Loads of space inside Vauxhall’s racy rep mobile
I LIKE estate cars…
Not only do you get the practicality of a small van when you fold all the seats down but, nine times out of ten, the estate versions of the saloon cars they were based on are better looking (and more aerodynamic).
Annoyingly, they have fallen out of fashion in recent years as buyers demand the Faux-by-Four look of the crossover SUVs.
But in terms of driving experience the estate wins hands down over the SUV as its much lower roll centre gives it a less roly-poly cornering sensation.
There are some cracking estate cars on the market – Skoda’s Superb, BMW’s 5-series, Ford’s Mondeo and Mazda’s 6 to name but four.
So where does Vauxhall’s Insignia Sports Tourer fit into the thinking family man’s purchasing decisions?
Well, having just spent a whole week with one, I think it’s pretty obvious.
There’s no doubting its good looks. Viewed from any angle, the Insignia shooting brake is a handsome beast with considered proportions, wheel arches stuffed with wheel and tyre and a very aerodynamic appearance.
The spec is good too, easily a match or a stage better than any of its opponents. Even in the range-starting Design trim you get autonomous emergency braking, cruise control, DAB radio and Bluetooth phone connectivity.
Space is also a key selling point. There is masses of it out back, with plenty of room for six footers in the rear seats and a 50kg dog in the boot.
I know this because I own a 50kg dog and he only had good things to say about the 560l of room in the boot.
The version I drove was fitted with Vauxhall’s impressive 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel. It’s impressive in two ways. Max torque is delivered at just 1,500rpm and there’s an awful lot of it – 480Nm to be exact. It grunts like a small block Chev’ V8. I’m qualified to use that comparison because I also own a car fitted with a small block Chev’ V8.
But it’s the refinement of this engine that really impresses. It’s so quiet and un-dieselly I bet loads of people fill it up with petrol by mistake.
On a motorway surfaced with proper tarmac (rare, I know) it’s mega-quiet inside the cabin at cruising speed.
And with a 62-litre fuel tank and the ability to better 40mpg you can cruise for some time before stopping to fill up (with the wrong kind of fuel).
The only down side to this engine is its CO2 output of 186g/km, which is going to cost you dearly at taxation time. Not quite Chev’ small block V8 territory but close. Other less polluting engines are available.
The ride and handling is much better than a Chev’ V8 though. Spring and damper settings are a well-judged balance between comfort and control. Don’t get me wrong, this is no engaging sports car ride, but for the job it’s got to do it’s a mighty fine compromise.
And the job it’s got to do is in company car territory, clattering up and down motorways with a boot full of samples and a passenger footwell full of Ginsters wrappers, old parking tickets and empty Costa cups. A suit jacket will be on a hanger in the back.
Given the strength of the opposition, this isn’t the car you would choose yourself. This is the car that would be allocated to you by Darren, your fleet manager.
It’s the interior which would put you off as a private buyer.
Yes, just the interior.
Yes, there are plenty of useful toys but it’s just not as posh inside as the exterior styling suggests.
If you’re a company car user, it’s time to be extra nice to your fleet manager.