Review Of Vauxhall Insignia 2016 - 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. Thanks for read Review Of Vauxhall Insignia 2016.
