Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer
Rugged-looking estate represents a practical and capable alternative to SUVS On sale Now Price from £25,635
FOR COUNTRYSIDE DWELLERS, a practical car that’s able to drive across a muddy field has always meant an SUV. But in recent years an alternative has emerged in off-road estates.
Vauxhall’s new Insignia Country Tourer fits the part, with skidplates, plastic wheel arches, a 25mm taller ride height than the regular Insignia’s and the option of four-wheel drive.
With its 2.0-litre diesel engine, the Country Tourer gives good pace and will easily pull to 70mph from low revs in third gear. Once there, wind noise is kept down, but the drone from the tyres over coarse surfaces becomes wearing. The suspension’s standard adaptive dampers balance ride and handling well, making the Country Tourer almost as comfy as the rival VW Passat Alltrack and similarly grippy and surefooted. Off road, there’s enough clearance for woodland tracks, and four-wheel-drive models won’t get stuck in the mud.
Inside, the Country Tourer is indistinguishable from the regular Insignia estate. Head and leg room are good all round and the boot is large. The Country Tourer is keenly priced, extremely well kitted and decent to drive. However, bear in mind that resale values are poor and company car tax is high. Keeping to an SUV might be wiser after all.
SAYS Decent to drive and provides a lot of kit for little cash, but needs more efficient engines