Opel is planning a high-riding version of its sleek and sporty Insignia estate model which is scheduled to break cover at the upcoming Frankfurt car show in mid-September.

The five-door Insignia Country Tourer will come with four-wheel-drive as standard equipment in a practical package that owes much to the concept pioneered by the rival Volvo XC70 shooting-brake. The car rides two centimetres higher than the standard estate model, offering improved ground clearance over tracks and rougher road surfaces.

Off-road visuals, with matt black trim along the flanks and around the wheel arches distinguish the County Tourer from its less adventurous stablemate.

The range of engines includes a petrol unit with 250 horsepower along with two diesels offering 163 or 195 horses. Prices are expected to start at around 37,000 euros ($ 47,615).

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