2018 Vauxhall Insignia Elite 1.5T petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

My best car yet

Faults:

Air con not as efficient as it used to be.

Key fob a bit hesitant to sync up with the car, replaced batteries = problem solved.

Needed new brakes pads and front suspension ball joints at last MOT, no big deal.

In short, no major issues, just fair wear and tear expected of age and mileage.

General Comments:

Elite Insignia Grand Sport. Stunning car in black metallic.

I have the options that I need. Someone went all out in specification on this car when it was new (I am the second owner) but to my surprise the Elite is not the top spec anymore - there is an "Ultimate" model and God only knows what that has if this car seems to have everything!

The interior is very comfortable as expected. Leather easy to keep clean.

The car drives incredibly well. I miss the performance and economy of my old 2012 BMW 320d, but let me tell you this petrol Insignia is not far off. Even with the automatic box, 0-60 mph comes up in 8.5 secs. And you can get 40 mpg if you cruise slow, though 36 mpg on average is more realistic. Not great by today's standard, but for a large petrol car with an auto box, the numbers are acceptable. I avoided diesel on this car as I heard they can be troublesome engines, but the petrol's are simpler.

Tax and insurance are also reasonable. Any garage can service or repair this car as well, it is a simple Vauxhall.

In short, I'm very impressed with this car. Now why did they stop making such a fine car? I'd easily buy another.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th August, 2025

2018 Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport Design Nav 1.5 turbo petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Stunner

Faults:

Brakes.

Centre console screen a bit hesitant on startup.

General Comments:

Dark grey Insignia, a fine looking car on 17 inch alloys.

Design trim rather low level, but believe me the interior of this car has all you'll ever need. Very comfortable seats. Plenty of electric features.

Spacious interior, very nicely styled also. Huge boot space.

Handles like a dream to be honest for a near one and a half tonne car. The 1.5 petrol engine never struggles. Decent economy as well if you drive correctly. 40 mpg on average is easy to achieve. I went for petrol over diesel as I have had too much trouble with diesel engines in the past.

In short I love it, it's like the perfect car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th May, 2025

2018 Vauxhall Insignia SRi Nav Grand Sport 1.6 Turbo Diesel EcoTec Blueinjection from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Perfect all round car, try one!

Faults:

Basically nothing. Tyre pressure sensors indicate a fault (even when none present), but this is an annoyance on all modern cars.

General Comments:

My dark grey 2018 Insignia Grand Sport looks the part. What a stunning looking car. I feel this car is very underrated. If it had an Audi, BMW or Mercedes badge, people would go crazy for it.

But it's a large Vauxhall. A relic as people like to call it. Well I think large family/executive cars are very much still sought after, and look much better than modern cross-over/electric or whatever nonsense cars that are available today. This car feels very modern for such a "relic of the past" and does all I need and more.

SRi Nav is a middling trim level, but this car is very well equipped. You get exceptionally comfortable seats, climate control, all electrics, phone connectivity, parking sensors, etc the list is almost endless. Very spacious as well. Ride is comfortable on standard 17 inch alloy wheels. Boot space is huge!

The 1.6 diesel offers a perfect blend of punch and economy. No it isn't a fast car, but even locally with shorter runs I am getting anything around 50 mpg. With long motorway drives, this will rise in excess of 60 mpg easily. Good to drive with slick gearshift and nicely weighted clutch. Cabin is also silent most of the time, no old school diesel clatter noise here. On motorways this car is at home, soaks up the miles comfortably and economically. Tax and insurance is also very reasonable on this model.

Handles very well also. I don't throw it around on country roads, but you can have fun if you want to. I believe the SRi has stiffer springs than entry level models.

Touch screen is responsive as well. Not that I use it much - I like the analog climate controls and set the radio before I move off. All important info is logically displayed in a nice way. Start/Stop and lane assist features are annoying, but you can turn these off if you want.

I think Vauxhall / Opel really tried with this car. You can get them for a nice price used. Remember to check history and buy nothing less than a looked after car (full history); there are far too many rough Insignia's out there now, but get a nice one and you have one of the best cars on the road, no matter what any badge snob says!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd April, 2025

7th Aug 2025, 15:46

Local taxi driver has one of these cars on 130,000 miles. He says they are more reliable than the old Insignia diesel engines. Only thing he has replaced recently is the turbo. Adblu system can sometimes be a pain, and the DPF light has been on but not needed a replacement yet, just a clear out. In all honesty the 1.6 diesel in the newer Insignia is a typical modern diesel engine - it has some common issues, but it is soo economical to run if you take care of it properly, it really is one of the better engines for longevity.