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

New Mazdas at double

It's not only Mitsubishi and Subaru which are expanding their sports car ranges... Mazda is, too. Confirming our story back in Issue 960, the company is targeting Vauxhall’s forthcoming Insignia VXR and even the BMW M3 with a Mazda Performance Series (MPS) version of its popular 6. And as you can see from our picture of the hatchback, the MPS will be a head-turner, with new spoilers, large air intakes, lowered side skirts and bigger alloy wheels. It’s believed that the model will use a turbocharged version of the 6’s all-new 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, pumping out around 280bhp, so it will have the punch to back up the looks.

Like the previous-generation 6 MPS, there will be four-wheel drive, stiffened and lowered suspension and uprated brakes. The car will cover 0-60mph in six seconds, with a top speed limited to 155mph. Mazda is expected to take the wraps off a concept version at October’s Paris Motor Show, where bosses will gauge public reaction. The production model should arrive in 2010. However, unlike its predecessor, which was available only as a saloon, the firm has plans for estate, coupé and cabriolet MPS variants, as well as the hatch.
And Mazda is also readying a hot hatch version of the 2 supermini. Complete with a sporty bodykit, the 2 MPS (in red) goes on sale in late 2009. There’s no word yet on what engine it will have, but it’s thought to be a turbo variation on the existing 1.5-litre petrol with more than 170bhp. Factor in sporty suspension, and it’s a real rival for the Vauxhall Corsa VXR.Source

Vauxhall VXR8

The powerhouse Vauxhall VXR8 is about to get even faster – and this time, it has the storming V10-engined Audi RS6 firmly in its sights. The Luton brand is currently finalising plans to offer a new 7.0-litre version of its supercar-chasing saloon, which will be based on the Australian Holden HSV unveiled at last month’s Melbourne Motor Show. And the British bruiser is expected to be badged the W427 when it arrives in UK dealers in September, carrying a price tag of around £55,000. Although neither Holden nor Vauxhall has revealed a power output for the new machine, unconfirmed reports from Australia claim the engine – which is borrowed from the latest Corvette Z06 – will deliver a massive 570bhp and 640Nm of torque to the rear wheels. As a result, the car would cover 0-60mph in around 4.5 seconds, and go on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. These performance figures would put the four-door in the same territory as the RS6, BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG. As with the 6.0-litre standard model, the newcomer has been engineered by Tom Walkinshaw Racing – hence the use of the letter W in the new W427 name.

The motorsport expert will also prepare the car for British roads with bespoke suspension settings. Australian models get General Motors’ latest Magnetic Ride Suspension, but top brass have yet to confirm whether UK versions will be equipped with the same system.A spokesman for Vauxhall told Auto Express; “We are in the early stages with development. The car is going to feature a number of components developed from the racing version, and we need to make sure that everything is tested properly before customer deliveries start.”Source

Vauxhall Agila 1.2 club

Small cars with economical engines and low emissions are big news right now – and that’s just perfect for Vauxhall’s all-new Agila.The fresh model is completely different to its boxy predecessor, and looks set to be a genuine contender in the city car class. We’ve already been impressed with it on European roads (Issue 1,000), so we couldn’t wait to try it on congested British streets.The outgoing Agila was essentially a rebadged Suzuki Wagon R+, and the new model is following on in that trend, because it’s almost identical to Suzuki’s recently launched Splash.It still boasts five doors, but within a shell that’s easier on the eye, with a more aerodynamic profile. Inside, there are sharp, two-tone colour schemes and neat touches such as a MINI-style rev counter sprouting from the dashboard on all but entry-level Expression models. However, the hard plastic trim takes the gloss off the overall effect.The cabin is designed to appeal not only to traditional Agila buyers, but also a new, younger and – according to the marketing types – mainly female audience. However, the attention to details falls down in one area, as activating the indicator stalk produces an irritatingly loud audio tone.

Longer

The new Agila is 20cm longer than its predecessor at slightly more than 3.7 metres. Yet it offers a surprising amount of room inside, particularly in the back, where two adults can travel in comfort. The rear is likely to be used by younger passengers, though, so three seats and belts are provided.The boot is comparable with its competitors’, and Club and Design models include a useful false floor. They also get a 60/40 split fold rear seat, which extends carrying capacity when flat to a handy 1,050 litres.There are three engines to choose from. The 64bhp 1.0-litre petrol and the 74bhp 1.3-litre diesel sit right on the 120g/km limit for reduced road tax. However, Vauxhall expects the 85bhp 1.2-litre petrol to account for most sales, and in manual form it returns CO2 emissions of 31g/km.It’s not hard to see why the bigger engine will be the most popular choice, because the 1.0-litre unit is merely adequate, and the diesel (a first in the Agila range) is simply too expensive. The 1.3-litre CDTI is borrowed from the Corsa supermini, and the 74bhp unit is sluggish when compared with the lively 1.2 petrol powerplant.It’s out on the road where the new Agila has made most progress. While the old car was basic transport, it’s now very easy – and fun – to drive, whether on city streets or twisting country routes. The four-cylinder petrol engine is eager, if a bit loud on the motorway, and the gearshift on manual cars is slick and assured.The cheapest Agila is the 1.0-litre Expression at £7,595, but you need to pay £8,895 for a 1.2-litre Club to get extra kit including six airbags, instead of four, MP3 capability on the stereo and electric windows.Vauxhall expects this will prove to be the most popular trim level in the line-up, and it also includes steering wheel audio controls and heated electric door mirrors.However, if you’re going to add all the toys, it’s worth looking instead at the Suzuki Splash. It works out cheaper than the Vauxhall, particularly when you factor in the Electronic Stability Program, which is standard on the Japanese car, yet a £400 option on the Agila. But the Vauxhall is still an excellent choice with plenty of appeal for small car buyers.

• Rating:

RIVAL: VW Fox
The Fox lacks the visual appeal of the Agila, but it’s bigger and its four-seat layout makes for impressive interior room. It’s also solidly built with effective, economical engines and good road manners for a comparable price. Its residuals are also likely to be better than the Agila’s.Source

Vauxhall Meriva

The new Vauxhall Meriva has hit the road! Our spies caught the supermini-MPV winter testing. And despite the eye-boggling disguise, it’s clear that the prototype is almost identical to the concept version that starred at the Geneva Motor Show. Engineers have tried hard to cover up the car’s side profile and back end, and focused much of the camouflage on the newcomer’s rear-hinged FlexDoors. Also hidden is the distinctive kink that appears along the window line.

Elsewhere, the influence of the car displayed on the stands is clear to see. It shares the same steeply raked front end, short overhangs and upright tail. The high roofline and wheel-at-each-corner stance allow for a spacious interior that will easily seat five adults.Deep under the disguise lies a stretched version of the Corsa platform. The latest supermini is also the source of all the Meriva’s mechanicals, enabling Vauxhall to offer a wide range of engines. These include the smooth and punchy 1.3 and 1.7-litre CDTI diesels, as well as a fire-breathing 189bhp 1.6-litre petrol turbo for the range-topping VXR model. And all variants will be equipped with fuel-saving stop-start technology.
The Meriva is scheduled to go on sale in UK showrooms early in 2009.Source

Vauxhall Insignia

As the new Vauxhall family car gets ready for its summer debut, teaser pictures are flooding out.

They're spy shots, but not as we know them!
These are the first official pictures of the Vectra replacing family car, the Insignia. Our spies have been snapping the saloon and hatchback models out on test for months, but these images are taken inside the design studio.

Along with two undisguised images of the Insignia's headlamps and grille, the we can see designers applying tape and cladding to a production ready model.

It's clear the Insignia is going to be far more stylish than the current Vectra. When it goes on display at the British Motor Show in July it will feature a brand new Vauxhall badge.Source

Ford Focus : Buyer's Guide

When the second-generation Focus arrived in late 2004, it didn’t create the same stir as the 1998 original – but don’t let that put you off. Improv­ing significantly on its superb predecessor was always going to be tough, yet Ford still managed it. The MkII is more roomy and refined, with a better cabin, and it’s just as good to drive.

History
the model hit showrooms in Septem­ber 2004, offering a choice of three or five-door hatch, saloon and estate bodystyles. Engine options ranged from a 1.4-litre petrol up to a 2.0-litre diesel, but buyers had to wait until March 2006 for the 1.8-litre petrol.In September 2005, the fabulous Focus ST arrived, with a thirsty 221bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine. A face­lifted version of the latest model has also just appeared in UK dealers.

What to look for
Odd clicking noises on the 1.6 auto can be traced to the path of the gear­shift control cable, although re-routing it is a simple and permanent fix. If you are buying a basic Focus, ensure the seats offer enough support, as higher-spec models have heavier bolstering.
At the other end of the spectrum, if you buy a top-of-the-range variant fitted with big wheels, check the ride isn’t too firm. Even 17-inch alloys on low-profile tyres can affect the ride comfort, so take any potential buy for a thorough test drive on broken surfaces before parting with your cash.If you are considering a CC coupé-cabrio model (from 2006 onwards), take it through a car wash to see if any water gets into the cabin, and make sure the roof works. All sorts of sealing problems with the mechanism have been reported – and resolving them hasn’t been straightforward.

Alternatives
the great-value Vauxhall Astra is the Focus’s main rival, and there are thousands available. Mazda’s 3 shares its underpinnings with the Ford, so it is worth a look, while other key rivals are also Japanese, in the shape of Toyota’s Corolla and the Honda Civic. While you’ll buy the Toyota for its unfailing reliability, the Civic’s talented chassis and strong build make it a great all-rounder. VW’s Golf is another option, but it’s more pricey than the Focus.Source

Vauxhall Corsa VXR 888 : First Drive

It’s tough for car makers to launch a performance car brand. If you don’t believe us, just ask Vauxhall. While the firm might not admit it, the introduction of its VXR badge has been anything but plain sailing.Despite pouring millions of pounds into winning the British Touring Car Championship with the 2007 Vectra, and developing one of the most comprehensive ranges of performance cars available, the VXR logo still doesn’t have the impact of its rivals.Badges such as Volkswagen’s GTI, Ford’s RS and ST and even Subaru’s STI still have greater reach. But hats off to Vauxhall, because the firm has vowed it’s not going to give up the battle just yet. And the Corsa VXR 888 is the next step as it attempts to establish itself as a major force.Developed purely to help bolster the credibility of the brand, the model’s specification reads like a boy racer’s Christmas wish list. With a tuned engine pumping out an astonishing 225bhp, the Corsa is easily the most powerful model available in the class.And this is no wolf in sheep’s clothing. Vauxhall hasn’t missed a single opportunity to trumpet its supermini’s giant-killing pace. There are black alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile tyres with crazy tread patterns. Blue brake calipers grip grooved brake discs, while further up, the bodywork is adorned with wings and air vents.The lowered suspension puts it close to the tarmac, but the Flame Red paintwork, which offers a dramatic contrast to the black wheels, ensures the car looks as if it’s riding even closer to the ground.Inside, new bucket seats are the biggest change to the standard VXR’s already neat and stylish cabin. The driving position offers plenty of adjustability, and the chairs are very comfortable – despite their extreme design. Twist the ignition key, and the final piece of the 888’s package of enhancements makes its presence felt.A new exhaust system, designed by specialist firm Remus, is certainly louder than standard, but at low revs its note is menacing, rather than unpleasantly noisy. Head out on to the road, and the newcomer lives up to its billing as one of the most extreme road cars Vauxhall has built.Its looks certainly turn heads, but it’s that exhaust note that really grabs people’s attention. From 4,000rpm, its purposeful growl turns into a roar, punctuated only by a rally car-style crackle on gearchanges.Power delivery is best described as sudden. Floor the throttle, and in truth not much happens, but once the turbo picks up, lag gives way to an avalanche of torque, all of which seems to arrive at around 3,000rpm.However, despite the firecracker exhaust note and uneven delivery, the car’s road manners are not quite as wild as you might imagine. Although the ride is firm, it’s not harsh, and even though the huge power is fed through the front wheels, there’s nowhere near as much torque steer as you would probably expect.The handling is light but accurate, and the VXR 888 has the busy, restless feel of a race car, although this means you have to concentrate to keep it in a straight line.Once tucked into corners, though, the model offers an impressive amount of grip. However, careless use of the throttle quickly introduces a large amount of understeer, and the Corsa will skate across the tarmac as the wheels spin the power away.Fortunately, a quick-acting traction control system steps in before the VXR has a chance to behave too wildly. The uprated brakes are extremely reassuring, too. The all-disc set-up is very powerful and resists fade – even under hard use. But the big question is, will all of this be enough to guarantee the VXR a place in the hearts of the most demanding enthusiasts?There’s no doubt that the VXR 888 serves up considerable thrills on the road, but its brash looks might be too much for some tastes. And while its driving experience is rewarding, it doesn’t quite have the measure of the excellent Ford Fiesta ST185.Nevertheless, when it comes to straight-line performance, there’s little that can touch the hot Corsa, and for that alone it really should be recognised as the spectacular performance car it undoubtedly is. The elite club of the UK’s hottest hatches has just found itself a new member...

Rival: FORD FIESTA ST185
The Fiesta is due to be replaced, but the Mountune-prepared ST185 demonstrates why Ford has a great reputation for building hot hatches. Race-spec suspension offers fantastic grip and a new exhaust boosts power, yet because the updates are official, the ST’s warranty remains intact.Source

Rating:

New Vauxhall badge

Check out Vauxhall's new badge. Due to be unveiled later this year, the sharp yet simple new logo will set a more upmarket tone for the company as it aims to pitch its forthcoming models against prestige rivals.

It now features a more subtle satin silver finish, although the trademark red background is retained. It’s much more dynamic and modern, and updates a design that has been left largely untouched since 1903.

The new badge will debut at July’s British Motor Show on the grille of the new Insignia, which replaces the current Vectra. The logo will then be rolled out across the rest of the firm’s range.Source

Citroen C4 Picasso Lounge

Citroen really has got junior MPVs down to a fine art. The C4 Picasso represents attractive and innovative fam­ily transport, and it’s great value, too.But the French firm believes there is room for a more exclusive variant – one that blends all the style with greater luxury. Enter the new range-topping C4 Picasso Lounge.Designed solely for sale in the UK market, the Lounge is only available with the 2.0-litre HDi diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic trans­mission. It adds £1,900 to the price of the Exclusive model on which it’s based – which means the newcomer weighs in at a rather hefty £23,995.Climb inside, and it’s immediately obvious where the money is spent. The standard five-seat Picasso interior has been replaced by four individual leather-trimmed chairs, each featuring adjust­able head and armrests. Sound-insulating laminated glass in the side windows boosts refinement, while a full-length sunroof adds welcome brightness to the otherwise monochrome cabin finish. On the outside, changes are kept simple – you can have your Lounge in any colour as long as it’s black. Chrome is very much the order of the day, with a thin strip highlighting the undulating side window profile, while the finishing touches are provided by a special front grille and polished 18-inch alloys.The driving position is very upright, so some owners may struggle to get comfortable. Selecting Drive using the slender column-mounted stick is simple, but the electronic handbrake takes a frustrating 10 seconds to disengage.Once up and running, the Picasso is slow to convert the engine’s power into forward motion, leading to jerky acceleration from a standstill.At motorway speeds, it’s much more impressive. The torquey engine pulls smoothly, inspiring confidence when overtaking, and the ride is as cosseting as you expect from the brand. But overall, the driving experience is compromised for a car that’s intended to pamper its four occupants. So while the Lounge is an intriguing con­cept, Citroen top brass might find that – as with the Avantime from rival Renault – buyers aren’t particularly drawn towards a model with the size but not the practicality of an MPV.Rating:
Rival: Vauxhall Signum
Generous kit and competitive prices set the Signum apart. But it’s let down by its gruff 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine, ageing Vectra underpinnings and oddball looks.Source

Saab 9-3 Convertible

The 9-3 Convertible is shown up by cheaper, newer rivals.

Driving
Saab revised the 9-3’s chassis in 2007, meaning there’s less body shake than before – although it’s still not nearly as robust as newer rivals. There remains a slight tendency for the front wheels to follow cambers and ruts, while on wet roads the traction control light flickers frequently. Sure, on smooth, flowing roads the 9-3 is pleasant enough to drive. But it’s a long way from sporting and doesn’t offer the composure or involvement of better competitors. The turbocharged petrol and diesel engines are powerful, though even here, a slightly notchy gearshift and awkward, long-travel clutch blot the copybook.

Marketplace
The Saab has a prestigious image, but appears a bit old-fashioned with the roof up. It’s far more successful with the fabric hood lowered. The Swede’s elegant, flowing side profile makes it clear that it was designed as a model in its own right. A minor facelift in 2007 brought revised headlamps and a cleaned-up side profile. There are six engines and three trim lines – Linear SE, Vector Sport and performance-focused Aero. Rivals include the Audi A4 Cabriolet, BMW 3-Series Convertible, Volvo C70 and cheaper alternatives such as the Volkswagen Eos and Vauxhall Astra TwinTop.

Owning
The Saab’s triple-layer hood lowers rapidly, in just 23.5 seconds – and does so at speeds of up to 20mph. The cabin is a little noisy with it down, but it’s free from excessive bluster and holds the heat in well. It’s spacious for four people too, although the plastics aren’t premium-standard. Overall fit and finish is not what it should be, though we like quirky touches such as the ignition key mounted on the transmission tunnel. Alas, running costs are high, and retained values are unimpressive, at around 46 per cent. Rivals can add well over 10 per cent to this figure.Source

• On the road price: £25,975 - £34,495
• For : Styling with the roof down, roomy and cosy cabin, image
• Against : High running costs, feeling its age and due for a revamp

Ford Focus

Driving
The Focus is straightforward to drive, thanks to its positive controls, while on the open road a snappy gearshift and surefooted dynamics mean it feels solid. Body control is excellent and it remains stable, even when pushed hard. The ride quality is equally impressive, with the suspension gliding over rough surfaces – although the set-up is firmer than some rivals, it’s not easily unsettled by imperfections. Engines are carried over and it’s the diesels that impress most. The 1.6 TDCi is smooth and has a broad spread of pull, while the 2.0 TDCi is punchy and now available with an optional auto – though interestingly, the power band feels narrower. 1.6 and 1.8 petrol engines are fine, while the 1.4 struggles and the 2.0 seems a bit pointless.

Marketplace
The Focus is a crucial model for Ford – so, in late 2007, it received a mid-life nip and tick. This was to help regain its position as the best compact hatchback in the sector. With style high on most buyers’ agendas, it’s the looks that received the most attention – every panel apart from the roof was replaced, to introduce the firm’s ‘kinetic’ design first seen on the S-Max. Ford simplified the trim line-up, to Style, Studio, Zetec and Titanium – ditched were old-fashioned LX and Ghia tags. Ford admirably now fits ESP as standard on all versions. There remain three and five-door bodystyles, plus estate and saloon versions, and rivals include the Vauxhall Astra, Honda Civic, Volkswagen Golf, Peugeot 308 – as well as ‘crossovers’ such as the Nissan Qashqai, and emerging value-led rivals like the Kia Cee’d.

Owning
The revised Focus benefited from a significantly updated and more sophisticated-feeling cabin. The quality of the materials has certainly improved, but the design is still conventional and looks a little dated. However, there’s little wrong with the driving position or the layout of the controls. It’s an easy car to get on with, while the finish is high. Passenger space is decent, but when it comes to practicality, the Focus is somewhat limited. The rear seat system lacks flexibility – the backs simply flip down – and there’s isn’t as much storage space, either. Ford has a vast dealer network and servicing costs are inexpensive too, while it’s economical, especially the diesels – and the ‘easy fuel’ system guarantees you’ll never put the wrong fuel in the tank. Retained values are only average though, reflecting the car’s mass-market status.Source

• On the road price: £11,945 - £19,145
• For : Kinetic design, ride and handling, impressive diesels
• Against : Average retained values, cabin looks dated