Opel's highly publicised Insignia has been opened up ahead of its launch with the release of the first official shots of its interior.

Highlights include chronometer-inspired instruments, use of high-quality fabrics and materials, and a unique instrument lighting system. But the most prominent element of the wrap around interior is the signature ‘wing’ that flows from the front instrument panel and dives into the door panels.

The surfaces from the exterior’s ‘blade’ feature are echoed in the shape of the interior grab handle, where the bright accent material sweeps into the door armrest.

The cabin's interior lighting gives Insignia a "night-time" appearance. Opel's designers have added a warm amber-coloured ambient light to enhance the night driving environment. The instrument cluster is illuminated white, but on pressing the 'Sport' button, the lighting turns red to match the surrounding illumination.

"This is a paradigm shift," says John Puskar, Executive Director of Interior Design at GM Europe. "We wanted to create interior environments for all our future vehicles that are warm, inviting and sporty. The Insignia is the first evidence of this philosophy."

But it's not just about lights; practicality plays a part too. The centre console features a space-liberating e-brake and separate multi-function control on certain models. The steering wheel and front seats have a range of adjustability to suit all shapes and sizes, while adjustable armrests, ergonomically placed controls, a multi-use storage box and MP3 connectivity are also part of the package.

"Every detail was meticulously thought through," says Jochen Werner, Insignia’s Assistant Chief Interior Designer. "We even tipped the infotainment centre at a 30 degree angle to allow the centre console to flow and give the car’s cabin a greater feeling of spaciousness."

Many of Insignia's interior design features will provide the DNA for future Opel designs as the company refines and evolves its new-found design language.