2019 Vauxhall Insignia SRi Vx Line 1.5T petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Absolutely love it!

Faults:

Suspension rattle (wear and tear, will have it checked).

"GPF" (Gas Particulate Filter) regeneration seemed to take forever. Yes, petrol cars have these now as well, but they seem to be less problematic than diesels DPF's, if you treat them correctly and service the car on time.

Climate control a bit crazy, sometimes does not work right.

Rear passenger air vents broke.

General Comments:

Bright red 2019 SRi Vx Line Insignia Grand Sport, gorgeous car, very underrated styling. This car has been great for me for a year now with no major issues. 5 years old and looks and drives as good as new.

The Insignia is a very underrated car, easily up there with German rivals. I do not expect it to be as reliable as my previous 2011 Toyota Avensis however over the long term, but if you take care of these cars they are generally reliable. I had an older Insignia years ago (one of the first from 2009) and it was OK.

1.5 turbo engine is a revelation. Was going to go for a diesel at first, but a test drive in one of these showed me it had enough power and was also very quiet. Economy isn't too bad either at around 35 - 40 mpg, slightly hindered by that automatic transmission; a manual version could maybe get a little more economy and performance.

Still, this car is surprisingly involving to drive. SRi trim has stiffer springs - handles better than you think. You can have fun in corners, or take it easy, the car really is the best of both worlds, providing a fun driving experience or relaxed long distance cruising.

All models are well equipped with very nice comfortable seats. Dash is laid out very nicely. The car feels a bit big and heavy, but never an issue once you are used to it. Plenty of space inside and the boot/hatch area is massive.

Value for money wise there is nothing to beat the Insignia on the used market. These newer 2017 onwards models can be had for less than 10 grand now. An equivalent Ford Mondeo or whatever else is much more expensive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th May, 2024

2019 Vauxhall Insignia SRi Vx Line Nav 1.5T petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Underrated

Faults:

Climate control has a mind of its own.

Rattle from front suspension - will have it checked soon.

General Comments:

Insignia "Grand Sport" is a fantastic car for the money. Very high quality premium feel at Vauxhall prices!

Great looking in dark metallic red. Rare color - most are black or silver. Exterior styling on the SRi with Vx Line adds nicer alloy wheels and a subtle body-kit. When it's washed and waxed there really is nothing like it. The car would turn heads if it were not so common. Very low sporty look, like it is planted on the road.

Good to drive - very sharp handling. 1.5 turbo petrol unit is surprisingly powerful and still can manage 40 mpg with the auto box. Does drop to 34 - 36 around town and shorter drives. But still a fast economical car for its size, weight, engine and transmission setup.

Interior comfort is where this car shines best. Black/grey half leather. Seats are amazingly comfortable. Driving position is perfect. If I am being really picky it is annoying that I have to keep turning off start/stop and lane assist as I find them annoying. Rear passenger headroom also leaves a lot to be desired. But these are all small points. Boot space is massive.

Not quite as quiet on the move as you may think, but certainly not any intrusive noise. And the petrol engine is certainly more quiet than diesel.

I think they stopped making the Insignia last year. That will be a mistake - cars like this (large family/executive cars) have long term loyal buyers who are not taken with the current silly trend of crossovers and hybrids/electric. I plan to keep this car for many years, it will get all the servicing it needs to keep it going.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th February, 2024

11th May 2024, 11:06

Small bushes at top of suspension struts on these can fail early causing a rattle; mine is the same, relatively inexpensive to repair.