Vauxhall Insignia SRi VX line Nav 2.0 CDTi
- Used Vauxhall Insignia is the latest addition to our fleet
- It's infotainment time
- Are you sitting comfortably?
- Bitten by the economy bug
- Space exploration
- Mid-term report time
- Keeping my cool
- Getting the message
- Time for some fettling
- A blast from the past
- Life after the HJ fleet
- It's hard to say goodbye
Used Vauxhall Insignia is the latest addition to our fleet
Chris has chosen a used Vauxhall Insignia as the latest addition to Our Cars. And he's got six months to see how it shapes up.
Date: 16 April 2015 | Current mileage: 13,316 | Claimed economy: 76.3mpg | Actual economy: 52.9mpg
This is a great opportunity to spend more time with an Insignia. That said the last one I drove a few years back left me slightly underwhelmed. Blame an uninspiring 1.8-litre petrol engine and a slightly drab cabin for that. But this around I’ll find out whether it can still mix it with the best of the family car pack. It faces some talented rivals - the new Mondeo for one - so it should be an interesting six months.
Mind you, this is a long term test with a difference as rather than a freshly minted example we’ve gone down the used route. Why? Well, 2015 is the 25th anniversary of Vauxhall’s Network Q approved used programme. So we'll spend time experiencing the typical car that awaits used car buyers on their local dealer forecourt.
The model we’ve chosen is a 2014 2.0-litre 140PS diesel in upmarket SRi VX Line trim that arrived with just under 12,900 miles on the clock. And very sharp it looks too I reckon. The basic shape hasn’t changed a great deal since its 2008 introduction, but while there are more sophisticated rivals, the Summit White paintwork, rear privacy glass, 19-inch alloys (that I’m paranoid about scraping) and the extra VX Line body addenda freshen things up.
It’s packed with kit too, including climate and cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, plus sports seats amongst other goodies. There’s also Vauxhall’s IntelliLink touchscreen infotainment system bringing DAB, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, (mostly obedient) voice control for various functions and a mouse pad-type affair in the centre console. The latter reduces the need to fiddle with the screen - a good thing as I’m not fully convinced about touchscreens in cars - but using it left-handed is a bit odd and the feedback is strangely akin to an electric shock.
The Insignia's dashboard layout is logical and includes colour touchscreen
Either way the multitude of functions offered by the system means a session with the handbook beckons. Very un-bloke like I know, but as I’m already struggling to save my favourite radio stations I’m going to have to bite the bullet. More on how that goes next time.
So, first impressions on the road. Well, there’s no mistaking it sips from the black pump as the motor’s a bit grumbly from cold and at pottering speeds but it’s decently muted at a cruise. And while it’s brisk rather than quick, there’s a decent wodge of torque for relaxed motorway overtaking. The start/stop system kicks-in promptly too, re-starting without too much of a shudder.
Less relaxed, though, is the ride which feels a little uncompromising on anything other than smooth surfaces with noticeable thud and fidget. Road noise on coarse surfaces is noticeable too, and while big wheels and 40-profile tyres are never going to be cosseting, time will tell whether either become bigger annoyances.
It’s a good cruiser though and feels built for the motorway slog, the engine spinning at barely 1700rpm at the legal limit, so it feels nicely relaxed and should be good for economy too which is currently hovering around the 50mpg mark. Some way short of the official combined figure of 76.3mpg, true, but I’m hoping a few longer runs should push it towards the mid-fifties.
So are there any gripes? Well, rear visibility isn’t great thanks to the sloping tailgate, and the flat-bottomed steering wheel is mildly pointless even if the chunky leather rim is lovely to hold. Oh, and the tiny switch for the rear wiper that’s tacked on to the end of the main stalk feels like an afterthought. Nothing major at the moment, then, and so far I reckon the Insignia and I should get along just fine.
It's infotainment time
Having taken a break from proper work to play with the Vauxhall's infotainment system, how's Chris getting on?
Date: 30 April 2015 | Current mileage: 13,756 | Claimed economy: 76.3mpg | Actual economy: 52.5mpg
With a few more weeks and miles under the Vauxhall’s belt I’ve had a better chance to explore it’s handling, and I have to say I’m impressed. The jury is still out on the ride quality – although my wife thinks I’m being fussy – but that aside it’s pretty good fun to punt along twistier country roads.
Not that it’s particularly countrified where I live, so it’s been a good excuse to get out from behind the computer and go in search of a bit of scenery and fresh air. And the Insignia seems to enjoy it too, proving pretty deft for a family saloon.
The steering feels nicely accurate and the weighting is just about spot on. There’s not much in the way of body roll either. Combine that with the decently supportive seats, and while it’s never going to have hot-hatch levels of sharpness it’s at least mildly entertaining which is pretty much all most owners would ever ask of it.
I’ve also had time to play with the Intellilink infotainment system, and despite ignoring the operating manual so far (I will look at it, I promise) it’s all quite user-friendly. I’ve still not worked out how to save my favourite radio stations so for the moment I just rely on the voice activation to select the station. A quick prod of the steering wheel button and my best Queen’s English and it all seems to work fine. Okay, perhaps I’ll just ignore the handbook altogether for now.
The Insignia's touchpad controller has failed to impress, due to its awkward operation
The touchscreen responds quickly to inputs too – something you can’t say about all of them - and programming the navigation is straightforward enough. If I’ve got a quibble, it’s that the system does seem a bit slow to calculate a new route if you ignore the instructions and the screen did freeze on me in the depths of west London traffic which raised the blood pressure a bit.
No amount of cursing and stabbing at the screen would get it moving, although oddly the voice instructions were still okay, otherwise I’d still be there now. It’s not happened again since, so I’ll put it down to a temporary electronic tantrum.
Anyhow, between using the screen and the voice control I’ve not had any real need to use the touchpad in the centre console, and frankly things will probably stay that way. It feels a little too odd to operate on the move. A rotary controller might have been better.
Other than that, the Insignia has slotted into my life very nicely. The trip computer says that average economy is still hovering around the 52mpg mark, which is nice for the wallet, so no complaints there. And overall build quality seems up to the mark as the cabin is free of any creaks or rattles so far too. Good news all round, then.
Are you sitting comfortably?
This week, Chris concentrates on matters of comfort in the Insignia but the results are mixed.
Date: 15 May 2015 | Current mileage 13,980 | Claimed economy 76.3mpg | Actual economy 51.7mpg
Now I’m not about to tell you a story, but I am going to talk about seats if you don’t mind, starting with the back of the Insignia where I reckon passengers get quite a good deal.
Early in its tenure, the Insignia was tasked with ferrying around four family members and there weren’t any complaints from those relegated to the back seats. And a quick comparison with the latest Ford Mondeo – a car with a notably longer wheelbase – reveals that the Vauxhall compares favourably, subjectively at least.
Okay, so shoulder room feels better in the Ford and there’s a touch more headroom, but the Insignia offers plenty of legroom and a seat that’s likely to prove comfortable over longer distances. Admittedly I’m very much on the average side of average height, but sitting behind a driver’s seat adjusted for me leaves my knees a good way from the front seatback although my head does brush the headlining.
The only thing I would say is that it’s all a bit gloomy in the back of our long-termer, thanks to the dark upholstery and headlining, not to mention the privacy glass. I’m not struck on the latter anyway, and although the security benefits are obvious I do like a nice airy cabin. So I’d happily live without the dark tint.
The scalloped shape on driver's seat leaves support a bit lacking
And up front? Well, the outlook isn’t quite so positive as I’ve not found the driver’s seat entirely comfortable. It’s fine on the whole and I’m quite prepared to accept that it’s my dodgy, middle-aged back that’s the problem rather than Vauxhall’s ergonomics, but the point at which the squab meets the base of the backrest does seem a slightly odd shape. It drops away leaving me without any proper support and therefore a dull ache after a few miles.
I’ve managed to employ a temporary fix though, thanks largely to Mrs R who whipped up a nice cushion to fill the void, though I’ve left it out of the picture here as – lovely though the sewing is – the colour does rather clash with the otherwise tasteful upholstery. Works a treat though.
Anyhoo, I’ll tell you what I do like and that’s the white paintwork. I’ve always liked a white car and it seems I’m not alone as various surveys keep telling us that other buyers do too. Apparently white is the new silver...or black...or whatever. Anyway, teamed with the various chrome trimmings it looks great in bright sunshine even if keeping it clean means I’m getting to know the local car wash crew rather too well.
In other news, I have noticed an oddity with the start/stop system. Once the engine has cut out, pressing hard on the brake pedal and then releasing it causes the engine to burst back into life, which is disconcerting if nothing else. The local dealer tells me it’s normal, but it’s odd all the same. One to keep an eye on I think.
Bitten by the economy bug
The big Vauxhall with its 2.0 CDTi is proving to be admirably restrained when to comes to sipping diesel.
Date: 31 May 2015 | Current mileage 14,388 | Claimed economy 76.3mpg | Actual economy 52.7mpg
Although I’ve driven plenty of diesels over the years, I’ve never actually lived with one on a daily basis. But since the Insignia arrived I’ve come over all parsimonious and started obsessing about fuel consumption. Scrolling through the trip computer display in the centre of the speedometer is easy thanks to the handily-placed four-way switch on the steering wheel and several times during a journey I can’t help flicking through the menu to the economy readouts.
I’ve taken to resetting the second trip readout before longer journeys, so between this one and the rolling average I’m able to keep an eagle eye on how much diesel is being sipped. And as far as I can tell it isn’t a great deal, which makes me very happy I can tell you.
For example, a few weeks ago I took a trip from south London through the City and out to the East End which, with a few minor errands thrown in, amounted to a 43-mile or so round trip. Despite making the journey in the thick of the Saturday morning traffic, a quick check of the economy readout showed the big Vauxhall had managed 41.9mpg. Not too shabby at all.
And things get even better on a longer and less traffic-choked run. A recent journey down to the Isle of Wight was a pleasant way to spend a sunny Sunday – wallet-wilting cost of the ferry crossing aside – and with most of the trip comprising of a gentle cruise down the A3 to Portsmouth, and just a few country road miles, I was expecting good things on the economy front.
The Insignia on the ferry heading abroad. Well, to the Isle of Wight anyway...
After the 150 mile round trip, the readout for the journey was showing 59.8mpg which did no end of good for the overall average. And that was with two other passengers aboard and a boot-load of clutter on the return trip. Frankly, as near as dammit to 60mpg is a pretty decent return for a spacious and comfortable family hatchback, and I probably could have done better still with a bit more application.
In fact, I’m planning on undertaking a personal economy run soon, just to see what I can actually tease out of the 2.0-litre diesel motor. See, I told you I was getting obsessed with economy.
But it’s probably time to talk about something else. As one surprise that did crop up on the Isle of Wight jaunt was a warning from the navigation system. It happened as I approached the ferry terminal. I thought I’d imagined it at first. But nope, driving into the appropriate lane to await loading elicited the same message from the voice in the dashboard - ‘Warning – Ferry’.
Not that I was planning to ignore the steep drop and drive into the drink, but even when the infotainment system is switched off the satellite gubbins is clearly still keeping an eye out for you to prevent any driver stupidity. Comforting, if a little eerie...
Space exploration
This time, Chris gets to grips with the Insignia's load carrying abilities. Despite his bad back. Poor chap.
Date: 15 June 2015 | Current mileage 14,578 | Claimed economy 76.3mpg | Actual economy 52.1mpg
You’ll have to forgive me if I sound like a broken record, but I’m going to talk about space again. Not for passengers this time, but for goods and chattels.
Thing is, I’ve not been covering many miles recently – for various reasons, but mostly because of a bad back that’s proved incompatible with the firm but normally supportive seats, and the somewhat sporting ride quality. I’m on the mend though, so enough about my temporary physical deficiencies as the urban pottering has provided a chance to explore some of the Insignia’s other details, in this case the issue of cabin storage.
Plenty of manufacturers still manage to deprive owners of the sort of space needed for the everyday detritus of motoring life such as mobile phones, keys, packets of Werther’s Originals, that sort of thing. To be honest, I’m not really one of those drivers that fills the interior with lots of clutter (although the cars of my youth were filled to bursting with cassette tapes... remember those?) so lack of storage isn’t a huge issue but I’m pleased to report occupiers of the Insignia fair quite well.
It’s a shame that the door bins don’t include room for a dedicated bottle holder - and the plastics on the lower door trims are somewhat low-rent - but they are both wide and deep enough to be properly usable. There’s also a useful cubby just by the driver’s right knee and another below the centre armrest, the latter incorporating a couple of USB sockets, although both could do with being lined as stuff tends to rattle around.
Big boot proved useful for house moving duties, and even managed to squeeze in a small tree!
Oh, and the cup holders in the centre console are a sensible size and covered by a sliding cover. The only slightly stingy area is the glovebox, which although fronted by a promisingly large lid is pretty much filled with the handbook and the box containing the locking wheel nuts.
Interior aside, I’ve also been making use of the capacious luggage area. Before back ache intervened, I was roped into helping a family member move house and the Insignia’s large and sensibly shaped boot was something of a boon.
Unfortunately, a cross-member behind the rear seats prevents a completely flat floor but the seat backs themselves drop down easily, and the clips on the outer edges of the seats that keep the seat belts out of the way are a sensible touch. In fact, with 530 litres of space with the seats up you’re unlikely to struggle on a daily basis and this expands to a more than useful 1470 litres.
On other matters, I’ve been keeping an eye on the tyre pressure readout as I’ve begun to suspect the offside rear tyre of having a slow puncture. Oh, and I wish the ‘parking brake released’ message that pops up in the speedo display didn’t need dismissing manually. It’s a nannying safety feature I could live without.
Mid-term report time
We're half way through our time with the Vauxhall Insignia, so how are things going for Chris?
Date: 30 June 2015 | Current mileage 14,831 | Claimed economy 76.3mpg | Actual economy 52.4mpg
I’m half way through my tenure with the Insignia and so far things are, well, quite good actually. I realise that sounds like damning with faint praise, but it’s not supposed to. Clearly this isn’t a car that’s going to set the enthusiast’s pulse racing – and in fairness it isn’t really intended to be – but the spacious interior and easy-going manner are a pleasure to come back to after I’ve been driving something else.
The lumpy ride still grates and mars a cruising ability that otherwise impresses, but the Vauxhall is still proving usefully parsimonious returning a personal best of 60mpg the other day, which really isn’t to be sniffed at. It didn’t even take much restraint to achieve it, despite the fact that the engine start/stop system decided not to join in for the first ten miles of the journey. The system is proving a bit erratic of late – either not working straight away or giving up mid-way through a journey – and a quick skim through the handbook didn’t reveal any obvious cause.
I wondered whether it was because of a lower than optimal battery voltage due to too many short journeys, but it’s been happening on longer trips too. Neither does it appear to be due to the diesel particulate filter undergoing regeneration. So a bit of a mystery and although the impact on fuel consumption is probably negligible I’d got used to it working promptly. It also helps to mask a slightly grumbly idle. I think a service is due soon so one for the dealer to investigate perhaps.
And while I’m there, I’ll ask them about the nearside rear tyre that I mentioned in the last report. I suspected a very slow puncture, but while the tyre looks okay the monitoring system always shows it's 2-3psi lower than the offside rear. Maybe it’s a dickey pressure sensor.
Now that the sun's out, Chris should be visiting these a bit less
Minor niggles aside though the car is wearing its nigh-on 15,000 miles very well. The black trim around the side windows looks slightly mottled in places, but otherwise the exterior comes up a treat after a wash.
The cabin isn’t showing any signs of wear either. It all feels impressively well assembled and apart from a minor creak from around the instrument cluster that seems to be temperature dependent, it’s free from any rattles or squeaks. Just as it should be you say? Well yes, but it’s certainly not always the case, so full marks to Vauxhall here.
And while we’re on the subject of the interior, it’s been finding particular favour with Mrs R who not only likes the way it looks but finds the seats incredibly comfortable. So far, only the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus have received the same unqualified praise, so another tick in the plus column for the Insignia.
So, rather better than my own school days, a ‘B’ is probably a fair mark at this point, although a bit more application is needed in places.
Keeping my cool
Some much welcome warm weather and a busy few weeks have been testing the Insignia's climate control.
Date: 15 July 2015 | Current mileage: 15,299 | Claimed economy: 76.3mpg | Actual economy: 53.1mpg
Good news! In my last report, I mentioned that the start/stop system had become a bit erratic in its operation, but it seems to have sorted itself out. Well, mostly. It still doesn’t work immediately on every journey, but it’s better than it was which should mean it contributes a bit more to the generally impressive economy figures.
In fact, there’s more good news as I’ve been making plenty of use of the air-conditioning of late. Having enjoyed/endured (delete as per your preference) one of the hottest July days in a decade, the Insignia’s powerful climate control set up has been something of a boon, taking almost no time to pump out a cooling blast.
It’s needed too. The dark cabin materials and black headlining manage to absorb plenty of heat while the car is parked. Actually, it’s been particularly welcome over the last few weeks as my wife and I have been trawling around the Home Counties looking for a new place to live. The whole business of moving house is stressful enough already, so being able to rely on the system to quickly cool a harassed brow as we schlep from one unsuitable property to the next has been useful indeed.
And praise be, but the climate control system is operated by proper buttons and dials. I know that’s becoming all a bit old hat nowadays as manufacturers strive to clear conventional controls from the dashboard and group them all on touchscreens and the like, but that doesn’t half take a bit of getting used to.
Chris has been making good use of the Insignia's easy-to-operate climate control
Sometimes, all you want to do is stab at a button or twiddle a dial without taking your eyes off the road and the arrangement in the Vauxhall couldn’t be clearer. Easy to adjust on the move, and with a decent quality feel to them, I’m more than happy.
And actually, the same could be said for most of the controls with everything pretty much where you expect it to be. I know - I sound like a bit of a technophobe but I’m not, honest. Sometimes, simple is best and when you’re stressed-out over moving house the last thing you want is any more complication. So thank you Vauxhall for helping to keep my blood pressure down...
Mind you, there has been an added benefit to driving around all these unfamiliar areas and that’s been the amount of time I’ve spent on country roads winding their way across Lord knows where. Obviously it’s shown up the limitations of the firm ride - and the state of the nation’s back roads - but it’s also confirmed the pleasingly controlled and roll-free handling which means, when the opportunity presents itself, there’s scope for a bit of fun.
This move should also mean I’ll be making plenty of use of the capacious boot for runs to the council tip and the like, so the Insignia will certainly be earning it’s keep in coming weeks.
Getting the message
A variety of dashboard warning messages from the Insignia have been keeping Chris on his toes.
Date: 31 July 2015 | Current mileage 15,538 | Claimed economy 76.3mpg | Actual economy 52.5mpg
Life with the Insignia has been proving as relaxed as ever over the last few weeks, which is more than can be said for things at chez Randall as arrangements for the impending house move continue to play havoc with my bank balance.
Still, at least the car is still sipping diesel at a thrifty rate and with prices edging downwards – a penny or two per litre below petrol at some fuel stations – it helps in off-setting the cost of all those boxes and bubble wrap I’ve been buying.
Some longer motorway runs have helped keep the average economy in the low fifties as well, although more time spent than usual on the M25 does show up the slightly tiresome levels of road noise on the coarser concrete sections. It’s not massively annoying but does mean that the volume of conversations or the radio needs to be raised to compensate.
Anyhow, I’ve been making plenty of use of the ample boot space to shift small items of furniture and do the runs to the council tip and local charity shop. The hatchback opening is a useful shape for loading awkward items and although the load lip is a bit high it doesn’t prove too much bother.
Chris has promised this will be the last picture of him loading the Insignia's boot
And minor though it seems, I’ve also appreciated how easy it is to remove the parcel shelf. The ball and socket connectors that attach the support strings to the tailgate pop off easily and then it’s a simple matter of unclipping the shelf from the locating lugs at each side. It’s not uncommon to find quite flimsy arrangements in some models that you worry about breaking, but not here.
But away from luggage-related matters, the last couple of weeks have also seen a variety of warning messages pop up in the dashboard display, a couple of which I’d not experienced before. With rain replacing sunshine of late, flicking on the wipers one day brought up the words ‘Rain sense on’ in the central display. I’d always assumed that automatic wipers were part of the kit count - although unlike with the headlights there doesn’t appear to be an obvious auto setting – but I’d not seen the message before.
Another new one in my tenure was the low fuel level warning which I have to say seems to be a little over-cautious. The needle was barely a hair’s breadth from the red portion before the warning appeared, while the trip computer reckoned there was still 110 miles of range left. Better safe than sorry I suppose.
And aside from still getting irritated by the ‘parking brake released’ message that sometimes needs clearing manually, I’ve previously mentioned my suspicions of a very slow puncture in the nearside rear tyre. Enough, anyway, to bring up a warning from the tyre pressure monitoring system as it had dropped to 26psi and finding a garage with a working air-line seemed the biggest hassle but I’ll be keeping a closer eye on it.
Time for some fettling
Our Insignia heads to the service bay as its due a service after 15,500 miles. And Chris even gets a video of the work.
Date: 15 August 2015 | Current mileage 15,733 | Claimed economy 76.3mpg | Actual economy 52.1mpg
Last time, I mentioned the number of warning messages that had been popping up on the dashboard display. I'd barely had time to file the last report when another appeared. This time it was the service indicator informing me that the Insignia’s first service was due, the electronic brain calling time at just over 15,500 miles.
The car was dispatched to J Davy in Basingstoke, which although not my closest Vauxhall dealer did give me a chance to experience the recently introduced ‘VX360’ programme. This provides owners with a video clip showing their car being inspected by the technician. You can view the video here. As well as the video – which in my case showed the brakes pads being measured for wear and the tyres inspected for damage – you also get an itemised list of the work that’s been carried out plus a notification of any additional work needed along with a quote for the cost.
I must admit I was really impressed with it. Not only does it provide transparency for the owner and a clear indication of any issues discovered during the inspection but also gives them a chance to consider whether to have the extra work done. You can then inform the dealership accordingly without having to decide immediately over the phone.
The service itself was straightforward, consisting mainly of an oil and filter change and general check over, for which the dealer wanted a reasonable £169 including VAT. Not bad for a little over 15,000 miles of frugal motoring.
Chris liked the colour of the loan car while smaller rims definitely improved the ride
Unfortunately, the service also revealed a nearside front tyre that had picked up a deep cut in the tyre wall and that required urgent replacement to the tune of another £307.27. A hefty old bill in the end, although I suspect a bit of shopping around would have found a cheaper tyre.
With the Insignia collected and delivered to the dealer by Vauxhall themselves, they knew it was a press car although I’ve no reason to think a normal owner wouldn’t have received the same friendly and courteous service. Service advisor, James Hooper, talked me through the work that had been done adding that the engine ECU had received a software update while it was in the workshop.
With the car cleaned and hoovered into the bargain, it’s now running as well ever although the technician couldn’t find anything wrong with the nearside rear tyre which appeared to have a slow puncture, nor with the slightly random operation of the start/stop system.
Aside from all that, Vauxhall did leave me another Insignia to run around in while our car was away. This provided an interesting comparison. Another CDTi diesel, this one was in a different trim and emitted less of the diesel clatter. It was also on 18-inch wheels which measurably improved the ride, although I definitely prefer the sportier look of VX Line trim.
A blast from the past
We take the Insignia back to its spiritual home in Luton where it gets to meet its Cavalier predecessors.
Date: 31 August 2015 | Current mileage: 16,174 | Claimed economy: 76.3mpg | Actual economy: 52.1mpg
Apart from a wobble from the navigation system when it suddenly switched to route instructions in kilometres mid-journey (it righted itself on the trip back and has been fine since), life with the Insignia has been peachy of late.
So I decided it deserved a treat which involved a trip back to its spiritual home in Luton. In all honesty, a boat would have been more useful as the rain and spray on the motorways was truly atrocious, the worst I’ve experienced in years, but it did reveal the car to be a safe and secure handler in such conditions.
The way it tracks straight and true on faster roads, with little steering correction needed, is one of the big Vauxhall’s plus points and helps make motorway treks a relaxing affair. So the fact that it managed to retain its composure despite the gusty winds and rather alarming levels of standing water is testament to the overall rightness of its chassis set up.
It would have been nice if the M25’s electronic message boards had warned of the lake that had appeared on one section, though…
Not impressed with the rain-sensing wipers, Chris will be searching for the manual setting
Anyway, the main purpose of the trip was to visit Vauxhall’s heritage collection which I’ve been meaning to see for ages and to re-unite our car with some of its older brethren. It’s a terrific place with all manner of tasty classics tucked away, from some of the very earliest cars to family favourites such as the Viva and Chevette. Plus a fine example of the Lotus Carlton which caused so much hand-wringing amongst certain sections of the tabloid press at its launch due its claimed 180mph top speed.
It was also a great chance to line the Insignia up beside its Cavalier predecessors. The thing that struck most was the sheer difference in size. The picture doesn’t really do it justice, but the current car really dwarfs the older models, not just externally but in terms of the cabin architecture too.
The dashboards in particular seemed a world apart in terms of dimensions and it’s plain to see how much space is robbed from the interior by the need to accommodate airbags and the navigation gubbins. The older cars also felt much airier by comparison, thanks to slimmer pillars and lighter colour schemes. You never know, maroon velour might even make a comeback.
Fortunately, the weather improved for the journey home but it did reveal a slight gripe in the form of the rain-sensing wipers. I like a nice clear screen but the automatic setting seems a touch random in operation, sweeping often at some times but leaving more of a water build up at others. You can adjust the sensitivity but it seems to make little difference, so I might delve into the vehicle menu and turn it off completely. Still, I’m hoping for some sunshine for our last few weeks with the car.
Life after the HJ fleet
Chris finds out what the future holds in store for our Insignia once its time with us comes to an end.
Date: 15 September 2015 | Current mileage 16,654 | Claimed economy 76.3mpg | Actual economy 52.6mpg
It’s only a couple of weeks before the man from Vauxhall will come to take my Insignia away and while I’ll be saving more detailed thoughts for next time, suffice to say I’m going to miss it. But for now I thought I’d take a look at what happens to it next.
As you’ll probably remember from the first report, the reason we wanted to try a used model was because this year marks the 25th anniversary of Vauxhall’s Network Q used car programme. Plenty of cars would have been snapped up from dealer forecourts since 1990, of course, and that’s where our car is destined for once its time with us is over.
A chat with Vauxhall reveals that the first step in the process will see the car head up to Corby in Northamptonshire where the company has a large facility dedicated to prepping cars for sale through the programme. Although I never got the chance to visit, it’s an impressive place by all accounts and it’s where the Insignia will be primped and preened all ready for its new owner.
According to Vauxhall, it will be up for sale with a £15,695 price tag in its windscreen which represents decent value considering a new price that was just shy of twenty three grand. A 30 per cent drop in value in the first year is on a par with most rivals in the class. No doubt there is still room for a bit of haggling by a canny buyer, something that will bag them a capable and comfortable family motor. And at least they’ll get to enjoy the benefits of a manufacturer-backed scheme, which amongst other things includes a 114 point check and a year’s worth of warranty and roadside assistance.
Not now they aren't. Chris has discovered how to get back to the normal intermittent wipers.
But I’m trying not to think about it going just yet, so that’s enough of that for now. So how have things been going since the last report? Well, it’s been spending a fair amount of time on the motorway of late which has been good for the impressive economy figures. Oh, and running between DIY centres and furniture stores which has been less good for my wallet.
But otherwise there’s been little else of note, although I have managed to get rid of the slightly annoying rain-sensing wipers that I mentioned last time. Good news considering that summer looks to be well and truly over, to be replaced by something altogether wetter.
It took a quick session with the handbook, but a few moments with the touchscreen revealed that ‘Settings, Vehicle, and Comfort and Convenience’ would soon have the wipers back to a good old fashioned intermittent set-up.
Actually, while we’re talking about the infotainment system it seems to default to the home screen after turning the ignition off, so you have to select the relevant screen again the next day. Minor I know, but a bit irksome all the same when you’re a committed radio user.
It's hard to say goodbye
As the Vauxhall Insignia leaves the fleet and Chris says a final farewell, we look at how faired over the last six months.
Date: 1 October 2015 | Current mileage 16,906 | Claimed economy 76.3mpg | Actual economy 52.3mpg
The Insignia’s departed. And to be honest I’m sad to see it go. If you recall from the first report, the point of this particular six-month test was running a used car from Vauxhall’s Network Q scheme, one that already had a few miles under its wheels, in this case a little less than 12,900.
So has it suffered from its ‘pre-owned’ status? Well, not one jot as far as I can tell with everything still feeling solid and with no signs of wear to any of the interior trim and fittings. In fact, just an occasional rattle from the instrument binnacle betrays its mileage. So what’s it been like to live with? Trouble-free is the easy answer, with nothing having broken, stopped working, or given any major cause for complaint.
That’s not to say I didn’t have a few gripes during my time with Vauxhall’s large hatchback, not least of which was a ride that was harsher than ideal thanks to the 19-inch wheels. It did become less noticeable over time, admittedly, but sharper-edged speed bumps and cratered roads still elicited a thud that had me fearing for the health of the natty-looking alloys.
Ultimately, I think the styling addenda and plentiful equipment of this trim but with smaller wheels would have suited me just fine and made for a better all-rounder.
Chris gives the Insignia one last spruce up
There were a couple of minor issues during my tenure, though, with the start/stop system operating a bit randomly at times and a near-side rear tyre that would deflate enough to raise the occasional warning from the tyre-pressure monitoring system. Not major but neither were fully addressed, despite being checked during the car’s service.
On the plus side, I was always impressed by the Insignia’s generally relaxed cruising ability – road noise aside - which took the sting out of long motorway hauls while overall economy that hovered around 52mpg kept running costs low. It was also usefully spacious, with no complaints from passengers and plenty of boot capacity, making the Insignia a sound choice for families. Pity the trim in the lower half of the cabin isn’t plusher, though.
Sticking with the good news, the uncomfortable driver’s seat that I’d complained about early on suited me better as the miles accrued. And while not keen at first, I also grew to like the flat-bottomed steering wheel, the chunky leather rim feeling really nice to hold. It’s just a shame it doesn’t control a crisper chassis, the handling proving satisfying rather than especially sparkling, although this won’t be a deal-breaker for most buyers given the other attributes.
But the ultimate question of course is whether I’d spend my own money on it as a used car, and the answer is yes. Not an unqualified one, admittedly, but a yes all the same. It did enough things well to make living with it an enjoyable experience. And while it might lack outright driving appeal, those in the market for a roomy, capable family hauler should certainly have it on their short list.
