Whatever you do, don’t pay list price for a Vauxhall Insignia. What Car?’s mystery shoppers have found huge discounts available. Just as well, since the Insignia is predicted to hold on to just 33% of its original asking price after three years.
You can look forward to many miles of happy towing with the Insignia. This 4×4 version has a high kerbweight, making it a suitable match for a wide range of vans. It has enough punch to tow them, too, thanks to the 2.0-litre diesel’s 258lb ft of torque. The engine can sound gruff, but it’s certainly willing.
Even well above the UK legal limit the Insignia felt stable, and pulled the caravan straight quickly after short, sharp steering inputs. However, in the lane-change test the Vauxhall was pulled off-line on high-speed runs.
The electronic parking brake held the outfit still on the 1-in-6 test hill. A careful balance of throttle and clutch was needed to tow to the top.
There wasn’t room for a full holiday luggage load, and there’s not as much legroom in the back seats as in many family estates. However, the space-saver spare can be used to tow, as long as it’s fitted on the front axle.