Frankfurt Motor Show 2013: Vauxhall facelifts Insignia

Vauxhall has given the Insignia, its large family car, a mid-life overhaul and it's on the firm's stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Changes include enhanced exterior styling and improved cabin and new engine options, bringing the emissions of the cleanest 120PS and 140PS 2.0-litre diesel engines down to 99g/km.

The range also gets new petrol engines with 170PS or 250PS. Prices start at £16,279 and order books are open – first deliveries are due in October 2013.

Externally the new Insignia gets redesigned headlights, a tweaked grille, new running lights and a redesigned rear similar to that seen on the new Cascada convertible, complete with chrome strip stretching between the LED rear light clusters. Two new shades of green have been added to the colour palette.

Inside there is a completely redesigned centre console with fewer buttons, which should make life easier for drivers. The instrument binnacle features new dials and, as an option, an eight-inch touchscreen is offered which features sat-nav, media and smartphone connectivity.

The engine range consists of three diesels with 120PS, 140PS and 163PS and two new petrol engines – a 1.6-litre with 170PS and a 2.0-litre with 250PS, the latter of which can be specified with all-wheel drive. Both the 120PS and 140PS diesel engines have been tweaked to reduce emissions to 99g/km, meaning VED band A and a BIK rate of 14 per cent for company car drivers.

The range features a huge eight trim levels, but equipment is generous across the boards. All models feature DAB radio, Bluetooth, LED running lights, electric drivers’ seat adjustment, electric parking brake, climate control, automatic headlights and electric windows.

The starting price for the entry-level Design model is £16,279 on the road, while the top Elite model is priced from £21,379 on the road. Order books are open and deliveries are due in October.