Vauxhall Insignia

Vectra replacement on the road

Only when you see it on the move can you begin to see just how good the new Insignia looks.

Ahead of its unveil at the British Motor Show, the disguised Insignia has been spied on the road.

Dropping the Vectra name is a deliberate attempt to distance the new motor from its predecessor, while its sleek styling is inspired by the firm’s GTC concept, which debuted at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. At the front there’s a large V-shaped grille and a pair of slanted headlamps. Simple flanks provide a clean look, and the rear lights neatly blend in with the surrounding bodywork.

As with its Ford Mondeo arch rival, Vauxhall’s next family car will be far more spacious than its predecessor, thanks to a brand new platform. To meet the challenge from its blue oval rival head-on, Vauxhall is promising the Insignia will have sharp handling as well as sleek, fresh looks.

The Insignia will hit the UK in September, when it’s set to go head-to-head with its key family class rivals. Prices are yet to be announced, but entry-level models are expected to start at around £15,000, which is similar to the current Vectra range.