VAUXHALL INSIGNIA

And so, like the Cavalier name before it, the Vectra is consigned to the history books, to be replaced by this, the Insignia. Like its predecessors, Vauxhall's new family car comes as a hatchback, saloon and (in due course) an estate, but that's pretty much where the similarity ends. Quite simply, the new car is such an improvement over the old one that it's no surprise Vauxhall decided to give it a new name. The surprises start with the styling. And, while it may well be the four-wheeled proof of the adage that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, there's no denying that the Insignia has a real sense of style and character to it - not something you could ever have said of a Vectra. Inside, too, the car is really stylish, with an elegant cabin that is as elegant as it is ergonomic.


However, perhaps the biggest surprise is that the car is also a really good drive. True, it may lack the ultimate ability that makes its arch-rival, the Ford Mondeo, the class-leader, but the Insignia is closer to the very best than anyone might have expected. However, where it's the sporty side of the Mondeo that sets it apart, it's the Insignia's composure that most impresses. The Vauxhall is an expert motorway mile-muncher, and even away from the highways, it displays fine body control and a generally smooth ride. Only when you really push it hard down a really poor section of road does it noticeably lose out to the Mondeo.



In fact, in most respects, the new Vauxhall pushes its Ford rival hard, although the truth is that, in most cases, the Ford just wins out. The Insignia's coupe-like profile limits the rear headroom, for example, while its boot is a little smaller than the Mondeo's and the Ford's steering has better feel.


For all that, though, there's no denying the new Vauxhall has real appeal. It's very well priced, given the amount of equipment that's standard, and there are some interesting high-tech options, such as the FlexRide adaptive suspension and the AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting) systems. Plus, as long as you steer clear of the basic 1.8-litre petrol engine, every model gives decent performance.


STYLING
Vauxhall is full of bold claims about the Insignia heralding a new design language for the company's cars. And, while it's true that not everyone will like the new car, and that it looks better from some angles than others, there's no question that it's far smarter than the Vectra. That bold grille and coupe-like profile will certainly stand out in any company car park.


HANDLING
The Insignia just about earns four stars here, but if the steering was a little sharper, there would have been no doubt. As it is, there's just not enough feedback for the driver, which is a shame as, otherwise, the car is pretty impressive. Composure, rather than sportiness, is the watchword - although sporty SRi models and the Sport mode on the optional Flexride system go some way to answering that potential criticism. Nevertheless, a Ford Mondeo will be more appealing to a keen driver.


COMFORT

A very impressive showing here, as every model in the range has a height-adjustable driver's seat, with four-way lumbar adjustment. There's a wide range of adjustment, too, and the seats themselves are very comfortable over long distances.


QUALITY & RELIABILITY
Vauxhall has taken a real step forward with the Insignia. There's now a real sense of class and quality both in the way it's built and in what it's built from. The elegantly crafted cabin could easily pass for something from a more prestigious maker.


PERFORMANCE
The real disappointment here is the entry-level 1.8-litre petrol engine, which really struggles to shift this car. It has the lowest torque level of any of the initial batch of engines, arriving past 4000rpm. The result is very little flexibility, and you need to work the engine hard to keep with traffic. Otherwise, though, the engine range gives decent performance, with the 160PS 2.0-litre turbodiesel having perhaps the best blend of performance and economy.


ROOMINESS
That coupe-like profile may look good, but it does little for the space in the back. Anyone over six foot tall will have to duck noticeably just to get in, and when they do, they'll find headroom cramped, although legroom isn't too bad. The well-shaped boot, on the other hand, is almost a match for the Mondeo's, and the rear seats fold down easily to extend that space.


STEREO / SAT NAV
The stereo itself is a fine unit, and it's good to see that steering-wheel-mounted controls are standard across the range. Sat-nav is available on every trim except S and works well, with a small screen integrated into the dashboard, and controls that are easy to operate.


RUNNING COSTS
With competition fierce in this sector of the market, Vauxhall can't afford for the Insignia to be costly to run - and it shouldn't be. Both diesel engines return the best part of 50mpg, while servicing and insurance costs won't break the bank.


VALUE FOR MONEY

Such is the improvement over the Vectra that Vauxhall wanted to charge higher prices for the Insignia. However, the desire to maintain high fleet sales meant that, in the end, the list prices were kept down, making the Inisgnia very good value for money - and especially so if you push for some of the major discounts that are on offer.


ENVIRONMENT
The various models in the range are merely competitive with their main rivals in terms of CO2 emissions. For such a new model range, one might have expected better.