Skip advert
Advertisement

Vauxhall Vectra 2.2 HCCI

We get behind hi-tech new engine set to power the Insignia.

Find your Vauxhall Insignia
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

There’s no doubt HCCI brings great benefits. Even though the car we drove was a prototype, it feels remarkably close to production. While work still needs to be done in refining it, the smooth power delivery and gains in fuel economy are clear. HCCI is some way off – bosses at Vauxhall won’t commit to a production date, but we’d guess it will be another two years away. Yet it shows there’s plenty of life in the petrol engine yet.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s the most exciting family model that has ever worn the famous Griffin badge – and the Vauxhall Insignia is getting an engine to match!

Auto Express has been given early access to a hi-tech new petrol unit that will appear in the forthcoming Ford Mondeo rival, and it promises an amazing blend of performance, fuel economy and low emissions.

It’s called HCCI – the initials stand for Homogenous Charge Compression Ignition. And the new system will join Vauxhall’s line-up of small-capacity turbocharged petrol and diesel eco­FLEX engines to provide the Insignia with an unbeatable range of environmentally friendly powerplants. Likely to join the range in around 2012, there's still a long wait expected of the engine, but from our early test, there's much to be excited about.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Yaris Hybrid

2025 Toyota

Yaris Hybrid

5,186 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £18,820
View Yaris Hybrid
Yaris Cross

2024 Toyota

Yaris Cross

22,243 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £24,229
View Yaris Cross
C-HR

2022 Toyota

C-HR

31,482 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £19,578
View C-HR
Aygo X

2024 Toyota

Aygo X

14,308 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,774
View Aygo X

An HCCI engine is effectively two motors in one. At low speeds, it means a petrol unit can work just like a diesel (as explained here). This in turn increases efficiency – the overall result is a 15 per cent improvement in fuel economy.

We drove a 154bhp 2.2-litre Ecotec-powered Vectra fitted with the HCCI system. Although there are no official figures, it should return 43mpg (up from 37mpg), while emissions are set to fall by 30g/km to only 150g/km.

Engineers claim that they are not yet satisfied with the level of refinement offered by this version of the new car. However, the most obvious difference is the transition from a quiet, diesel-like rattle at low throttle to a normal petrol engine hum when you put your foot down – there’s no obvious jerk in power delivery.

Drive gently, and the engine stays in HCCI mode, although the slightest squeeze of the accelerator moves it immediately into conventional spark ignition running. After this, it takes a while for the powerplant to switch to the HCCI settings – something engineers at the firm say will improve once they’ve revised the control software.

When all the bugs have been ironed out, the 2.2-litre unit will mean the Insignia is not only a fast car, but also fuel-efficient and clean. And if HCCI is the future for petrol engines, things are looking very bright.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,158 off RRP*
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £6,795
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,025Avg. savings £3,033 off RRP*Used from £11,900
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,713 off RRP*Used from £8,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs
New baby Land Rover Defender render - watermarked

New Land Rover Defender Sport: electric Freelander successor has the BMW iX3 in its crosshairs

The new Land Rover Defender Sport is set to sit below the existing Defender in the Land Rover range, with our exclusive images previewing how it could…
News
12 Oct 2025
New Leapmotor B10 2025 review: budget brand's best EV yet
Leapmotor B10 - front action

New Leapmotor B10 2025 review: budget brand's best EV yet

The new Leapmotor B10 is a serious player in the small electric SUV sector, boasting good range, plenty of kit and a tempting price tag
Road tests
14 Oct 2025
Car Deal of the Day: fully-loaded VW Passat PHEV for £235 a month seems like crazy value
Volkswagen Passat Estate UK - front action

Car Deal of the Day: fully-loaded VW Passat PHEV for £235 a month seems like crazy value

The Passat has been a family favourite for decades – and the latest model is no different. It’s our Deal of the Day for October 13.
News
13 Oct 2025