Bedfordshire has played a vital role in development of the new Vauxhall Insignia, first pictures of which have been released today, April 18.

A significant contribution has been made by Vauxhall's Engineering Centre at Millbrook, where around 50 engineers have been closely involved in testing and finalising the new car's ride and handling.

Simon Hucknall, product communications manager for Vauxhall, said: "We are more and more coming to realise what appalling roads we have in the UK and we have various test routes around Beds that help us test out how the car performs on various roads surfaces and cambers.

"We figure if it can ride and handle well on these roads, they can perform well on any roads in Europe."

Vauxhall staff at the engineering centre make full use of Millbroook's extensive test facilities, which include a cambered high-speed test circuit and mile-long straight.

Simon added: "Our staff take the cars out on the roads, make tweaks here and there, try again, and that's the way it's done. It's seat of the pants stuff that just can't be done on a computer."

The Inisgnia, with its scuplted design and flowing silhouette, boasts all-wheel drive, active chassis and five engines available at launch and makes its world premiere in July at the British International Motor Show.

With its groundbreaking design and sophisticated technology, the new Insignia takes Vauxhall's new-found design language to another level. The premium styling of the new five-seater – initially available as a hatchback and saloon – clearly defines Vauxhall's philosophy of making advanced technology and attractive design affordable.

The body's sculpted shape is accented by sweeping front and rear light designs and enhanced by a bold radiator grille with a new-look Vauxhall griffin emblem. A distinctive "blade" feature runs from behind the front wheel along the side of the car, further emphasising its taut and rakish lines.

"We've redefined our design vocabulary," says Mark Adams, Vice President Design, GM Europe. "The Insignia is muscular, but lithe and curvaceous. Our aim was to develop a confident look which reinforced the car's superb driving dynamics, but also one that made it clear that this was a premium product, albeit still at a highly competitive price in its class."

Vauxhall's unique design language spreads into the cabin of the Insignia, bringing new levels of luxury, style and quality. The dashboard's top-pad wraps around from the instrument panel to the door, creating a unique wing-shape and embracing the occupants.

Ambient lighting, which will be featured in future Vauxhall models, radiates a warm, luxurious aura. Much emphasis has also been put into the development of the seats, which set the highest standards in ergonomics, comfort and safety.

Vauxhall's unique expertise in lighting technology is underpinned by the Insignia's latest generation AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting) system.

Nine different light beam settings automatically adjust themselves to cater for various driving conditions, simultaneously enhancing safety and driving pleasure. The distinctive styling signature of the front and rear light clusters adds to the Insignia's unique design.

"As each feature demonstrates, the Insignia is the result of our quest to develop a car that combines striking design, excellent driving dynamics and innovative technology," says Hans Demant, Vice President, Engineering for GM Europe. The further enhanced IDSPlus active chassis system helps the car adapt to prevailing driving conditions. The Insignia will be offered with front-wheel and all-wheel drive.

The new 'Adaptive 4X4' system's proactive, instantaneous torque distribution not only ensures optimal traction but also enhances dynamic handling performance.

The Insignia is available with five engines at launch. All meet the Euro 5 emissions standard and come with either manual or automatic six-speed transmissions. The three petrol engines range from a four-cylinder 140PS unit to a V6 with 260PS.

Two new 2.0-litre direct-injection diesel engines will be offered with power outputs of either 130PS or 160PS. In time, the Insignia engine line-up will be extended with an EcoFLEX version offering ultra-low CO2 emissions in addition to other, more powerful variants.

"The Insignia is one of our most ambitious projects to date, and we will be revealing the full extent of our technological progress when the car is officially launched at the British International Motor Show in London on July 22," said Andy Gilson, Marketing Director, Vauxhall Motors.

Vauxhall