Both the Insignia and Astra are due for facelifts in the next 12 months. The Astra will be seen first, with a Paris show unveiling scheduled this autumn. The Insignia will appear at the Geneva show next spring before going on sale around September 2013.
The significant change for the Insignia is the introduction of a new 1.6-litre turbodiesel, a ground-up new design that will replace the venerable 1.7-litre unit across the Vauxhall range.
Along with a smoother power delivery and quieter operation, the new 1.6 diesel is expected to significantly cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
This prototype covers up the other main changes: cosmetic tweaks to the nose and tail.
New-look headlamps and tail-lights that incorporate LED running lights, a revised grille and redesigned front and rear bumpers are understood to make up the new design.
Vauxhall made significant chassis and engineering changes to the Insignia in 2011, so underskin changes that accompany the 2013 facelift are understood to be minor.
