The Vauxhall Insignia has become as synonymous with motorways as service stations – and
it favours the “travelling salesman” who needs a comfortable motorway cruiser for long
distance slogs.
And with a rather conservative exterior design, certainly more so than something like the
Ford Mondeo, the Insignia is clearly one of those cars built for that specific purpose
– but it does still come available in two body styles, the Sports Tourer estate and
this, the saloon-styled hatchback.
So, with a few updates over the last few years – what’s new with the Insignia?
Well, the dashboard has clearly been revitalised with a much cleaner layout of buttons that
looks clinical compared to the last model.
Apart from that, it offers the same comfortable driving position and retains its very generous
trim levels- with standard kit including steering-wheel mounted controls, dual zone climate control
and cruise control.
Go for the business-orientated TechLine model we have and you get sat-nav, Bluetooth, LED
daytime running lights and 17-inch alloys.
Practicality up front is fair, with plenty of little storage compartments, although the
glovebox is a little small.
Practicality in the back is better though, with loads of leg room and head room.
The only issue you are going to have is if you sit up really straight, the C pillar may
clip your head a bit and, realistically, you better keep it to two in the back as you might
end up fighting over foot space.
My favourite bit about the boot is its opening, which opens a bit like the back of a rear-engined
Ferrari – giving you access to all 530 litres of it.
That isn’t as big as the Ford Mondeo or Skoda Octavia, but it is certainly enough
for a hefty amount of luggage.
We have the 2.0-litre diesel with 168bhp – which is definitely one of the engines that gives
the Insignia a bit more character.
It also emits 114g/km and claims to return an average of around 60mpg.
If you are specifically after efficiency though, then the 134bhp 1.6-litre whisper diesel is
what you want, as it emits under 100g/km of CO2.
But I tell you what, drop down a few gears in the 2.0-litre and your travelling salesmen
will be whipping off his blazer and rolling up his sleeves, as it gets to 62mph in 9 seconds
flat.
But before you get too carried away, make sure you know the Insignia’s limits, which
are very evident.
The steering is now better than ever, with good weight to it – although the weighting
does feel a tad artificial, and if you take it into a corner at speed you can feel understeer
creeping in and you’ll get body roll as well.
But let’s be honest, you’re unlikely to be pushing it in the corners.
The six-speed manual offers nice, accurate gear changes, but it also has a slightly mushy
feel to it, similar to that in a Kia or Hyundai.
Thankfully, other controls like the indicators don’t have this feel.
The most notable improvements with the Insignia are with its suspension.
With a much comfier ride, bumps no longer shudder through your spine like in the last
model as they are absorbed far better – although it can still be firm at times.
Noise insulation is also much better, especially at higher speeds.
When it comes to price, the Insignia sits comfortably in-between its two main rivals
the Skoda Octavia and the Ford Mondeo at just over £17,000 – with the Mondeo coming out
at £20,500.
The Insignia’s most recent changes are not really a game changer – it is still going
to attract the same customers, but those customers are going to be happier than ever with the
changes.
The next-gen model will be interesting though and if Vauxhall can make it more engaging
to drive, then it will definitely broaden its appeal and possibly even attract those
that enjoy the precise steering of something like the Mondeo.
But what do you think of the Insignia?
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