HAVING taken aim at Audi and its A5 Cabriolet, Vauxhall has its crosshairs locked on the German marque again.

In the firing line this time is the Audi A6 allroad model – Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive estate model.

Vauxhall plans to launch a Country Tourer model in July this year, based on the Sports Tourer version of the New Insignia.

Details of the Country Tourer are scarce at the moment, but sources suggest it will have all-terrain ability, styling differentiators, and Vauxhall’s powerful 190PS bi-turbo diesel engine under the bonnet.

Specification will be based on Elite trim, so expect a plush and luxurious cabin with special alloys, state-of-the-art radar- and camera-based assistance systems (including adaptive cruise control and second-generation park assist), premium seats, and ‘Open & Start’, the keyless entry and start system.

The new Insignia goes on sale from 12 June, with first deliveries in October. The car will make its public debut at the Frankfurt Show in September. Expect the Country Tourer to also feature at Frankfurt with deliveries in early December.