By Casey Williams
MyCarData

General Motors CEO Dan Akerson told Automotive News he would like to see the European Opel Cascada convertible and Opel Adam micro car in domestic Buick showrooms. It is also known the GM North America president Mark Reuss wants a flagship product for the near-luxury brand — something like a modern day Riviera.  In the meantime, I’m advocating for the Opel Insignia Country Tourer.
   
Due to be unveiled in Frankfurt this September, the Country Tourer is a high-riding, luxuriously-equipped all-wheel-drive wagon with SUV appeal.  It might remind you of the Subaru Outback, Audi allroad, or Volvo XC70 - exactly the kind of car that would complement the Buick Enclave, Encore, and GMC Terrain-based crossover in development.


   
Opel hints at turbocharged engine choices that include a 250 horsepower 2.0-liter direct injection gasoline unit or 2.0-liter BiTurbo diesel.  Why not the eAssist light hybrid system offered on the Regal for fuel economy north of 30-MPG? 

The sophisticated all-wheel-drive system can shift up to 100% of available power between the front and rear axles, as well as between the rear wheels.  Wheel torque constantly adjusts, depending on driving conditions.
   
The idea of offering the Country Tourer in the U.S. is not far-fetched since the Insignia is a near twin of the Buick Regal — a core product in Buick’s volume markets of the U.S. and China.  Complying with U.S. safety standards, an expensive endeavor could be the biggest barrier to entry.  With Saab and Volvo mostly out of the wagon market, there is room for a cool near-luxury wagon.  Hopefully, Mr. Akerson will add one to his list.