Vauxhall will unveil its lighter, leaner new Insignia at the Geneva Motor Show next March; badged as the Insignia Grand Sport.

Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport

The newcomer is longer, lower and wider than the car it replaces, over an extended wheelbase which offers more cabin space than the car it replaces – coupe-like styling and upmarket materials were targets during development.

There are no details about engines yet, but expect these to include the familiar 1.6-litre ‘Whisper diesel’ units from the Astra as well as 1.4-litre and possibly 1.0-litre turbocharged petrols – the latter would be a contributor to the maximum 175kg weight saving over its predecessor. An eight-speed transmission and four-wheel drive will both be available.

It also gets the latest technology; a new version of the IntelliLux system likely to include Apple and Android connectivity, expanded OnStar functionality with a personal assistant service including booking of hotel rooms, and an upgraded IntelliLux LED matrix headlight system said to be quicker to respond and with twice as many segments.

The Insignia is one of three significant new product launches in 2017. Vauxhall is also launching the Crossland X and Grandland X SUVs, the latter likely to be positioned as an equivalent SUV to the Insignia Grand Sport.