The Opel Insignia sacred Car of the Year

The tierce in order, is the verdict of Figaro, a panel member who sacred yesterday, with 58 jurors from 23 European countries, the Opel Insignia "Car of the Year 2009". Collecting 321 points, ahead of it, with the smallest gap ever recorded since the inception of the prize in 1964, the excellent Ford Fiesta (320 points). Two years ago, a gap of two points had separated the Opel Corsa, which had finally inclined to the ... Ford S-Max. Already the same protagonists. Last year's ranking was more neoretro welcomed the concept of the Fiat 500 which had replaced the Mazda 2. But this model chassis ready today ... the new Fiesta. Cited to twenty times - ahead of the Ford, (cited nineteen times - the Opel Insignia umbrella pole in a Fiesta yet announced as a major favorite. But this time, the kind of complex anime number of jury members, who are reluctant to crown a car too large and too expensive, was swept by the elements contained in the catalog's technical Insignia. Our readers already know everything, including the impressive technological trappings of a car sold in three Body (four or five doors and break), with two or four-wheel drive, a wide range of modern engines to 4 and 6 cylinders and refinements that affect led to the suspension or the automatic reading road signs. The "Opel Eye" is also able to detect differences trajectory of a driver asleep. A vintage medium Faced with this deployment of resources, easier to integrate on a car of this range, the Ford Fiesta is quite resilient but lacked decisive technological innovations. His best asset, chassis, very successful and dynamic devil, was not a surprise: it draws its inspiration from that of the Mazda 2. In third place, but far behind is the Volkswagen Golf (223 points), disappointing by its classicism displayed but distinguished by mechanical first class who left behind the entire competition. It certainly lacked such assets in the Renault Megane. It is in the seventh and final position of appointees (121 points). Before it s'intercalent, in order, another French Citroen C5, which runs (198 points) at the foot of the podium, the Alfa Romeo Mito (148 points) and the Skoda Superb (144 points). The mere enumeration of these models shows that the final selection was nothing revolutionary car, which makes 2009 a vintage way. It is surprising and not to have included a Toyota IQ, but the Japanese failed to comply with time at a critical rule to be eligible: be marketed in five countries at least at the time of selections. Others were not selected among the finalists, as the new BMW 7 Series, yet wrapped technology, arguing that its reserve position to a limited clientele. It is undoubtedly true in absolute terms, but we must recognize merit that the upper end of the experiment technological advances and lower production costs to be subsequently disseminated to all models. In this very troubled period for the automotive industry, the coronation of an Opel, European division of GM group, is a significant breath of hope. It should not be misused GM then that price by a future Saab Swedish version of Insignia. A disastrous marketing badge that has contributed to widening losses in the United States and would be assassin for the Swedish brand, then emptied its contents.