Feature Spotlight: Opel Insignia Seats Are Cool For Your Back

In the top-of-the-line Opel Insignia, Opel offers a ventilated premium leather seat that carries the Action for Healthy Backs (AGR) approval. Especially comfortable in the summer, akin to how heated seats take the bite out of a winter morning, these chairs have a fine flow of air that eliminates hot leather seats from summer’s short list of drawbacks. They are available in perforated black or beige leather with the aforementioned ventilation that reduces moisture at contact points between the driver and the seat without uncomfortable drafts.

The AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken) is a group of medical professionals comprised of doctors, therapists, and specialists from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. They certify any number of consumer goods and have only approved seats in one other auto manufacturer. Core to the AGR’s ideals is the amount of time people spend sitting down. Height, along with the ability to adjust seats appropriately, become of utmost importance.

The seats include 270 millimeters fore/aft and 65 millimeters top/bottom adjustments on the Insignia – a best in class for each dimension. The base structure of the seat can adapt to the natural curve of a person’s spine via electric power lumbar and – according to the AGR – these extreme measurements enable the Insignia to accommodate any body size, especially when combined with the adjustable steering wheel. As you would expect, the seat back tilts independently from the cushion, which also tilts and has built-in extenders and seat pressure distribution. All of these features guarantee a comfortable driving position for the driver and front passenger. Head restraints are height- and tilt-adjustable to reduce whiplash in the event of a collision.

The AGR certification is another feather in the hat for GM’s European arm, which took great strides with the Insignia and new Astra towards becoming a stronger competitor with Germany’s worldwide brands such as Audi and BMW. The seats have features and caché that other brands simply can’t compete with in the class. In fact, the seats are also available on the Astra and new Meriva and are the only back-friendly seat in their respective segments.

So, if you’re looking to get yourself into one of these seats, they’re part of the premium package on the Insignia, which costs €2,100 and is available with Sport and Innovation trim levels. The AGR-certified seats are also offered without ventilation for €390, or €295 when ordered in addition to the passenger seat. These prices and availability are the same for the Opel Astra and new Meriva. The driver’s seat is standard in the Insignia and Astra sport models.