VAUXHALL INSIGNIA
OUR PICK 2013 (63) 2.0 CDTI SRI, 30,100 miles, £9,190
TRADITIONAL family cars have struggled in recent years, with buyers overlooking these hard-working machines in favour of more glamorous compact executives or rugged SUVS. Yet despite suffering from a showroom slump, models such as the Vauxhall Insignia still make a lot of sense, particularly for used buyers. With supply outstripping demand, secondhand forecourts are overflowing with lightly used examples that will save you thousands over list price.
However, there’s far more to the Insignia than just an eye-catching price. For starters, the Vauxhall looks a lot sleeker than many of its mainstream rivals. It’s a similar story inside, where you’ll find the sort of fit and finish that wouldn’t look out of place in a far more expensive machine. It’s comfortable, too, as confirmed by owners in our Driver Power 2016 survey, who praised its ride comfort, as well as its practicality. Occupants in the rear get plenty of legroom and headroom, despite the sloping roofline, while opening the large hatchback tailgate reveals a welcome 530 litres of boot space.
On the move, the Vauxhall impresses with its assured handling, strong refinement and decent performance, particularly from models powered by the durable 2.0 CDTI diesel. The Insignia also rides well, apart from the fuel efficient ECOFLEX versions that get a lowered and stiffened suspension set-up.
Petrol models are hard to resist due to their temptingly low prices (£2,000 gets a 1.8i with fewer than 100,000 miles), but the 2.0-litre diesel is the better all-rounder. With 138bhp and near 60mpg fuel returns, it delivers the best mix of pace and efficiency.
“THE Insignia is a regular in our annual Used Car Awards, and for good reason: it’s sensational value for money. The sheer numbers sold new with huge discounts mean used prices are low, so you’ll get a well built, super-spacious family car. Go for a facelifted model and it’ll ride better, while the in-car tech also got a makeover.”
There’s a lot more to the Insignia than an eye-catching second-hand price tag