All-new Vauxhall Insignia interior – official first shots

The all-new Vauxhall Insignia mid-sized D-segment saloon has encompassed an innovative new design language, and applied it to core interior aspects as these - the first official pictures to be released - clearly illustrate.

High quality fabrics and materials run amok in the three trim levels available in the Insignia - Elegance, Cosmo and Sport - as you'd expect in a premium saloon, yet it's Vauxhall's delving into new touchy-feely territories that really make the Insignia stand apart as it prepares to face up to the Honda Accord, Citroen C5, Renault Laguna, old adversary, the new Ford Mondeo and even the seminal BMW 3-series.

The mainstay of the Insignia's cabin is the all-consuming dashboard which, by visibly tapering off into the door elevations, create a cockpit-like feel for front seat occupants. Vauxhall has dubbed it a 'wing' feature, and suggest that such fluency seeks to determine and enhance the relationship between the primary dash element - incorporating the critical instrumentation panel – and the door panels in which it appears to stream effortlessly into.

Elsewhere, and taking the styling cue from an aesthetic nuance first witnessed in the Insignia's exterior, the so-called 'Blade' characteristic is reflected in the interior grab handle, where the clarity of the accent material sweeps arrestingly into the door armrest.

To the instrumentation furnishings, and the initial impression of the actual dashboard is immediately lineamental, with chronometer-inspired faces stealing your attentions, and through them as a matter of course, the introduction of a unique illumination system, never previously seen on a Vauxhall model.

Instilling a compelling, almost twilight appearance to the cabin space, Vauxhall's designers have formulated a distinctive, amber-coloured interior envelopment which they believe brings another dimension to night-driving environs.

Naturally, the instrument cluster streaks a conventional white light as is found under normal interior lighting circumstances, yet by pressing the 'Sport' button the luminosity systematically adopts a chameleon-like tendency, and turns amber to blend with the surrounding ambience.

Vauxhall Insignia creates new interior DNA

A warmth and almost subconscious invitational draw to the Insignia's confines are the predominant philosophies that Vauxhall is hoping to establish and convey, firstly in this all-new Insignia, then mimicked by successive models throughout its entire range, engendering a sense of DNA.

Aside from this zen-like ideology creeping into Vauxhall's new product portfolio, it's also concentrating on what it does best with car interiors. Offering class-leading practicality and versatility.

Therefore both the steering wheel and front seats are comprehensibly adjustable, the centre console is accessible and well-laid (out as well as pleasing on the eye) and innovative accouterments such as e-brake, independent multi-functionary controls and the obligatory infotech-connectivity present themselves in selected models.

"Every detail was meticulously thought through,” says Jochen Werner, Insignia’s Assistant Chief Interior Designer. “We even tipped the infotainment centre at a 30 degree angle to allow the centre console to flow and give the car’s cabin a greater feeling of spaciousness.”

The Vauxhall Insignia will debut at the British International Motor Show in July this year, and find its way to UK Vauxhall showroom by the end of 2008.