MOTORING
VAUXHALL INSIGNIA By Motoring Editor, Maarten Hoffmann
TECHNICAL STUFF Model tested: 2.0 CDTi Engine: 2.0-litre diesel Performance: 0-62mph: 7.5 seconds Top speed: 130 mph Economy: 62.8 mpg Price as tested: £23,324.00
the USP. Price and economy. And in both these areas it scores very well. To get into this car for as little as £16,279 is remarkable. There are a good range of engines but you should plump for the 2.0-litre with 138bhp as it provides plenty of mid-range grunt. I, on the other hand, am not constrained by such things as BIK rates and fuel economy and therefore would select the 2.8-litre V6 petrol that will get you down the road to 62mph is less than six seconds. The ride is totally dependent on the wheel size and any larger than 16 inches and you get a choppy, irritating ride but stick with the right wheels and you get a smooth and progressive journey.
T
he Ford Mondeo has held sway over this mid-range sector for quite some time and all things must come to an end. But, l venture, not quite yet.
The Insignia is a good looking, sleek design and a good choice for the sub-premium fleet market. The 2-litre diesel will be the favourite but l would step up to the fancy BiTurbo model that has the kick this car needs. It is good, handsome and able but lacks that touch of flair that would set it apart. The interior is a marked improvement over past Vauxhall products in this sector and has a feel that it was designed rather than crafted in a 6th form design studio. Everything is where you would want it and easy to hand and it is very comfortable on the motorway, which is where it will spend most of its time. Round town it’s nippy enough but the engine is a tad gruff for me. The petrol is quieter of course but then you lose some of
The driving position is good and it offers four-way lumber adjustment and electric height adjustment and the dash is well laid out but it takes a few days for it to become intuitive. The sweeping roof line that make it a good looker also deals the minus of poor rear vision. Opt for the optional parking sensors as you’ll need them. It comes with all the toys - 4.2 in colour screen, bluetooth and USB sockets, SatNav, and voice recognition but to me the seats let it down. If the mark of a man is his shoes, then the mark of a good car are the quality of the seats and they don’t quite cut the mustard. There’s a leather option but then the price rises and the point is, yet again, defeated. In summary, this is an attractive, competent, economical and sensible proposition if you do long miles and have no serious interest in cars. And that market is huge and the Insignia hits the spot.
“It is good, handsome and able but lacks that touch of flair that would set it apart.” 63