Let me start this by stating that I am a fan of both petrol and diesel internal combustion engines. The latest crop of small capacity petrols, many of which have performance aided by turbochargers, while retaining the frugality of some of the more efficient diesels, is very special. Yet, despite the scaremongering, modern diesels that are now producing the potency of some racier petrols are among the best driving cars on our roads.
Of course, Vauxhall, now owned entirely by the French/Chinese PSA Group, is a master of manufacturing both types of engine and jolly good they are too. In fact, one of its better units is its surprisingly small capacity 1.6-litre turbo-petrol. It delivers the best of both worlds and is now a staple of the Insignia range.
Now available in either Grand Sport (saloon) or Sports Tourer (estate) body styles, the lively four-cylinder engine produces a peak power of 197bhp at 5,500rpm and a healthy dose of torque, 206lbs ft over a wide rev-range from 1,650-4,500rpm. In the Insignia, its performance figures are sparkling to say the least, posting a top speed of 146mph and 0-60mph in a cool 7.2s. It is accompanied by an Official Combined fuel return of 44.8mpg, with CO2 emissions of 146g/km, which equates to a £205 road tax in the first year and £140 annually thereafter.
To reduce particulate emissions as much as possible, the engine features a close-coupled gasoline particulate filter for optimum regeneration (i.e. oxidisation of the particles that accumulate in the filter). The car meets the strict Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard, which includes real driving emissions measured on public roads and comes into force this September.
Personally, I adore Vauxhall’s flagship Insignia range. All models feature numerous state-of-the-art technological advancements, including adaptive cruise control, IntelliLux LED matrix headlights and supremely comfortable ergonomic seats. Multimedia and Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment systems are also available. These are not only state-of-the-art, in terms of functionality, but the systems are also stylish and intuitive to use. A large colour touchscreen, up to eight inches in size, provides major information and controls, while the driver benefits from a smaller information screen, in the main instrument binnacle, which can be enhanced by the optional head-up display in combination with the Multimedia Navi Pro system.
Available to order now, prices start from £25,610 on-the-road for the Insignia Grand Sport SRi VX-Line Nav with the new 1.6-litre Direct Injection Turbo engine. Naturally, this is prior to FCD’s discounts being applied to a well-equipped, understated but delightfully elegant mid-size car.
