Skip advert
Advertisement

Vauxhall Insignia

Vauxhall aims to win over diesel buyers with its new, efficient petrol turbo

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
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

While this engine is unlikely to convert the majority of Insignia buyers from diesel power, it’s a well rounded and refined alternative, and much better than the 1.8-litre unit it replaces. The economy and efficiency gains achieved by the rest of the changes are significant, but our biggest gripe is with the price – a  similarly equipped Mondeo 1.6 EcoBoost Titanium costs a substantial £1,935 less.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Petrol or diesel? If you’re a company car driver choosing a large family model, it’s usually derv all the way. But Vauxhall’s latest, revised Insignia is seeking to offer an alternative with a fresh 1.4-litre turbocharged unleaded engine.

Can the newcomer, seen here in Opel guise, offer a decent blend of economy and pace? The unit replaces the old, normally aspirated, 1.8-litre and is a direct rival for the 1.6 EcoBoost turbo in Ford’s Mondeo.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Vauxhall Insignia

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"68338","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

The car features a raft of updates such as automatic stop-start, an enclosed undertray to improve aerodynamics and lower-rolling-resistance tyres.

The result is 25 per cent better economy than the old 1.8-litre engine, at an impressive 49.6mpg, while CO2 emissions are reduced by the same proportion, dropping to a mere 134g/km. By comparison, the Mondeo EcoBoost claims 44.1mpg and 149g/km.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

3

2015 DS

3

70,100 milesManualDiesel1.6L

Cash £4,200
View 3
XF

2015 Jaguar

XF

61,000 milesAutomaticDiesel2.2L

Cash £7,495
View XF
Range Rover Evoque

2023 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

32,368 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £23,495
View Range Rover Evoque
Range Rover Evoque

2023 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

12,482 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £28,995
View Range Rover Evoque

The 1.4-litre turbo is good for 138bhp and 200Nm of torque, and drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual box. And while the car isn’t as quick as the more powerful 158bhp Mondeo, it’s hushed and refined, even at high speeds.

Considering the engine’s small capacity, in-gear urgency is also very impressive. You are rarely left wanting for pace, although the motor is at its best when 

you use the low-down muscle, as it starts to feel strained much beyond 4,000rpm.

The Insignia’s new electronic power-steering rack is linear and well weighted, and the skinny tyres still generate a considerable amount of grip. Nevertheless, 

on twisty roads, the drive is capable rather than engaging.

The ride is generally quite comfortable and the Vauxhall is an excellent cruiser, with wind and road noise equally well suppressed. For now, visual enhancements are limited to a pair of new 18-inch alloy wheel designs, and a fresh colour – Luxor Blue – a more thorough overhaul is due next summer.

Apart from updates to the optional sat-nav, the interior remains pretty much unchanged, too, but that’s no bad thing. It is still a high-quality mix of soft-touch plastics and plenty of equipment, and our SRi-trimmed model came well specified.

Overall, the newcomer is a welcome addition to the range. However, the diesels are likely to remain the strongest sellers.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,450 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,675
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £4,500 off RRP*
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £13,328
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025
Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy
Marcos, interior

Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy

Development is already underway on the first all-new Marcos cars in roughly 20 years
News
27 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025