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Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer SRi 1.6 Turbo road test report

SRi 1.6 Turbo

The new Vauxhall Insignia has been pulling up stumps since its world premiere at the British Motor Show in the summer of 2008. The European car of the year for 2009, the Insignia has proven to be a popular and well received model; initially available as a saloon or hatch, the carmaker has now unveiled the third body shape – the Sports Tourer. Overall an excellent drive; fabulous good looks and easy to live with. The Insignia Sports Tourer ticks virtually every box.

Road Test Reports Says 4.5 star rating
A front-facing image of the Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer SRi 1.6 Turbo

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Image number 2 of the Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer SRi 1.6 Turbo Image number 3 of the Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer SRi 1.6 Turbo Image number 4 of the Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer SRi 1.6 Turbo
RICHARD SAYS

Performance Performance - 4 stars

Along with the new shape there’s a new addition to the engines available in the range. The 1.6 Turbo is a perky little number which fits snugly between the 1.8 litre and 2.0-litre turbo in the power stakes. As you’d expect with a car capable of a top speed of 137mph, performance is impressive with the car picking up easily and without complaint in all gears. Vauxhall has excitingly managed to create an estate sized car with the performance and feel of a hatch. The refined engine also offers decent fuel economy at 35.8mpg, the only box not really ticked is the CO2 emission figure which unfortunately comes in above the magic 160g/km mark (for company car buyers) at 186g/km.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 5 stars

With the driver sat closer to the road than many estates the Insignia Sports Tourer belies its size with a responsive and rewarding ride – neither wallowy nor too firm, the car provides all the feedback you need to eat up the miles between destinations. A nice optional extra is Vauxhall’s excellent Flexride which is the company’s Adaptive Stability Technology, allowing the driver to switch between normal, sport, or tour modes.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 5 stars

Aesthetically the car hits all the right notes and is a quantum leap above the outgoing Vectra, often Estate cars can look bulky and at odds with their saloon/hatch siblings however the Sports Tourer carries its added weight extremely well, just like a Saville Row suit. Inside the cabin Vauxhall have created a luxurious and functional environment, with leather-covered steering wheel and gear knob, as well as comfortable leather seats offering great lumbar support. With such a new model it’s much too early to know about the long term reliability however with such a compelling package it would be tantamount to treason if the car isn’t reliable.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 5 stars

Most carmakers now know how to create a safe vehicle for driver and passenger, with the Insignia joining a growing list of 5-star adult occupancy protection, while it achieves a good, solid four stars for child protection. The car comes equipped with driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 5 stars

While not class leading the amount of space on offer should be sufficient for most needs – 540 litres available in the back increasing to 1530 with the back seats folded down – after all this is an estate version so people will be choosing it for the space it offers. Vauxhall are looking to the sport couple or families which are after more than just style, there’s plenty of substance here too.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 4 stars

With an on the road price of just under £23,000 the 1.6 Turbo SRi Sports Tourer sits comfortably in the middle of the range, prices start at a competitive £17,500 and rise to the top of the range 2.0i litre 16v Turbo 4x4 at £25,795. Bags of features come as standard, although the list of optional extras is equally as long. Vauxhall have placed a lot of eggs in the basket badged Insignia with technology available not seen in this segment before – intelligent forward lighting, an optional extra but yes please.

Submitted: 27/04/2009 13:47:17

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