The Insignia has to be one of the most eagerly awaited cars of the 2009 tests. While it hasn’t won its class, the Vauxhall earned the respect of every judge.
The engine was especially impressive. The 2.0-litre diesel may not be whisper-quiet, but there’s nothing wrong with the way it performs, hauling car and caravan from 30-60mph in 13.5 seconds.
The Vauxhall also coped admirably with the lane-change test, leaving the van in no doubt as to who was boss, even at high speeds. However, backing off sharply from 60mph caused a worrying wobble from the caravan.
Inside the cabin, the Insignia looks great: a world away from the bland, old-fashioned Vectra it replaces. However, there’s nothing like as much space in the back as in a Ford Mondeo or Skoda Superb. Headroom in particular is at a premium.
What Car?’s used car experts predict the Insignia will be worth just 33% after three years, which compares badly with the Skoda’s 43%.