2011 Vauxhall Insignia SRi 2.0 CDTi

Summary:

I like it, but nothing special

Faults:

DPF was expensive to replace - light would not go off even after a "clear out".

Interior wear and tear could be better, cheap plastics not holding up too well.

Rear motor for locking hatch/boot failed.

Engine a little smokey now, but good power and still passes MOT emissions test.

Usual wear and tear = new brakes, suspension, etc.

General Comments:

Got this 2011 Insignia for a very good used price. SRi looks great with alloy wheels in any dark colour. A very common sight on the road, but a nice looking car when you look hard at it.

Interior is OK, but some plastics look and feel very cheap. SRi model has electric everything and is very nice to drive and comfortable. Acceleration is not sports car like, but feels faster than a lot of cars I have had before. 50 MPG is possible through conservative driving styles.

If you are looking for a modern car that is easy to live with and does not cost the earth to buy and run, you could do a lot worse than one of these. Recommended if you find a nice one with history and been looked after; then you cannot go wrong.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th October, 2020

2011 Vauxhall Insignia CDTi SRi Nav 2.0 turbo diesel (160 BHP)

Summary:

Power, prestige, image... did I forget to mention power?

Faults:

Nothing whatsoever in 3 years and 22k+ miles.

General Comments:

I got this Insignia 2.0 CDTi SRi Nav version (160bhp) brand new as a zero miler in 2011, in the Technical Grey colour which I ordered.

First thing to mention is looks; this car just looks amazing, like a real business executive car, it really turns some heads and I feel good whilst driving it. Even parked next to the new BMW's, the Insignia holds its own easy enough.

Next thing to mention is comfort and controls; the seats have this bit that extends at the front behind your knees, and it has fully electronic control for totally comfortable ergonomics. I have driven 305 miles to Newquay in this and got out fresh as a daisy, no aches, nothing.

The Nav version has a large display in the dash, which is fully adjustable at the steering wheel, as is the cruise control.

Fuel wise I get around 35 MPG round town and just over 50 MPG with the cruise control on the motorway at 70mph.

The car is very spacious with a generous boot, enough for 3 bodies ;)

Finally the power ... Considering I have had Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbos, Porsche 944's, Evo's etc etc, this 160 BHP 305 N/M torque CDTi does not disappoint. Turn the traction control off and it can be a wild ride, easily spinning the wheels in the first 2 gears without the need to dab the clutch. This thing will torque steer if you give it enough.

I have never in the last 3 years of ownership found myself in a position where I wanted more power, and trust me I do like my power. Most of the time though it's nice to just sit back and enjoy the ride.

MPG, comfort, space, image, POWER, it's got it all... and then some.

This car is about to go back; what am I having next? Yep you guessed it, another :)

Highly recommended 10/10, no doubt the best car I have ever driven.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th May, 2014

28th Nov 2019, 10:53

What the CDTI engine lacks in refinement, it makes up with power.

11th Feb 2024, 17:59

Good cars when new. Higher mileage diesel Insignias are a disaster though - problems with DPF, injectors, and the famous oil seal pick up valve fails. Not a car to keep as it gets older!

12th Feb 2024, 20:40

I beg to differ. I ran a 2011 2.0 CDTi as a taxi. The vehicle was on the road between myself and two other drivers on a 24 hour cycle. We bought it on 30k miles and part exchanged it on 367k miles. It only needed lubricants, brakes, tyres, 4 batteries and one clutch. It is all in how you drive them.