Vauxhall’s Insignia is now the complete car it should always have been.
This improved model has had a thorough chassis update tested on proper bumpy British roads, with a redesigned rear suspension system to improve ride comfort and a steering calibration refreshment that’s brought a more direct feel through the corners. And both of those issues can be further improved if you tick the extra-cost box for the FlexRide adaptive damping system.
Almost all Insignia buyers want a diesel and though the original version of Vauxhall’s 2.0 CDTi unit had many merits, refinement wasn’t one of them. In fact, it was one of the noisiest, rattliest diesels in its class. But isn’t now. Though at the launch of this revised version, an old 2.0 CDTi 130 unit was still being offered as a range price leader, most sales emphasis these days is put on the two entry-level 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX units, offering either 118 or 138bhp. There’s also a less frugal 160bhp version and a potent 193bhp 2.0 CDTi Biturbo.
In the petrol range, there’s also a cheap old-tech engine choice – the 138bhp 1.8i unit – but again, more emphasis is being put on the modern turbo powerplant offerings, the 138bhp 1.4T, the 168bhp 1.6 SIDI and the 248bhp 2.0 SIDI. At the top of the range, a 322bhp 2.0 V6 continues in the VXR SuperSports model. This VXR has 4WD but the only other model in the range that gets it is the Country Tourer estate version which, with its raised ride height, aims to offer an SUV alternative.
In theory, Insignia pricing covers a very wide span – anywhere between £17,000 and £33,000. In practice, almost all Insignia sales are concentrated in the £17,000 to £22,000 bracket, with most of those going to business buyers who usually want one of the 2.0-litre CDTi diesel variants.
Around 85% of Insignia buyers go for a diesel – and you can see why. Both 118 and 138bhp versions of the 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX model return 76.3mpg on the combined cycle and put out just 98g/km of CO2, returns that at launch were comfortably class-leading.
By almost any measure you care to name, this Insignia has been a successful car for Vauxhall. Sales have been crushingly superior to those of its Ford Mondeo arch-rival, continuing to increase at a time when those of most other medium range sector models are struggling. The reasons why have to do with sharp pricing, smart styling and low running costs, the attributes that business buyers value most and the things that remain most attractive about this much improved first generation model.
This car isn’t completely new – but it feels that way behind the wheel thanks to all the fresh cabin infotainment and the higher quality feel. Those that are tempted by the shinier prospects of newer rivals will, Vauxhall hopes, be brought back into the Insignia fold by class-leading running costs.
But this car doesn’t have to be economy-focused of course. You could tackle a mountain trail in the Country Tourer version or take on the Nurburgring in the tarmac-burning VXR variant. But it’s really built to satisfy typical families and temperate middle management folk. People who’ll appreciate the comfortable ride, the thoughtful functionality and the lifetime warranty. It’s the kind of thing you’d expect from a brand that’s been making four-seater family cars since 1903. Experience that really shows.
Facts and figures
Model: Vauxhall Insignia
Price: £17,000 to £33,000
Engine: 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX units, offering either 118 or 138bhp.
Performance: 0-62mph in 11.9seconds; top speed of 121mph (2.0118bhp diesel)
Economy: 76.3mpg (2.0 diesel units)
CO2 rating: 98g/km (2.0 diesel units)
