Making its mark

With over 167,000 Insignias sold in the UK, Vauxhall’s D-segment challenger is a popular fleet choice. Richard Gooding sees how the green virtues translate into added benefits

With 39 years of fleet experience behind it, Vauxhall has been a significant player in the UK business market. The Insignia name first came to the UK in 2008, following the Cavalier and Vectra. The big Vauxhall is a major fleet player: the company claims that as many as 80 per cent of all Insignias are sold to the business market. And while the Insignia SRi Nav 2.0CDTi ecoFLEX Start/Stop may be a large car, its emissions are not. With a range of new engines and mid-life revisions, emissions tumble as low as 98g/km.

Best-in-class emissions
Usually the preserve of small cars, the Insignia’s best-in-class emissions are as impressive as its quoted combined cycle fuel economy figure of 76.3. The four-cylinder, 2.0-litre diesel engine is of the same capacity as before, but with outputs of 118 and 138bhp, it now offers more choice. Even better is the fact that those stand-out CO2 and mpg values are available with both engine outputs. 2.0 CTDi ecoFLEX Start/Stop models feature an ‘active front air shutter’ which reduces air flow into the engine bay. Vauxhall quotes a theoretical range of 1175 miles from models fitted with this engine. In our real-world tests a figure of 715 miles was nearer the mark. Over the 348 miles VX63 LYZ spent with us, it averaged 49.5mpg, impressive for car this size. On my 60-mile daily commute I would only need to fill up every three weeks.

Technological advancements
With 138bhp and 273lb ft (370Nm) of torque, this particular Insignia is a spirited performer and doesn’t feel like a car geared towards efficiency. Damper and anti-roll bar settings have been revised, while the steering has been reprogrammed for improved feel. Further improvements to noise, vibration and harshness levels sees the Insignia be whisper quiet when cruising. Helping to relieve any long journey boredom is the Insignia’s array of standard equipment. Inside, there’s a completely re-designed centre console and instrument cluster, with an 8-inch colour infotainment display. Featuring touchscreen functionality, it allows access to radio and music menus, smartphone connections, or 3D navigation controls. A touchpad similar to a computer mouse is also available to control the car’s infotainment systems.

Located in the centre console, its touch-sensitive surface recognises handwriting and reacts to finger movements, vibrating lightly to give haptic feedback.

Other SRi trim highlights include DAB digital radio, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, lowered suspension, cruise control, electric driver’s seat adjustment, climate control, Bluetooth and internet connectivity. VX63 LYZ was also fitted with an optional £400 8-inch instrument cluster. Incorporating two physical outer dials showing fuel and rev counter gauges, the speedometer can be displayed in analogue or digital form and can show infotainment information or an economy graph which displays fuel usage patterns.

Reduced costs
The new Insignia is significantly cheaper than the old model, so the P11D value benefits.
Available in five-door hatchback, four-door saloon and five-door Sport Tourer (estate) formats, Vauxhall has looked to reduce whole life costs, Benefit-in-Kind taxation, National Insurance contributions, as well as service, maintenance and repair costs. The new car has a 15 per cent BIK rate. Add in prices starting at £2000 less than the previous version and a ‘lifetime’/100,000-mile warranty, and it’s no surprise that the Griffin’s fleet and family‑friendly car continues to make its mark.

Vauxhall Insignia SRi Nav 2.0CDTi ecoFLEX Start/Stop
ENGINE: 1,956cc, four-cylinder diesel
CO2: 99g/km
MPG (combined): 76.3
VED: Band A, £0
BIK: 15%
PRICE (OTR): £21,649 (including VAT, £22,674 as tested)