2020 Vauxhall Insignia Elite Grand Sport 1.5T petrol

Summary:

You won't get a better all round car

Faults:

Flawless so far.

General Comments:

I'm a Vauxhall fan, but I'll try to remain objective in this review.

This 2020 Insignia is one of the best cars I have had. I had an older one which lasted until 178,000 miles, it was a 2009 model, an early one; I know they are good cars if looked after, and this newer model should be no different.

My car is grey and has the 20 inch alloy wheel option, tinted windows, it does look the part.

Most are diesel, but also popular is this petrol 1.5 turbo unit. It is smooth and economical (around 40 mpg taking it slow) and never struggles despite being a smaller engine in a larger car. Manual box is smooth in operation. I love driving this car. Admittedly not the most refined - Road and engine noise can be a little intrusive, but never a problem for me. Those big alloy wheels can make the ride a little too firm for some also.

Elite model has the lot. Leather, electrics, connectivity, you name it. For the money, you won't get a better optioned car. Lots and lots of space inside as well. Boot is massive.

Servicing, insurance and tax are reasonable. Sure you could pay more and get a BMW, Audi, or Mercedes, but for half the price the big Vauxhall can do all the things those cars can do! It is a fine mid range executive or large family car for all your needs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th October, 2024

17th Oct 2024, 14:55

Elite is the best version, but I think an automatic transmissions suits the Insignia better, as it is a repmobile and the last thing dear old travelling sales rep wants to do is to change gears.

I'd go for the Elite 1.5 Turbo 165 PS automatic if the Insignia was still being made that is.

Stellantis had enough of paying royalties to General Motors, and killed off the Insignia right when it had become a good car and worthy adversary for the Ford Mondeo.

There are rumours that the Insignia might return as one of these "Coupé SUVs" akin to the BMW X4, and inevitably the new Insignia is going to be a Plug-In Hybrid and BEV.

Sad times lay ahead of us... Tough times in fact.

I miss the days when it was OK to buy petrol cars. You'd buy a Vectra GLS 2.5 V6 in boring old beige with plastic wheel trims, then you'd remove the 2.5 V6 badge and leave the exterior bog standard, only to surprise boy racers in their VTS Saxos and pretentious 320i drivers when leaving them in the dust. Hehehehe... Good times. The only thing I don't miss was the fact that you had to pay extra to have air-conditioning. Come on Vauxhall, that should've been standard in all Vectras.

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2020 Vauxhall Insignia SRi Vx Line Nav GS 1.5 turbo petrol

Summary:

Sleek and stylish

Faults:

Nothing serious. The brake pads are due for renewal, but that is wear and tear.

Touch screen can be a little hesitant to work.

As with any car, if you are buying used - service history is essential, these are as reliable as anything IF cared for!

General Comments:

The modern Insignia is a fine looking car. I love this car and I bought it in the knowledge that I will drive it for a long time. This is the perfect car for long term ownership, in regards to value for money.

I was going to go for a diesel initially, but I have had too many problems in the past with them. Petrol engines are always a lot simpler. This 1.5 turbo version is no different. It has punchy performance and still manages around 40 mpg anyway, so who needs diesel?

The car is really nice to drive. Slick moving six speed gearbox and handles just fine. In comparison to my old Ford Mondeo, in all honesty the Mondeo is still the better driving car. But the Insignia is more of a relaxed cruiser than an all out sports car.

SRi Vx Line is the trim to have - so many nice touches and gorgeous looking alloy wheels. My car is dark blue; looks black in anything but direct sunlight.

I am around average height and weight and find this car's comfort levels perfect. Rear boot space is massive. Everything is electric, but there is still analogue controls for climate and other important features. I never connect my phone or care about the digital stuff, but those features are there for those people who do. Sat Nav is easy to use, all controls are intuitive.

The seats are among the best I have sat in. I can go long journeys in this car no problem. Road noise is on the noisier side but never too intrusive. SRi gets stiffer suspension, but it does not ruin anything.

To conclude, if you are looking for a large family and/or a smooth executive car, the Insignia does it all, and a lot cheaper as well than many other cars in this class. This version (2017 onwards "Grand Sport") is also a lot more reliable than the older Insignias. I know a few guys who have these cars as taxis and even this generation has reached well over 100,000 miles on some of them and they are still running OK! I know my low mileage car will last me a long time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd July, 2024

2020 Vauxhall Insignia Tech Line Nav GS 1.6 Turbo Diesel Eco

Summary:

Nice

Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

Modern Insignia "Grand Sport" is a great car to look at and drive. My car is black, 2020 edition with the bigger alloy wheels.

Inside is very comfortable and stylish. Seats are the best I have sat in. The car is quiet and smooth. Tech Line is a basic model, but has enough equipment for me.

1.6 diesel has a good balance of power and economy. Ideal for business or private use. Good to drive. Long motorway journeys are where it performs best. About town it is a little labored.

Shame they have stopped making them - it is the perfect car for family/executive use.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th March, 2024