Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer (2017) review (Month 3)

It’s the end of the road for our long term Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer after three busy months on the Motor Trader fleet.

The second generation model only entered showrooms in July, giving Vauxhall dealers a welcome additional opportunity to sell something new into local businesses as well as private buyers requiring an executive car with load lugging capability. These customers will not be disappointed as Vauxhall’s flagship estate delivers on both fronts and much more as it’s refined, well-appointed and powered by a hugely impressive 1.6-litre diesel engine.

While diesel has become a dirty word in some areas there’s no disputing this latest generation Euro 6 engine delivers in terms of performance, economy and low C02 emissions of 119g/km; attributes that make a convincing business case.

Fuel economy has been impressive. Our best tankful was achieved in October with 57.4mpg; the onset of winter pushed this down to its lowest of 51.8mpg. The overall average was 53.5mpg with our best journey, a 320 mile motorway hike, returning 61.1mpg; within a whisker of the claimed combined figure of 62.8mpg.

Indeed, it’s on the motorway that the Insignia comes into its own, eating up the miles while keeping occupants comfortable and cosseted. The unit’s punchy 136PS output belies its relatively small size and is further evidence of carmakers delivering smaller, cleaner but more powerful engines.

Vauxhall dealers will also be able to sell this Insignia on its premium credentials. The car has an upmarket look with a sleek profile that defies its super-size dimensions of 4,986mm bumper to bumper.

The cabin is extremely comfortable and in Elite Nav generously specified with leather trim, automatic heated seats in the front and manually operated ones in the rear. Headroom is excellent for all even allowing for the £960 optional panoramic sunroof.

The clear no-nonsense facia sees Vauxhall upping its interior design with the neatly integrated central touch-screen providing controls for infotainment and climate control. There’s also good use of soft plastics which reaffirms the quality feel. That impression is further enhanced by a head-up display costing just £290 as an optional extra. The system is easy to use and invaluable when used with the satnav.

We did have a delivery glitch with the Apple CarPlay system which failed to recognise an iPhone. The problem, a known fault, was resolved after Vauxhall took the car back and replaced the USB port. Since then the system has worked perfectly with the iPhone’s interface helpfully replicated on the screen.

The car is fitted with Vauxhall’s Onstar telematics system, which provides a live audio link to an advisor who can, amongst other things, download destinations on the move. It might sound like a novelty but has proved to be a useful asset on motorway journeys requiring re-routing.

Ultimately the Insignia Sports Tourer will be chosen for its load lugging ability. The interior dimensions are greater than its predecessor and its design means it has more usable space. The boot capacity is 560 litres, which proved large enough to transport all the paraphernalia, travel bags and video gear required for the Motor Trader Summit in Edgbaston. With the back seats down a long, wide and flat cargo bay of 1,665 litres has proved big enough to house a large table and Christmas tree.

Vauxhall has upped its game with the Insignia Tourer and delivered a perfectly competent working car. Where it really impresses though is its upmarket execution, solid build quality and high levels of creature comforts all for a sub £30k price tag.

See Month One report.
See Month Two report.