Opel Insignia CrossFour (Review)

We start from the price. The increase in capacity and equipment of ' Insignia CrossFour shall ensure that the cost of this version is at least of 4,000 € * more expensive than a conventional Insignia Sports Tourer. It is a large investment (at least € 35,155 *), but strongly recommended for those who attended and snow roads, unpaved, mud, or who simply want greater security in a moderate off-road conditions.

As part of the standard dell'allestimento "Sports", the customer will find two diesel engines, a 160 bhp 2.0 CDTi and 2.0 CDTi ilnuovo Biturbo with 195 hp. Both engines include FlexRide adaptive damping, the system start / stop, six-speed manual transmission and rear differential lock. Only the 160 hp engine can be combined with an automatic transmission, also six speed.

The most interesting aspects of this version focuses on the four exhaust pipes (which were made by Imrscher tuners), the wheel arches and bumpers finished in matte gray, as well as aluminum caps placed on the back and front.

Opel has already sold the new Insignia family member. This is an off-road version of its sedan for excellence that not only adds aesthetic elements to the body, but also the four-wheel drive system, a rear limited slip differential and the last twin-turbo engine from Rüsselsheim ...

In this way, Opel offers an alternative to off-road sedans such as the Skoda Scout Audi Allroad 4x4 or future Volkswagen Passat Alltrack.

* Prices refer to the Spanish market.

Review : Opel Astra GTC

More than a simple review of the five-door version, the Opel Astra GTC which debuts in January represents the commitment of the German mark in a sporty coupe and more focused on driving pleasure.

While endorsing the platform with the five-door version, the Astra GTC has only three pieces derived from his 'brother': antenna, door handles and outer layers of the mirrors. Likewise, its dimensions were also revised, with the wheelbase extended by 10 mm (2695 mm), wider track (40 mm front and 30 mm rear) and reduced ground clearance between 10 and 15 mm.

The GTC is differentiated by specific arrangements of chassis and suspension, which is highlighted by the debut in the Astra range HiPerStrut high performance suspension (derived from the Insignia OPC) for the front axle, while behind was maintained Watt torsion beam, while working for better handling. In this regard, you can still rely on technology FlexRide (€ 750), electronic chassis control, with modes Standard, Tourer and Sport. Inside, especially new coatings and trunk with 380 liters.

At launch the available 1.4 Turbo petrol engines (140 hp) for € 25 100 and 1.6 Turbo (180 hp) for € 26 600 and a diesel variant, with the block of 165 hp 2.0 CDTI, for € 32 700. In the spring of 2012 will reach the most affordable 130-hp 1.7 CDTI and the high-end OPC 2.0 Turbo with 280 hp gasoline