Review - Vauxhall Insignia

Styling/Image

With its flowing lines and eye-catching details, the Insignia is a huge styling step forward over the Vectra it replaces. Both the hatchback and saloon share the same low-slung roofline, while Sports Tourer adds a practical estate rear end. It lacks the on road presence of a Ford Mondeo, but there’s no denying the Luton model is much more desirable than its predecessor. Buyers can choose from Exclusiv, S, SE, SRi and Elite versions. Alloy wheels are standard on all cars apart from sales rep special S.

Interior/Practicality

Climb aboard the Insignia and it’s immediately clear that Vauxhall is targeting premium rivals. The fit and finish are excellent, as is the quality of the materials. Our only cause for complaint is that accommodation in the rear is slightly cramped, with taller passengers struggling for headroom. All versions get air-con, cruise control and automatic lights. Satellite navigation comes as standard on Nav variants of each trim level. Keen drivers can pick the SRi, which gets sports suspension, heavily bolstered seats and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Engine/Performance

Pick of the engine line-up is the torquey 2.0-litre diesel engine. Available with either 128 or 158bhp, the oil-burner is a little unrefined on start up but serves-up strong mid-range urge and should deliver nearly 50mpg. Petrol fans have a choice of three units. Entry-level cars get a 138bhp 1.8-litre petrol that struggles with the Insignia’s 1,428kg kerbweight. Buyers wanting more performance have the choice of two turbocharged powerplants – a 217bhp 2.0-litre or automatic only 256bhp 2.8-litre V6. Both are available with a grippy four-wheel drive transmission, which helps the bigger motor slingshot from standstill to 62mph in just 6.7 seconds.

Driving experience

Few cars in the class are as refined as the Insignia. On the move, wind, road and engine noise are kept to a minimum, making the car an excellent long distance cruiser. But that’s not to say that driving fans will be disappointed. While it lacks the ultimate dynamic poise and polish of the Ford Mondeo, the Vauxhall displays reassuring composure in corners. SRi, SE and Elite versions are available with FlexRide adaptive damping as an extra cost option.

Costs

Take a look at the price lists and you’ll see that the Vauxhall actually undercuts many of its rivals, particularly if you plump for the sat-nav equipped models. The Insignia even manages to outperform mainstream competition when it comes to residuals, retaining around 35 percent of its value after three years. Cost conscious buyers should stick to the oil-burners, which will return up to 50mpg at the pumps and emit 154g/km of CO2.

Environment/Safety

The Insignia has already been tested by EuroNCAP and emerged with a solid five star rating. All models get six airbags and electronic stability control. Dig a little deeper in your pockets and you can specify adaptive headlamps, lane departure warning and an innovative speed limit recognition system. Eco-friendly motorists should avoid the thirsty 2.8-litre V6 models, which manages only 25mpg and churns out 272g/km.

Our Choice: Insignia Exclusiv 2.0 CDTi. On the road price: £15,601 - £27,497