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2009 Vauxhall Insignia Joins the Police

The British version of the 2009 European Car of the Year, the Vauxhall Insignia, got a major makeover these days to become no less than a police car. And not one, but three versions will be offered to police fleets across the UK.

For high speed chases, Vauxhall Insignia will be powered by either a 2.0l 220 horsepower turbocharged engine or by an even bigger 2.8l 260 horsepower unit. For low speed patrol missions, on the other hand, the 2.0l CDTi 160 horsepower is just enough. Of course, a number of body styles are available, including the Sports Tourer.

We believe the Insignia gives us a great opportunity for the UK Police vehicle market,” Dick Ellam, GM UK Manager said in a release “Already we’ve had a great response from professional police drivers, who have compared its performance and handling characteristics to those of more expensive premium-badged vehicles used by some forces. In these tough economic times, when Police forces are spending public money, this makes the Insignia an even more appealing option.

Being a police car, the Insignia needs special equipment. And it got it. The new police cars are fitted with Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) cameras, Automatic Numberplate Recognition (ANPR) system, roof lightbar with 360 blues, side alley lamps, sirens and full comms radio equipment.

Vauxhall also provides the UK police with other model-based vehicles, including commercial ones. It also offers applications for other emergency services like ambulances, high-speed paramedic response and support vehicles for fire brigades.

The prices for the police intended Vauxhall Insignia have not been released, but given the fact that they are not meant for private use, this will not affect us as much.
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About the author: Daniel Patrascu
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Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
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