Vauxhall Insignia Hatchback (2009 On) Car Review

Vauxhall Insignia Hatchback (2009 On) Review Change...

Vauxhall Insignia Hatchback (2009 On) Performance

With seven engine options on offer – four petrol and three diesel – the Vauxhall Insignia Hatchback caters for a wide variety of requirements, a key factor considering the car is a key player in the fleet market. The entry-level engine is the 1.8 VVT petrol, with a very useful 140PS which can handle motorway driving all day long. The 2.0 turbo is perhaps the best engine of the petrol group as it combines strong acceleration and performance with decent fuel economy.

Company car drivers may well be drawn to the diesel engine options thank to lower Benefit in Kind rates and they will find powerful engines (130 or 160PS) that are also economical.

Vauxhall Insignia Hatchback (2009 On) Driving

Again thinking of the company car driver Vauxhall have ensured the Insignia Hatchback is excellent on the motorway, where fleet cars spend most of their time. The ride is comfortable and smooth, the car feeling stable at all speeds. Away from the motorway networks the Insignia Hatchback, on some models at least, has a switch to change the suspension settings, the sport setting firming the car up to make it more responsive.

Vauxhall Insignia Hatchback (2009 On) Equipment

With a variety of different Insignia trim levels available drivers can select the model that best suits their requirements. The entry-level car comes as standard with cruise control, electric windows and climate control, which is a good specification in itself, though other models go further still. Electrically heated front seats are provided in the Elite version for example along with parking sensors, while sports-oriented SRi has sports suspension, leather wheel and alloy pedals. All in all the Insignia is a well specified car, the various trim versions being different enough from each other to each have their own identity.

Vauxhall Insignia Hatchback (2009 On) Practicality

Being a hatchback the Insignia is supremely practical, with a large 520 litre load area before the rear seats are folded down. When the seats are folded they are fully flat which makes managing bulky loads much easier and the rear aperture has a low sill to make loading a doddle. Storage options are also provided around the rest of the car, with pockets and pouches for driver and passengers. Interior space is very good in the Insignia Hatchback too, with plenty of leg and headroom, even in the rear.

Vauxhall Insignia Hatchback (2009 On) Quality

Operating in one of the most competitive sectors of the market Vauxhall have made sure that the Insignia Hatchback does not lag behind in the quality stakes. With a lot of work going into the design details of the car, both inside and out, the Insignia feels to have everything in the right place. The components used also seem to be of high quality, feeling good to the touch and working smoothly.

Vauxhall Insignia Hatchback (2009 On) Safety

Achieving the maximum five stars on the Euro NCAP test was not a surprise for Vauxhall since the Insignia has been developed to be one of the safest cars on the road. Six airbags, ABS, electronic stability programme, traction control and ISOFIX childseat mountings only tell part of the story. Taking safety further Vauxhall have fitted some versions of the Insignia Hatchback with headlights which turn to follow the front wheels direction and adapt their light patterns to suit the weather conditions. This is just one example though there are several more.

Vauxhall Insignia Hatchback (2009 On) Running costs

Running costs for the Insignia Hatchback are quite good overall, thanks to attractive company car tax bandings, especially with the diesel versions. Overall fuel consumption figures are pretty good too, with official combined figures up to 48.7mpg.