Photo: Vauxhall
A rebadged Chevrolet Spark and a station wagon with General Motors underpinnings. There were multiple reports in the British media that Vauxhall would drop the Viva and Insignia Sports Tourer, and as expected, the two models were discontinued for the 2020 model year.
In other words, the Corsa and Corsa-e with Groupe PSA underpinnings are the smallest cars Vauxhall offers while the Insignia soldiers on as the Grand Sport in the United Kingdom. Adding to the confusion, the old-generation Corsa with three- and five-door body styles is still available to order from 11,735 and 14,025 pounds, respectively. The newcomer is a bit more expensive at £15,550 while the Corsa-e levels up to £29,990 before the plug-in grant.
Known as the Opel Karl in other European markets, the Vauxhall Viva had to go for obvious reasons. Dwindling sales and small profit margins come to mind, and in comparison to segment rivals like the Volkswagen up! and Kia Picanto, the Viva is an extremely bad choice at this price point.
Mid-sized passenger cars are not so hot either, with even Volkswagen struggling to make ends meet with the Passat as previous owners flock to crossovers and SUVs. To this effect, the Germans will switch production to Turkey from 2022 at a facility where the Skoda Superb will also be made.
Insignia sales more than halved in the last decade, and given the limited engine-transmission choices and customization possibilities, we’re not exactly surprised. The Insignia is the final Opel and Vauxhall nameplate developed with General Motors know-how and money, and the switch to Group PSA underpinnings started with the introduction of the Crossland X in 2017.
A focus on electrification and crossovers is the name of the game at Vauxhall and Opel, in addition to increased synergies with Citroen, Peugeot, and DS Automobiles. In a few years’ time, we expect the Insignia to transition to the same vehicle architecture as the elegant Peugeot 508.
Known as the Opel Karl in other European markets, the Vauxhall Viva had to go for obvious reasons. Dwindling sales and small profit margins come to mind, and in comparison to segment rivals like the Volkswagen up! and Kia Picanto, the Viva is an extremely bad choice at this price point.
Mid-sized passenger cars are not so hot either, with even Volkswagen struggling to make ends meet with the Passat as previous owners flock to crossovers and SUVs. To this effect, the Germans will switch production to Turkey from 2022 at a facility where the Skoda Superb will also be made.
Insignia sales more than halved in the last decade, and given the limited engine-transmission choices and customization possibilities, we’re not exactly surprised. The Insignia is the final Opel and Vauxhall nameplate developed with General Motors know-how and money, and the switch to Group PSA underpinnings started with the introduction of the Crossland X in 2017.
A focus on electrification and crossovers is the name of the game at Vauxhall and Opel, in addition to increased synergies with Citroen, Peugeot, and DS Automobiles. In a few years’ time, we expect the Insignia to transition to the same vehicle architecture as the elegant Peugeot 508.
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