The Insignia is Vauxhall’s new contender in the family car sector, replacing its predecessor the Vectra and Levoi’s Vauxhall at Lakeside now have the new car in their showroom.
This time round, Vauxhall has decided to produce a quality product that is more than capable of mixing its vehicles from premium manufacturers such as Audi. From the outside, they have produced a well proportioned car using their new “blade design” language. Available in three body shapes, a saloon, a hatchback, and a versatile estate all the cars have a classy appearance. Models start with the base, but hardly basic, Exclusiv trim level at £15600 in 1.8 petrol form and rise to £28280 for the all singing 2.8 V6 Turbo 4x4 Elite. The model I tested however was a mid range 2.0 CDTi 160 SE automatic five door hatchback, priced at £21619. With the engine producing 158bhp, the manual version of this car is expected to be the best seller of the range.
Stepping inside will be a revelation for current Vectra owners. Gone is the bland slabby fascia design, replaced by a swooping dash structure which wraps neatly on to the door panels. Add in to this the wood effect trim and the dials that look more like a fine watch rather than a car’s instruments and the overall effect is similar to that of the outside, one of class.
The supportive seats are trimmed in a combination of cloth and man made leather. Getting comfortable is easy with multi directional seat adjustment, lumbar support, and a fully adjustable steering wheel. In the back the Insignia can easily accommodate six foot adults, with a snug feeling given by the high window line and small rear screen. A point I did note was that the test car did not come with reversing sensors, an option which I would recommend going for. Moving to the boot, this is certainly not a car that is left wanting with regards to luggage space, with an impressive 520 litres volume.
The centre console switches are all logically laid out, clearly displaying their functions and operating with a quality feel. The steering wheel also has buttons for the cruise control and stereo, not unique but a useful safety feature none the less. In the centre of the instrument panel is a large information screen displaying the trip computer readout and other critical information. Interestingly, this car and the models above it are fitted with an electronic hand brake operated by pulling up or pushing down on a switch mounted in the centre console.
Moving off the Insignia felt punchy and quick, a fact backed up by Vauxhall’s performance claims of 0-60mph in 9.1 seconds. What are more impressive though, are the fuel consumption and emission figures, Vauxhall quoting 48.7mpg on a combined test and 154g/km, a good result for a car of this size and weight. What is also exceptional for a car of this stature is its handling where Vauxhall have certainly been successful in creating a pleasing balance between handling and ride. Turn the Insignia in to a corner and the car steers exactly where you want it. Body control is excellent and when pushing on passengers are not exposed to uncomfortable sideways motions. It also has a decent level of driver involvement, so certainly from an enthusiast’s point of view this car is a satisfying drive. The ride too is excellent, never crashy or uncomfortable and it rode with a degree of sophistication that a lot of its competitors lack. On the open road the car is generally well insulated for noise, especially at motorway cruising speeds, where it feels slower than it actually is. Brakes too are good, feeling strong and fade free.
Overall, Vauxhall have succeeded in creating a car that is leagues ahead of the Vectra and is capable of challenging for overall class leadership. Indeed, it is also good enough to claim the scalps of some of its premium rivals, notably cars like the Audi A4, where it is a better all round package. Whatever your opinion this car will definitely find lots of fans.