Published: Wednesday, 12th August, 2009 12:00pm

Mile-munching Insignia turbo diesel challenges Mondeo

Three different Insignia models; three road tests - the Insignia SRi 2.0 petrol turbo all-wheel-drive; the Insignia 2.8 V6 petrol; and this week the car that will be the most popular, the Insignia 2.0 diesel turbo CDTi.

Driving these three different models from the extensive range has led to one conclusive verdict (read on to find out).

Opel's new Insignia is proving to be a winner. The great style, good equipment levels, and extensive model range have, despite the poor market conditions in terms of car sales, meant it's doing well in Ireland.

The segment of the market in which the Insignia competes is probably one of the most fiercely competitive in the motor industry. A car in this class has to appeal to a variety of family users with all their various demands, and pass the scrutiny of the bean counters and fleet managers in large firms that purchase such cars for their fleets.

In all these areas the new Insignia seems to have got it just right.

The new Insignia range is available in hatch and saloon body styles, with 1.6i, 1.8i, 2.0 Turbo, and 2.8 V6 Turbo petrol engines and two diesel units of 130bhp and 160bhp, with five trim levels, S, SC, SE, SRi and Elite. This week's test car is the Insignia 2.0 CDTi 160bhp Elite in five-door hatch, the top spec 2.0 diesel turbo.

First Impressions

The Insignia 2.0 CDTi is an attractive car, without doubt one of the best-looking in the class. It is distinctive, with dramatic lines and details in the body panelling that make it stand out from the crowd. All in all it gets top points for style!

Slip inside and the individualistic theme continues with a cabin that looks and feels modern yet doesn't jar. The build quality is beyond reproach and the level of standard equipment is impressive.

The CDTi Elite gets multiple airbags, active head restraints, ESP, ABS, cruise control, MP3 compatible CD stereo system, electric leather seats, automatic climate control, automatic lighting control, auto wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror, park sensors, dynamic headlamp beam levelling, electronic park brake, auto dimming door mirrors, six-speed manual gearbox, trip computer, and classy alloy 18-inch wheels.

The only extras on this car were metallic paint at €535 and the Sat Nav at €1,400. Everything else, right down to the superb leather upholstery, is standard!

Accommodation front and rear is good; surprisingly the sloping rear roof line does not encroach on rear headroom for taller passengers. The boot, accessible through the wide-opening tailgate is big too. The rear seats split fold 60/40 further enhancing versatility.

Performance

This 2.0 diesel turbo is the more powerful option of the two diesels available, at 160bhp. Performance is excellent, with bags of power in each gear; it pulls strongly even in sixth. At idle from the outside, there's a bit of diesel clatter but inside it's refined. Once on the go you would find it hard to know it was diesel power under the bonnet.

The six-speed gearbox works well, though it's a little notchy at times when making rapid downshifts. On the fuel economy front it really impresses. Driven enthusiastically it returned an average of just 6.6 litres per 100km, reducing to just 5.8 litres when driven with restraint. You could cover about 1,000km before you need to visit a fuel stop... Excellent, particularly as this car performs so well.

Road Behaviour

This car rides and handles beautifully. Equally it is a refined and luxurious motorway cruiser. In short it is a rewarding car to drive. It really is a mile (kilometre) muncher, gobbling up long distances in its stride. Truly every minute behind the wheel was a pleasure.

Verdict

Here it is! The Insignia 2.0 CDTi Elite costs €34,395. C02 emissions are 154g/km putting it into tax band C at €302 for a year's road tax. Verdict: Ford Mondeo, stand down! The king of the family hatch/saloon is now the new Opel Insignia... enough said!