Vauxhall Insignia hatchback (2009 – ) expert review

1. Exterior

Rather than continue the Vectra model line, Vauxhall took the brave step to start again and reinvent its family and executive car. The handsome Vauxhall Insignia is the result, and we think it’s the best-looking mass-produced car of its type, making the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat seem traditional in comparison. With coupé-like styling and hockey stick creases down its flanks, the Insignia has a low-slung attitude. But it’s still roomy inside and looks more expensive than it is.

Our rating: 5

2. Interior

There are some lovely touches  including the curved metal door pulls which feel aviation-inspired. The dials are attractive too; in models with a sport button, they change from white to red when ‘used’, a trick sure to keep the young and young at heart amused. The coupé roof line reduces headroom for rear seat passengers, but there’s plenty of space for most and the seats are comfortable. The centre console does give away the Insignia’s mass-produced roots, with some mediocre quality switchgear and basic graphics for the sat-nav.

Our rating: 3

3. Practicality

While it might not look it from the outside, the Insignia has a massive 520-litre boot, only a few litres less than the Ford Mondeo. With the seats folded down it’s bigger than the Ford, with 1,460 litres of space. There’s plenty of room for four inside, but the middle rear seat is only suitable for short trips.

Our rating: 4

4. Ride and handling

The Insignia can cover ground quickly thanks to safe handling, which reassures the driver of its competence. We drove an SRi trim model which features a sportier setup and sport button which makes the suspension harder when pressed. In sport mode it feels very firm. Adaptive four-wheel drive is available on 2.0-litre and 2.8-litre turbo petrol models, which sends power to the wheels which need it most. The Insignia drives well, but it’s happiest at medium pace and its power steering can feel over assisted and nervous. It’s not as fluid as the Mondeo or as relaxed as the Passat.

Our rating: 3

5. Performance

Petrol engines range in power with a 140bhp 1.8-litre, 180bhp 1.6-litre turbo, 220bhp 2-litre turbo and 256bhp 2.8-litre turbo V6 offering 0-60mph acceleration between 10.9 and 6.7 seconds from slowest to quickest. The 2-litre model provides plenty of smooth performance thanks to a six-speed manual gearbox aimed at relaxed cruising. There’s only one 2.0-litre CDTi diesel engine, but it’s available with either 130bhp or 160bhp, offering 0-60mph acceleration of 10.9 and 8.9 seconds respectively. All engines are available with an automatic gearbox.

Our rating: 3

6. Running costs

The Insignia has been criticised for not offering enough low-CO2 engines. This has been partly alleviated thanks to the arrival of a growing number of ecoFLEX models, particularly the ecoFLEX diesel which emits just 129g/km of CO2 and has an average fuel consumption of 57.6mpg. The petrol engines are still thirsty, the worst offender being the 2.8-litre with emissions of 258g/km of CO2 and typical fuel consumption of 25.7mpg. Rivals, including the Passat, offer a wider range of economical petrol engines.

Our rating: 3

7. Reliability

Vauxhall is below Ford but ahead of Volkswagen in the Reliability Index manufacturer ratings. We experienced no issues during our time with the Insignia, and it felt like it could tackle thousands of miles.

Our rating: 4

8. Safety

The Insignia performed very well in EuroNCAP crash tests, with a five-star rating and 94 per cent score for adult occupant protection. Every Insignia gets six airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability programme and ISOFIX child seat mounting points fitted as standard.

Our rating: 4

9. Equipment

Trim levels include ES, Exclusiv, SE, SRi, SRi VX-Line and Elite, several of which are also available as Nav (with sat-nav included) and 4×4 editions.  As ever, Vauxhall offers a huge range of possibilities and large model line-up. Even basic cars get good equipment levels including a CD player, remote central locking, trip computer and electric windows. SRi and SRi VX-Line models are sportier, with big wheels and a subtle rear spoiler, while SE and Elite are discreet but full of toys like climate control, leather seats and automatic lights and wipers.

Our rating: 4

10. Why buy?

Quite unlike the Vectra, the Insignia offers a sophisticated driving experience, both in its style and design.

Our rating: 4