Skip advert
Advertisement

Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer

Does newcomer build on strengths of hatch to top the class?

The Vectra estate was a hauler from the old school: it put space ahead of looks, and had one of the biggest load areas in the business. The new Insignia takes a different approach. With its tapering roof and wraparound tailgate, the Sports Tourer is designed to look good.

It’s not much different to the hatch from the front, but it’s all change at the rear. We think the rounded tailgate and large light clusters are heavy-handed – the Ford
wins the battle for kerb appeal.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Vauxhall has a trick up its sleeve in the form of its powered tailgate. It’s fitted to all SE and Elite models, and raises at the push of a button to reveal a wide opening, plus – unlike in the Mondeo – a flat loading lip.

Unusually, the rear lights are mounted on the tailgate, so there are extra clusters inside the opening on either side of the luggage area. They’re still visible when the boot is open and satisfy legal requirements, but highlight the quirky design.

With the rear seats in place, the Insignia is slightly more spacious than the Vectra, and its 540-litre capacity is only two litres down on the Ford’s. The raised boot floor hides a shallow storage tray, and provides a flat load area when you fold the rear seats.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

A6

2021 Audi

A6

43,870 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £19,497
View A6
Model 3

2023 Tesla

Model 3

30,362 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £20,197
View Model 3
E-2008

2022 Peugeot

E-2008

28,312 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £13,797
View E-2008
ID.3

2022 Volkswagen

ID.3

21,868 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £13,697
View ID.3

If outright capacity is your priority, the Sports Tourer will disappoint. Although the space is longer, its 1,510-litre maximum is 223 litres down on the Mondeo’s. Up front, the layout is attractive and features high-quality materials – the only letdown is the questionable wood-effect trim. Generous kit on the SE Nav includes climate control, an electronic handbrake and Bluetooth.

 Hit the road and the Sports Tourer is an accomplished performer. We weren’t surprised that it proved slower than the Mondeo, as the 158bhp 2.0 CDTI delivers 15bhp less power and our test car had onlya few hundred miles on the clock. It took one second longer to cover 0-60mph, with a time of 10.1 seconds, while it didn’t have the in-gear punch of its rival, either.

But the Insignia provides impressive high-speed refinement. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than fun, so it smooths out rough surfaces effectively.

What it lacks is poise. While the steering is precise and the gearshift positive, the Mondeo is more involving. The Insignia’s reactions aren’t as quick or its body control as tight, and its brakes don’t have the bite of the Ford’s. Even so, with generous kit, great prices and a practical, attractive interior, the Sports Tourer is a strong choice.

Details

WHY: Insignia has impressed with its refinement and comfort. How does estate model rate?

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,361 off RRP*Used from £12,300
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,825 off RRP*Used from £8,904
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £14,998
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025