VAUXHALL INSIGNIA (2013-2017)

MANAGEMENT SPECIAL

By Jonathan Crouch

MODELS COVERED:

5dr Hatch / 4dr saloon / Sports Tourer Estate [1.4 & 1.8 140PS / 1.6 170PS / 2.0 250PS / 2.8 V6 325PS] / [Diesel – 1.6 CDTi 134PS / 2.0 CDTi – 120PS / 130PS / 140PS / 163 PS / 195PS]

Introduction

If you’re interested in a secondhand version of the first generation Vauxhall Insignia, the post-2013 facelifted version is a much better bet. It was given smarter looks, a classier cabin, hi-tech features and a more efficient engine range, enhancing its already impressive CV for success in the medium range Mondeo sector. Find a good one and you’ll get a great all-round volume D-segment family car.

The History

First launched in 2008 as a more stylish replacement for the uninspiring Vectra, Vauxhall’s Insignia was instantly well received, carrying off the coveted 2009 Car of the Year title and racking up impressive sales at the same time as other mainstream brands like Renault and Citroen were struggling desperately in this sector. Beyond the stylish panelwork though, there were a number of issues that began to hold it back as the years rolled on.

An interior over-cluttered with complicated little buttons. A suspension set-up too focused on the firm side. And an absence of the kind of hi-tech features becoming commonplace on many rivals. All of that needed sorting – and sure enough was corrected in the smarter-looking and much improved model we’re going to look at here, launched in the late Summer of 2013. This offered buyers a more inviting and up-to-date cabin, a more compliant suspension set-up and a pretty complete rosta of gadgetry. It sold until the second generation Insignia Grand Sport and Sports Tourer models were launched in the Spring of 2017.

What To Look For

Though our customer survey uncovered plenty of satisfied buyers of this post-facelift first generation Insignia, there were also quite a few issues that came up, things you’ll need to look out for when assessing used examples. We can across plenty of minor electrical issues – and a few that related to the ECU system. There were various touchscreen issues with the centre-dash infotainment screen and in one case, the dash info unit suddenly switched itself off. In another, random warning signals started showing in the instrument binnacle.

Engineering issues included a report of a squeaking fan and a coolant leak that was traced to a faulty EGR unit. In one case, the stop/start system stopped working. In another, the car exhibited squeaking sounds when cold, or after long trips. One owner with an automatic model reported whining from the transmission too. Another had to replace an inlet manifold rail, a flywheel and a steering rack. And in one case, there was an issue with the fuel filter causing the car to stall when driving.

Minor issues included a report of a rattly parcel shelf, an issue with the power mirrors not returning to their usual position after being dipped for parking. One owner pointed out that the paintwork marks easily. And anther reckoned that the front tyres were only lasting 10,000 miles.

On The Road

If medium range model buyers all prioritised pin-sharp handling and razor-sharp response, they’d all buy Ford Mondeos. But they don’t. And they shouldn’t. Cars like this one don’t spend their lives on open Highland country roads but on endless motorway trips and snarled-up suburban crawls. Dynamically, they should be designed to suit that remit. The original Insignia always was, though it had a suspension set-up that many felt was rather on the over-firm side and levels of refinement that weren’t good enough with the diesel engines that most buyers chose.

Both those issues were addressed with the 2013 update. First up, this improved model got a thorough chassis update tested on proper bumpy British roads, with a redesigned rear suspension system to improve ride comfort and a steering calibration refreshment that brought a more direct feel through the corners. Buyers were also offered an optional FlexRide adaptive damping system able tonetwork ride and response via three driving modes: ‘Tour’ softens the suspension for long distance comfort, while ‘Sport’ sharpens the steering and throttle response at the same time as stiffening the springs for a firmer, more dynamic experience. Finally, there’s ‘Standard’, which aims to strike a reasonable everyday compromise between the two.

Overall

By almost any measure you care to name, the first generation Insignia turned out to be a successful car for Vauxhall. Sales were crushingly superior to those of its Ford Mondeo arch-rival and continued to increase at a time when those of most other medium range sector models were struggling. The reasons why had to do with sharp pricing, smart styling and low running costs, the attributes that business buyers value most and the things that remain most attractive about this much improved facelifted first generation model.

At its launch, this car wasn’t completely new – but it felt that way behind the wheel thanks to all the fresh cabin infotainment and the higher quality feel. Running costs were much better too, with the most frugal 2.0 CDTi units able to average over 75mpg and put out less than 100g/km of CO2.

This car doesn’t have to be economy-focused of course. You could tackle a mountain trail in the Country Tourer version or take on the Nurburgring in the tarmac-burning VXR variant. But it’s really built to satisfy typical families and temperate middle management folk. People who’ll appreciate the comfortable ride and the thoughtful functionality. It’s the kind of thing you’d expect from a brand that’s been making four-seater family cars since 1903. Experience that really shows.