Vauxhall Insignia 2.0T 4x4 SRi

Oct 23 2009 Malcolm Robertshaw

WHILE I have never subscribed to the negative views held by some motoring observers when it came to the Vauxhall Vectra, neither have I ever been tempted to consider this particular member of the mid-size saloon and hatchback segment to be quite in the premium car class.

However, Vauxhall is intent on changing all that with the arrival of Vectra's successor, the Insignia.

This strikingly distinctive model has been designed to inject a breath of fresh air into a traditionally conservative part of the UK car market, adding some premium styling and advanced technology along with exceptional dynamics.

There are six engine options from which to choose, four petrol in 1.6-litre 178bhp, 1.8-litre 138bhp, 2.0-litre 218bhp and 2.8-litre 256bhp V6 Turbo form, plus a brace of 2.0-litre CDi oil burners delivering 128bhp and 158bhp respectively.

In addition there are five levels of trim with the entry level S model offering quite generous amounts of quality standard kit which includes manual air con, electronic stability program, six-airbags, seven-speaker CD 300 audio system with steering wheel mounted controls, powered door mirrors, on board computer and cruise control.

The likes of climate control kick in at the Exclusiv level while further progression of kit provision and upgrades such as six disc CD autochanger with MP3 format and DAB digital radio, front and rear parking aids and electric rear windows are to be found at SE and Elite level before reaching the range topping SRi model driven here which adds DVD satellite navigation, front fogs, electric driver's seat adjustment and sporty looking aluminium pedals.

In a thoughtfully laid out cabin where fit and finish is of a high quality along with the plastics and fabrics, the ergonomically designed heavily bolstered sports seats comfort and support the occupants.

In addition, there is sufficient movement in the electric driver's seat adjustment to provide an agreeable driving position facing a neatly laid out dash in a driving environment where instrumentation is to be found nicely to hand.

While cabin space proved generous in all parts with leg and shoulder room catering well for average sized adults, the swoop back of the low slung roofline may perhaps cause some taller occupants to question the headroom in the rear of the cabin.

However, should the thought of family holidays be among your future plans, then Insignia offers a pretty impressive luggage bay with a well shaped boot offering to take some 500 litres of cargo in a bay which extends to 1,465 litres with rear seats folded.

Mounted on lowered and uprated sports suspension, this particular Insignia came with the feisty 2.0-litre turbo-charged petrol engine paired with a six-speed manual box change, capable of doing the 0-60mph dash in just over seven seconds.

This model also looks to a future where all-wheel-drive is considered by some to be a likely big player and comes with all new chassis architecture in the shape of Vauxhall's FlexRide suspension system.

This helps the car to adjust continually to prevailing conditions and combines well with the proactive Adaptive 4x4 set up's ability to provide instant torque distribution which ensures some exceptional driving dynamics.

The Insignia SRi delivers some reassuring composure through bends. Refinement is of a high order with road, wind and engine noise being nicely suppressed and ride quality over the long haul is straight out of the top drawer.

Well sculpted with some head turning detail and smoothly flowing lines to attract admiring glances, the Insignia adds to its blend of style and space with a five star rating from the EuroNCAP crash test while further premium features such as adaptive headlights and a lane departure alert system from the options box add further to its credits.

FAST FACTS

Vauxhall Insignia 2.0T 4x4 SRi 4dr

Price: £24,795

Mechanical: 218bhp 1998cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving four wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox

0-62mph: 7.3 seconds

Max speed: 149mph

Combined mpg: 30.7

Insurance group: 14E

CO2 emissions: 215g/km

BiK rating: 31%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles