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ROAD TEST: Alan Candy puts the Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer through its paces
Lifestyle estate with stunning styling
VAUXHALL aim to shake up the estate market with their new Insignia Sports Tourer. The name is the giveaway – this is more than just an estate, it's more of a sporty, lifestyle car rather than an out-and-out load lugger.
Where the Insignia scores over other estate rivals here is in the design. It's a flowing, stunning creation that blows most rivals away, particularly in side profile, which is superb.
Whisper it quietly, but I think the Sports Tourer is actually better looking than its stablemate hatchback and saloon models.
The Sports Tourer gets off to a flying start on the back of the Insignia model's instant rise to fame as Car of the Year, so the kudos is there from the off.
And this version of the Insignia is not only good looking but also roomier than the Vectra estate it replaces.
Insignia fans will recognise the now-familiar three-blade grille, slightly raised bonnet with signature crease, stylised, swept back and flattened headlamps and chrome window surrounds. But the beautifully rounded, smooth rear end, chunky bumper and elegant sweeping roofline are pure Sports Tourer.
Those in need of extra luggage space will appreciate the Tourer's bumper-level floor, which lies almost flat when the rear seats are folded, and the smart kick-plate protector strip across it on the trailing edge.
When the seats have been converted there's a long and unobstructed area that can gobble up stacks of luggage and high side walls make sure it's all stashed safely. A big cutaway area allows larger items to be loaded on board safely, though I can't quite see the purpose of the extra-deep rear bumper, which just seems to get in the way.
If you need to carry plenty of goods on board, chances are you have to stack up the miles as well, so it's reassuring to find that the Tourer is a genuine driver's car in its own right.
Now that I have joined the milling hordes ploughing their way up and down the M1 every day, I had plenty of opportunity to assess the new 1.6-litre turbo-charged petrol model I was testing, and was suitably impressed.
It boasts strong power delivery and excellent reserves in the mid-range for hill-climbing and overtaking and the 0-6mph time of 8.7 seconds and 137mph top speed will be fast enough for most.
The fun is orchestrated by a swift, fast-action, six-speed manual gearbox and a decently light clutch isn't too demanding on the leg muscles.
The Tourer also delivers when you ask it questions coming fast off roundabouts and through tight bends, when the chassis control is admirable. Good grip and agile roadholding gives you the confidence to sit back and enjoy some serious driving pleasure without reservations and the ride quality is excellent, particularly on the motorway.
Long-haul motorway drivers will feel comfortable in the generous-sized, supportive seats, with large cushions, and good thigh and side support, though the rake adjustment by lever is vague.
Rear passengers can enjoy the benefits of matching comfortable seats while the airy feel and good visibility will add to their travelling pleasure – not all cars in this class give them this much space and cosseting.
Like other Insignia models, the Sports Tourer has a much classier and better-finished cabin than the Vectra, with a convincingly high-quality feel.
The dashboard is contained within the big, sweeping arc of the fascia, which is very stylish, and I particularly liked the chrome-rimmed chronometer-style main dials.
And whatever lies in store for GM, it's reassuring to know that its product range is in good shape and that the Sports Tourer really deserves to dominate its own segment of the market.
Fast facts:
Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer is smart and roomy, with a good selection of engines and a roomy cabin.
Sporty silhouette with class-leading aerodynamics.
Six engines from 130PS to 260PS (two diesel and four petrol).
All engines come with either a six-speed, manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.
Prices from 17,125-31,965.
1.6 Turbo model accelerates from 0-60mph in 8.7 seconds, top speed 137mph.
Combined fuel figure 35.8mpg (my average of mainly motorway driving was 30.3mpg).
Agile and easy to drive, sporty performance, useful and versatile luggage area.
Standard equipment includes front, side and curtain airbags, stability control, active front head restraints and Isofix child seat mounting points for all three rear seats.
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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