2018 Vauxhall Insignia GSi Grand Sport 2.0 turbo petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Insane, rare and fun

Faults:

Nothing, do not touch these cars without history, I had mine fully verified with all services done.

General Comments:

GSi Insignia - a car that is a world away from ordinary Insignia's. My car is bright red, best color in my opinion.

I had an old VXR Insignia previous to this car. This newer Grand Sport version feels a generation ahead.

Performance is 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, top speed is 155 mph, not that I have tried, honest ;)

25 - 30 mpg on petrol if you are lucky. Not a cheap car to run to with current fuel prices - plus insurance is high, and service and repair is double that of other standard Insignia's.

A joy to drive as expected, sports seats are super comfy and hold you tight in corners. All electrics as expected, interior is a nice place to be. Ride can be firm and rough, but once cruising on motorways, is as good as any in this class.

If you are into fast Vauxhall's, you owe it to yourself to try one!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st July, 2026

2018 Vauxhall Insignia Tech Line Nav Grand Sport 1.6 Turbo diesel ecotec from UK and Ireland

Summary:

OK

Faults:

Clutch and turbo failed recently, quite expensive to replace both, but had to be done.

General Comments:

2018 Insignia, lovely looking car, ice silver/blue colour. Nice big alloy wheels.

Inside very comfortable and spacious. All models are modern and well equipped.

Nice to drive, smooth and powerful enough but by no means a fast car. But a genuine 50 mpg + is possible no matter how it is driven as expected for modern diesel.

It's a very decent car, I just have some reservations about long term reliability. It has been faultless until recently and I have done some major work, but still have the dreaded timing chain to do which is expensive but worth doing if you are keeping the car long term.

The Insignia is a fantastic car and this more modern Grand Sport version is certainly an improvement on the older model, but be aware there is a reason this car is cheaper than most large family or executive cars on Auto-Trader in the used market right now - do expect some major repairs to do as the miles rise. It does not hold its value well either, so only worth keeping long term if you buy it relatively new and low miles in the first place! Not sure if I'd have another, I'd go back to a Ford Mondeo or VW Passat. But for absolute reliability I am looking at a Toyota Avensis right now. The Insignia just doesn't cut it compared to those cars unfortunately!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th May, 2026

27th May 2026, 11:31

I know a couple of taxi drivers that use these Insignias, they say they are OK and provide the best value for money, despite needing some issues attended to. The trick with these cars are you said, is not to pay too much in the first place for a used example. And certainly do not touch high mileage rough cars.

The Ford Mondeo I'd have to disagree with being better. I had a few back in the day (both petrol and diesel) and they were both trouble, but maybe I got unlucky.

I do agree however that anything German (VW, Audi, and so on) with diesel is a safe bet. And Japanese I'd only go for petrol engine Toyota Avensis or Mazda 6. Avoid diesels on those.

It's a funny market these days with the family saloon / executive range, you really have to do your homework. Having owned most cars in this sector, there is so many variations and pros and cons depending on which car to choose and certainly what has the best engine for anyone's particular needs.

In reply to 27th May 2026, 11:31

29th May 2026, 18:33

I'm very sceptical where the whole European car industry has been going the last 10 years. Quality generally has taken a nosedive, and if you want to go European you have to choose wisely and stay away from the lemons, there seem to be a lot of these. The days you could go 200-300K kilometers without major problems are gone. Modern European cars seem to be a mine field now. Expect major repairs just after the warranty expires. Cars now seem to last 100K, it's crazy.