As part of a range which has achieve a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer safety levels are very good.

Included in the raft of safety features, this latest Insignia is equipped with six airbags as standard, along with ABS, traction control, four-wheel drive on all the models available from launch, five three-point seatbelts and two ISOFIX child seat mounting points on the rear seat.

Additionally, the Country Tourer’s fitted with Vauxhall’s Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL+) with automatic headlights and main beam which corner with the direction of the steering wheel. LED day running lights also feature, complemented by LED tail and brake lights too. Open the tailgate and an auxiliary set of tail lights are visible inside the boot so you’re safe even when it’s open.

Steering wheel-mounted controls for various functions are nicely-positioned while the revised switchgear on the centre console is ergonomically sound and less confusing than before.

Vauxhall’s introduced a range of other safety equipment for the Insignia Country Tourer but at the time of launch most of it is optional, meaning you’ll pay extra for radar-guided cruise control, collision mitigation braking, blind spot warning system and front and rear camera systems to aid with parking manoeuvres.

Based on the voluminous estate body shell Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer practicality is assured.

With 540 litres of usefully rectangular luggage space available with the rear seats in place, extending to 1,530 litres when the 60:40 split rear bench is lowered, it’s a spacious carrier, although those figures are trumped by Volkswagen’s Passat Alltrack (603 and 1,731 litres) and Volvo XC70 (575 and 1,600 litres). Even the smaller Astra Sports Tourer boasts 1,550 with the rear seats down.

The balance is redressed with the ease of use of the Insignia though with all Country Tourers featuring an electrically opening and closing tailgate as standard.

Elsewhere in the interior you’ll find a number of cubbies and storage compartments for everything from drinks to coins, with sensibly sized door pockets complementing a glovebox big enough to hold more than just gloves.

Should you tick the right option box, keyless entry is available meaning no fumbling in your pocket or bag for keys, especially handing when the rain’s tipping down or your hands are full.