features including the ability to book hotel rooms and search for suitable parking spots via an OnStar Advisor.
