10th Jan 2012, 06:20
I drove a colleague's car after considering one for my next company car. Have to say I was very impressed. Currently drive a Mk6 VW Golf, so think it's fair to say refinement, build quality and dynamic ability isn't quite up there with its German competition, but as an honest, large, comfortable, motorway cruiser, I think Vauxhall have hit the mark with this car. It also drives quite nicely, and is worlds better than the Vectra it replaces. In 2.0 CDTi 160 Ecoflex form, it is also both quick, frugal and very clean.
One thing that has surprised me, and has led me to post this comment, is that I cannot believe people struggle to get comfortable behind the driver's seat. I was impressed with the range of adjustment in the driver's seat (electric height, manual base tilt and 4 way pneumatic lumber support) and found the seat itself a huge improvement on my Golf (which incidentally is a GT spec car with sports seats with lumber supports).
Also to the poster, later cars have active head restraints that are adjustable fore and aft as well as just the traditional up and down; maybe the restraint was pushed right out, and this is why you found it so uncomfortable?
26th Sep 2012, 14:24
I'm a private hire driver, and turn in between 12 -15 hours daily, and have to say that I find the Insignia very comfortable.
It is an auto, just like my Vectra was, and I think it's an improvement on the Vectra. I opted for the Exclusive model, simply for the softer suspension, and I didn't want the bucket type seats, so maybe that's the difference.
9th Oct 2022, 22:21
Totally agree, the Insignia is a comfortable car, I have drove a few.
I struggle to understand how anyone can criticise something as simple as comfort on modern cars, they are all good now. And by modern I mean as far back as the 1990s, certainly after the year 2000, I have never drove an uncomfortable car. I am just an average height and weight guy though, anyone very small or very big will have to make a few seat adjustments on any car till they find the sweet spot for themselves.
I will say the diesel engine Insignias are a bit noisy, that is all. That can give you a sore head and be generally fatiguing if you have to drive all day.
31st Jul 2023, 18:05
The trick with the 1.8 petrol is to get on the motorways - you will see the MPG rise to high 30's, maybe even 40 on a very long drive. My 2012 Insignia SRi does this no problem.
The diesels are obviously better, but have their reliability issues.
About town most petrol cars are poor on fuel, I had an Astra with a 1.4 and the MPG barely got out of the 30's as well on short drives.
The 1.8 has poor power though in the Insignia, I will give you that. No torque at all, it is not a great engine for faster driving.
24th Feb 2011, 17:31
Just had a hire car, which was an Insignia. I've done over 1000 miles this week, and I feel like I've been carrying coal all week, boy oh boy does my back hurt... great car to drive, but a pain in the back, avoid please.