The new Insignia
Discussion
I was passing a Vauxhall dealer today, and noticed a large, handsome thing that I didn't recognise.
I popped in and it turned out that it was the all-new Insignia. It's just been released, and dealers are getting the demo models.
I was in a rush, so I am going to go back next week and have a proper look, but a few things struck me.
Firstly, it really is rather good looking (IMHO). Much, much better looking than the old one. Lower, wider, longer. Less frumpy, less fussy. Similar profile to the latest Mondeo, but better resolved, especially at the back. The interior looks rather nice.
Secondly, according to the sales person (who was really nice) it's based on a new platform that is something like 150kg lighter than the old one. All the engines are either new or heavily revised. It's not just a facelift.
Thirdly, from the brochure and price list I picked up, it appears to be insanely cheap, even before discounts. The very top end one - 2.0 petrol turbo with 260bhp, 4WD, leather, Bose audio and basically everything else - is something like 28 grand all in. For comparison, that's not much more than a decent Honda Civic. The dealer I spoke to said that they were very keen to do a deal, and hinted, with no subtlety whatsoever, that they would do further discounts.
I know that Vauxhall, and Insignias in particular, get mocked a lot, but it seems to me that it's worthy of further exploration.
Anyone else looked at these? As a newcomer to VX, am I missing something obvious? Is the reliability of this one likely to be better than that of the old one?
I popped in and it turned out that it was the all-new Insignia. It's just been released, and dealers are getting the demo models.
I was in a rush, so I am going to go back next week and have a proper look, but a few things struck me.
Firstly, it really is rather good looking (IMHO). Much, much better looking than the old one. Lower, wider, longer. Less frumpy, less fussy. Similar profile to the latest Mondeo, but better resolved, especially at the back. The interior looks rather nice.
Secondly, according to the sales person (who was really nice) it's based on a new platform that is something like 150kg lighter than the old one. All the engines are either new or heavily revised. It's not just a facelift.
Thirdly, from the brochure and price list I picked up, it appears to be insanely cheap, even before discounts. The very top end one - 2.0 petrol turbo with 260bhp, 4WD, leather, Bose audio and basically everything else - is something like 28 grand all in. For comparison, that's not much more than a decent Honda Civic. The dealer I spoke to said that they were very keen to do a deal, and hinted, with no subtlety whatsoever, that they would do further discounts.
I know that Vauxhall, and Insignias in particular, get mocked a lot, but it seems to me that it's worthy of further exploration.
Anyone else looked at these? As a newcomer to VX, am I missing something obvious? Is the reliability of this one likely to be better than that of the old one?
I wondered why I hadn't seen any yet and didn't realise they've only just been released.
Saw one on Wednesday. Very good looking car, so much better looking IMHO than the current pig ugly Ford Mondeo and yes I really do think the Mondeo is pig ugly!!
I own an 11 Reg Insignia SRI and feel its a very under-rated car. Cracking value when second hand, very comfy and contrary to what what some people would have you believe it doesn't fall apart in the bends. Built like a tank too. When my Insignia was in the body shop, I also had a 2016 1.6 CDTI SRI NAV on loan and that drove extremely well too.
I'd have a new Insignia (once its a year old) with no hesitation.
Saw one on Wednesday. Very good looking car, so much better looking IMHO than the current pig ugly Ford Mondeo and yes I really do think the Mondeo is pig ugly!!
I own an 11 Reg Insignia SRI and feel its a very under-rated car. Cracking value when second hand, very comfy and contrary to what what some people would have you believe it doesn't fall apart in the bends. Built like a tank too. When my Insignia was in the body shop, I also had a 2016 1.6 CDTI SRI NAV on loan and that drove extremely well too.
I'd have a new Insignia (once its a year old) with no hesitation.
Had a 90 minute journey in one, its actually a pretty decent car. Problem is its come too late and will be overidden with some Peugeot or other in a few years.
The car will be sold as a Buick in the states - not quite sure how that is going to work out given the sale of Opel. Maybe Buick will make it under licence ?
The car will be sold as a Buick in the states - not quite sure how that is going to work out given the sale of Opel. Maybe Buick will make it under licence ?
Funk said:
I think it looks fantastic.
Agree completely. I drive past a dealer every day with one being showcased and its a damn fine looking piece of kit.I really hope it drives and goes as well as it looks. I'm old enough to realise a badge means bugger all so if its a good 'un then best of luck to them with selling it.
Hainey said:
Funk said:
I think it looks fantastic.
Agree completely. I drive past a dealer every day with one being showcased and its a damn fine looking piece of kit.I really hope it drives and goes as well as it looks. I'm old enough to realise a badge means bugger all so if its a good 'un then best of luck to them with selling it.
I really like it.
Bigjas said:
I had a good look round the estate Insignia at Goodwood FOS. It's a very nice looking car and I like it....... so I ordered one yesterday!! I was looking at getting a Mondeo, but this car is better looking and cheaper.
Congrats 
What model did you go for and how long do you have to wait?
Steve Sutcliffe did a video review of the Insignia Grand Sport. Sadly it's always compared against the usual three German offerings. Take away message being it's not a bad car but you wouldn't choose it over those other three (we've all heard this before).
That being said Lookers are doing deals on these starting at £16100 - that's before haggling. So it looks like you can get a lot of brand new car for your money. You aren't going to get a brand new A4, 3 Series or C-Class for that kind of money.
That being said Lookers are doing deals on these starting at £16100 - that's before haggling. So it looks like you can get a lot of brand new car for your money. You aren't going to get a brand new A4, 3 Series or C-Class for that kind of money.
Funk said:
Fore Left said:
Nice to see a car where the touch screen has been integrated into the dash rather than stuck to it with blu tack as an afterthought
Agreed.Bubba Zanetti said:
Steve Sutcliffe did a video review of the Insignia Grand Sport. Sadly it's always compared against the usual three German offerings. Take away message being it's not a bad car but you wouldn't choose it over those other three (we've all heard this before).
That being said Lookers are doing deals on these starting at £16100 - that's before haggling. So it looks like you can get a lot of brand new car for your money. You aren't going to get a brand new A4, 3 Series or C-Class for that kind of money.
I read similar in a recent Evo magazine and to compare it with the 3-Series/C-Class/Audi etc is completely missing the point as it's thousands cheaper.That being said Lookers are doing deals on these starting at £16100 - that's before haggling. So it looks like you can get a lot of brand new car for your money. You aren't going to get a brand new A4, 3 Series or C-Class for that kind of money.
I guess if people are only buying on leases etc then it may be a factor but the Insignia isn't built to compete with the Germans, it's an alternative to a Mazda 6, Kia Something or the Mondeo.
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