Solo driving

The standard Insignia puts comfort over a really sporty drive, and that’s even more the case with the Country Tourer. The raised ride height gives more clearance over bumps than the regular estate, but there’s lots of lean if you corner with any enthusiasm, unless ‘Sport’ mode is selected. This keeps the car better controlled when cornering, as well as sharpening the throttle response and adding some weight to the steering. However, the Vauxhall still feels less agile than a Ford Mondeo or a Mazda 6. Driving more sedately shows the Insignia in a better light. It smothers most rough surfaces in ‘Normal’ mode, and becomes syrupy-smooth in ‘Tour’. For the most part, the Country Tourer is quiet and refined. The engine sounds distant and unobtrusive, only becoming vocal at high revs. Wind noise is acceptable, but road noise is more pronounced. Around town you are aware of the Country Tourer’s size – it’s only just under five metres long and it’s not easy to judge the extremities of the car. All-round parking sensors help in tight spots, or would if they weren’t so oversensitive. Bleeps turn to a continuous tone long before the car is really close to any obstacle.