Vauxhall’s large hatchbacks have come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and one of the best cars to show this is the latest Insignia.
No longer is it a bland hatchback, but a sleek and premium-feeling model that has moved further upmarket, while still remaining affordable.Whether you’re looking for the Grand Sport (five-door hatch), or the Sports Tourer (estate), both will impress – particularly on the value front. There’s also a rugged Country Tourer version, which extends the model’s ability further.
Here’s all you need to know about the Vauxhall Insignia.
What engines are available?
The Insignia comes with an impressive number of engine options, which should mean that most buyers have their needs met.
We’ll start with the petrol engines, where there is the choice between a 1.5-litre and a 1.6-litre. All powertrains come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, but a six-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.
The 1.5-litre unit comes with either 138bhp or 163bhp, while the 1.6-litre turbocharged unit produces 197bhp. This latter unit is the fastest model in the range – accelerating from 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds and reaching a top speed of 144mph.
The diesel options start with a 1.6-litre turbocharged unit, which is offered with either 108bhp or 134bhp. The former will be the best for drivers wanting to cut their running costs, as it’s able to return up to a claimed 55.4mpg, with CO2 emissions of 121g/km. Each comes with a manual gearbox as standard, with an automatic offered as an option.
Higher up the range is a 2.0-litre diesel producing 168bhp, while sitting at the top of the tree is a 2.0-litre Biturbo diesel engine producing 207bhp. This powerful unit comes as standard with all-wheel-drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
What trim levels are offered?
If you’re buying an Insignia, there’s a huge amount of choice available, with Vauxhall offering six trim levels. Here’s the highlights from each one.
Design – from £19,945
Standard equipment includes a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, air-conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless start and cruise control.
SRi – from £22,715
This adds dual-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, automatic wipers, front fog lights and front and rear parking sensors.
Tech Line Nav – from £23,305
In addition to the SRi this brings satellite navigation and front electric lumbar adjustment.
SRi VX-Line Nav – from £24,725
On top of SRi, this features satellite navigation, a heated flat-bottomed steering wheel, a VX-Line bodykit and alloys up to 20 inches, depending on engine chosen.
Elite Nav – from £26,535
This adds a Bose sound system, a larger eight-inch touchscreen, Matrix LED headlights and heated, leather seats.
GSi Nav – from £38,260
It’s worth noting this engine is only offered on the most powerful diesel engine – hence the sharp jump in price. Stylish GSi Nav adds perforated leather seats, heated rear seats, a head-up display, a sports chassis, a GSi styling pack and 20-inch alloy wheels.
What about personalisation?
Vauxhall offers a number of colours on the Insignia, with a dark blue being the standard no-cost option. This is followed by a number of two-coat shaded and even a three-coat pearlescent white – the most expensive choice at £875.
The manufacturer also offers plenty of wheel choices, with sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches. Plenty of standard optional extras are also available, along with more unusual features, such as laminated windows (£220), a towing pack (£685) and Matrix LED headlights (£1,295).
There’s also the VX-Line styling kit. This is a standard feature on the SRi VX-Line grade, but it is available on other trim levels, too. This sporty kit adds revised front and rear bumpers, dual chrome exhaust tips and a rear spoiler, and helps to transform the Insignia’s look.