Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer SRi 2.0i

EVEN the most die-hard socialist would have to admit there are benefits of capitalism, the chief one being competition improving quality.

Nowhere is this more acute than in the car industry where manufacturers are continually trying to get one step ahead of their rivals.

Put simply, if there were no competitors, cars would simply not evolve and improve at the rate they do.

We would all be driving around in something akin to a Lada rather than the latest Vauxhall Insignia.

The 'benefits of capitalism' adage works well when applied to the Insignia, Vauxhall's latest family saloon, hatch and estate. Compared to the old Vectra it represents a significant step up in almost every department and perhaps the chief reason for that is the excellence of the Ford Mondeo.


The age-old Ford-Vauxhall battle continues in the mass market, be it between the Focus and the Astra or the Mondeo and the Insignia.


The latest incarnation of the Mondeo is excellent in pretty much every respect, meaning big things were demanded of its latest Vauxhall rival, particularly as in recent years the Vectra had pretty much played second fiddle.


Perhaps the name change reflects a sea change in the product and it would be not wide of the mark to suggest the Insignia is a world away from the old Vectra. Not that it was a bad car but the Insignia really is in a different league.


Looks-wise, the saloon and hatch have the sort of presence that combine a big chunky executive profile with a sleek and classy look that has slight echoes of the Jaguar XF.


The estate too has that curvy lifestyle wagon look rather than that of an essential load-lugger.


Those first impressions of a quality product continue on the inside. Sit in and close the driver's door and it shuts with a reassuring Mercedes-style thud. The Insignia feels very well put together and though it has a big solid feel, it is not a cumbersome or heavy vehicle.


The finish and trim is overtly premium and the centre console and dash impress with an array of contemporary switches and dials. Arguably there is a little bit too much going on but it's easy enough to navigate your way round.


The Insignia feels good on the road, the ride quality in particular standing out. It also offers excellent handling with enough character as a driver's car to ensure it is a winner. Is it as good as the Mondeo in this respect? A tough call but I would say the Mondeo just about edges it. That said the Insignia feels a little more plush and premium. You feel more cossetted from the real world in a cocoon that is remarkably un-Vauxhall-like for want of a better description.


At the moment Vauxhall really are turning out an excellent crop of new cars, with the Insignia arguably being the leader of the pack.


FAST FACTS


Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer SRi 2.0i


Price: £23,885


Mechanical: 220bhp 1,998cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox


Max speed: 147mph


0-62mph: 7.5 seconds


Combined mpg: 31.7


Insurance group: 14


CO2 emissions: 209g/km


BIK rating: 29%


Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles