Used Vauxhall Insignia cars available

Why buy a Insignia?Back to top

The Insignia is highly versatile, stylish, and at home on the motorway.

The Insignia was launched in 2008, replacing the widely criticised Vectra, and signalled an intent by Vauxhall to seriously compete for a share of the family car market. Immediately popular among buyers as well as critics, the Insignia was named European Car of the Year in 2009 - the same year it outsold the market leading Ford Mondeo.

With a quality finish and a clear emphasis on improving their luxury elements, it could be said that the Insignia stands apart from the Vauxhall range. Inside it is refined, comfortable and features a range of high spec equipment, yet still manages to leave space for a sizeable cabin that offers plenty of room for both passengers and luggage. Unfortunately, the rear seats don't fold down completely flat, but with a boot space of 520 litres (with the rear seats upright), there is enough to satisfy most storage needs.

Although arguably less refined than some of its competitors, the Insignia's ride is smooth, and is aided by an impressive suspension system and a choice of either two or four-wheel drive. Compared to some competitors in its class, handling can feel a little lethargic, but this is by design. At high speeds the Insignia remains stable and composed as a result, far from the temperamental behaviour a more nimble, faster handling car might offer. On the motorway, as a high speed cruising car the Insignia is near its best.

The performance options on offer are geared to highlight the versatility of the Insignia, so engine variations are numerous. Among them, like in the rest of its class, the diesels are the most popular, offering a mix of both power and economy - especially in the models fitted with ecoFLEX technology. The 2.0 litre 158bhp diesel is probably the best all round, pulling strongly from low revs, and returning miles per gallon of around 50 without ecoFLEX, and 60mpg with. The emissions are similarly reduced by the eco technology, which reduces the figure from 149g/km to 116g/km, lowering the Insignia's road tax cost significantly.

Being a popular fleet car, there is an emphasis on low running costs, but does also result in a swift depreciation in value - undesirable if you are buying new, but useful in the second hand market. Along with reasonable maintenance and servicing costs, it is a recent, but serious contender in the family executive market.