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The Vauxhall family car history goes back to well over hundred years and the Insignia forms an important part of this. In 1903, you saw the very first Vauxhall model, with four seats. Commenced in GM’s European Design Centre, the new Vauxhall insignia focuses on the design and how the Insignia drives. The technology is bang up to date and the architecture of Insignia is all set to form the basis of GM models sold in America, Europe and China.
Exterior and Interiors
Speaking about the design language in Vauxhall insignia, one can easily make out the blade theme running throughout that will appeal to many. However, those tightly pinched lines around the headlamps and bonnet tend to disguise Insignia’s considerable footprint. The blade design make the Insignia look slimmer and emphasizes power in the back. It is the gently sloping rear window line that makes for the most successful design element in Insignia, drawing attention to those elegant proportions. A look at interiors clearly displays that Vauxhall is aiming for new levels of sophistication and quality. The moment you place your hand on the deeply styled door pull and take a look inside, you can notice the dashboard, deep instrument binnacle and the shallow angle between the front seats. The steering wheel is sculpted pleasingly. There is no loss of interior space as Vauxhall tries its best to emphasize a 3D effect. Although room is average in the rear, the boot is respectably deep, long and wide.
Engine and Performance
Vauxhall Insignia offers 158bhp 2.0-litre diesel hatch in SE trim. The other petrol-fuelled engines go from one extreme to another in terms of capacity. You get a 138bhp, 1.4-litre and a V6 with double the capacity and twice the power in VXR trim. Both carry intriguing propositions and are turbocharged. The diesel engines in Insignia are V emissions compliant. The new diesel engines are fairly competitive with offerings from rival manufacturers. The 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine has replaced the old 1.8-litre unit and is a refined unit. The 2.8-litre V6 developing 256bhp is a wonder and offers the basis of the 320bhp VXR model.
Safety Features
Vauxhall Insignia has been designed to emerge one of the strongest safety vehicles in the market. The Insignia carries NCAP 5-star rating, which is the highest European recognition for safety. The front airbags are dual-powered so as to avoid any injuries caused by fast inflation. Other safety features include electronic brake force distribution, comprehensive brake assistance system, cornering brake control, i-lock braking system, brake disk cleaning, hydraulic brake-fade assistance and hill start assistance. There are 3-point safety belts all around and Seatbelt warning signals in front. Adaptive brake lights will warn the vehicles driving behind in case of sudden braking. Pedal Release System, is one of the latest generation active head restraints that will offer highly effective protection to the front occupants against whiplash injuries.
Pros
- stylish and well made
- comfortable high-speed cruiser
- loads of high-tech gadgets
Cons
- Rivals are more refined
- rear headroom is tight
- vague steering
- Emissions aren’t great
Vauxhall Insignia is already in a segment where every new model must show significant improvements to speed up the matters. When looking at maintenance, price, insurance, Insignia offers nothing really competitive. But as this is large segment, it is definitely one of the most good-looking and stylish cars around. It offers much more to the driver than just plying around in comfort. The vehicle handles more athletically and steers more precisely and handles. Vauxhall is blessed is an exceptionally easy car to drive around. Click here to read more about Vauxhall Insignia.