SUVs and crossovers may be all the rage today, but GM isn’t ready to give up on the still going strong mid-size segment and is preparing a common replacement for the Buick Regal and its European brethren, the Opel / Vauxhall Insignia.

There’s also word on the street that the Regal and Insignia twins that have undergone a growth spurt could morph into the 2018 Holden Commodore, either in the same or a revised form, but the Australians, who will end production of the current, RWD Commodore next year, have yet to confirm this. Will the Aussies embrace it with open arms, if they go for a simple re-badge? Only time will tell.

Now, although Opel’s previous mid-size offerings have been a bit hit-and-miss in the past, smacked with the horrid Vectra brush, the current Insignia model that is sold Stateside as a re-badged Buick Regal, is one of the better products on the market and the sales reflect that.

A Sleeker, Opel-Centric Design:

From prototypes caught testing on both sides of the Atlantic, we know that, like their current siblings, the next Insignia and Regal are one and the same. However, it remains to be seen if Opel and Vauxhall offer both a classic four door sedan and a five-door fastback with a more slanted roofline in addition to a station wagon edition. Buick will almost certainly get the sedan body style, but it could expand the range later on.

Either way, GM’s mid-size model draws inspiration from Opel’s Monza Concept, featuring sleek styling, with a tapered, semi-floating roofline – a design theme initiated in the latest Adam B-segment car and the C-segment Astra.

Up front, styling is dominated by silver intake surrounds flanking the lower corners and a chrome highlighted grille. The side profile features lower door scollops and a crisp shoulder line.

Platform & Interior:

Based on GM’s E2XX front-wheel-drive, mid-size platform, the upcoming car is tipped to lose up to 200kg/440 lbs, according to some reports, making it more nimble and fuel efficient. What’s even more remarkable given the weight-loss is that it’s expected to considerably grow in size, by as much as 6 inches in length.

A longer wheelbase will improve interior packaging, benefitting rear passenger space, while the boot will grow, thanks to the extra overall length.

The interior is said to mimic the latest Malibu, so cue diagonal dash styling, chrome/alloy-framed air vents, instrument cluster and a large central infotainment touchscreen.

What Will Power It:

Front wheel drive will be standard, with the option of AWD possible in most markets. There’s not much information on the powertrains at this point, but expect an assortment of 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engines and possibly, a hybrid unit, with Europe and other markets outside North America getting plenty of diesels too.

A new Opel OPC / Vauxhall VXR and Buick GS variant is said to be in the works sporting a new turbocharged V6 and all-wheel-drive.

Naturally, if the Regal / Insignia turn into the next Holden Commodore, angry chants will reverberate from our Aussie and Kiwi readers, as unlike the departing Commodore, there will be no V8 (yes, insert Mad Max-style riots here).

Those Mid-size Opponents:

In Europe, the Opel / Vauxhall Insignia’s closest competitor is the Ford Mondeo. Then there is the equally impressive new VW Passat, Skoda Superb, Mazda 6, Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata, while it may also attempt to tap into buyers of the lower priced versions of premium offerings like BMW’s 3-series, Jaguar XE and Volvo S60.

A higher-riding Country Tourer version – similar to Subaru’s Outback and VW Passat Alltrack, should join the range after a year or two.

In North America, the Buick Regal will be positioned closer to the likes of Lincoln’s MKZ, itself based on the Ford Mondeo / Fusion, and the Acura TLX, while also trying its luck against some versions of German premium pack.

An official reveal for the Opel Insignia is tipped for the 2016 Paris Motor Show in October, with European sales starting early 2017. Buick’s version, the Regal, should appear next year.

So, what are your thoughts on the next Insignia / Regal? Will everyone appreciate its Euro styling?

By Josh Byrnes

Photo Renderings Copyright Carscoops / Josh Byrnes

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