2017 Opel Insignia spy pics

The likely replacement for the Australian-made Holden Commodore is edging closer to completion, as the clearest shots yet of the next-generation Opel Insignia prove.

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While there’s still plenty of disguise going on, the images do reveal front-end and side-flank elements in greater detail than ever, confirming the midsizer’s move towards a more angular shape compared to its 2008-vintage predecessor.

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The production Opel (and possibly US and China-market Buick Regal) versions are expected to have their world premiere within the next three months or so, with the Holden iteration hitting Australian shores straight after VF Commodore manufacturing ceases in the final quarter of next year.

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Also obvious from the prototype is the two-box hatchback silhouette, supporting speculation that there will be no Insignia sedan out of Germany this time around.

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As we’ve previously reported, keeping in mind that the Holden will be built by Opel, that possibly spells the end of the four-door Commodore.

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However, we hear that the Buick Regal that also uses the Opel hardware will be offered as a sedan, since North American and Chinese consumers demand four doors over five, so that situation may eventually change over time.

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Ford currently employs the same strategy with the existing Mondeo, which is made and very successfully marketed in the US and Canada as a Fusion sedan (but not wagon).

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Speaking of which, there will be an Insignia wagon (the body style most preferred by Western Europeans), so expect that to also lob in late next year at the same time as the sedan wearing the Lion badge.

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Judging by the modest wheels and lack of go-faster exhaust, this latest pre-production prototype appears to be a lowish-spec variant, probably with a turbo four-pot petrol or diesel engine driving the front wheels.

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That said there have been OPC Opel Performance Centre all-wheel drive flagships also hitting the test circuits recently. Will these also feature V6 power as per the soon-to-be-discontinued Holden Insignia VXR?

That would most closely fit the gaping hole left by the demise of the outgoing Commodore V8s. All will be revealed over the next few months, so keep watching this space.

Have spy pics of your own? We'd love to see them. Just email them to wheels@bauertrader.com.au