Vauxhall Insignia Hatchback (2009 - 2017) 2.0 CDTi SRi Vx-line Red Nav (160bhp) 5d (2011/11) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I've managed to fool myself that buying a Red Insignia means I haven't given up on life altogether. I mean, I could have bought a grey one.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They think it's great, looks great, looks fast and sporty and think it cost a lot more than it did. It still scrubs up well for a 3 1/2yr old car and looks like new.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. The car is ok, the specification is good and in the VX Line Red specification it looks great for a family car. However, the customer service and after sales service from Vauxhall just make the whole ownership experience unpleasant. The quality of the interior could be better, the materials look and feel nice but mine is plagued by creaking plastic parts, and Vauxhall have never been able to resolve these despite numerous visits to the dealership.

What are you likely to buy next?

I've already ordered a Golf R.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£22,500

When did you buy the car?

May 2011

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes, negotiating hard got 30% off list price. Used internet price and got dealer to match it.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Decent discount on MRRP, good equipment level, special edition.

What was the dealer like?

Not great. Typical Vauxhall dealer, useless and don't know about the car they are trying to sell.

What's it like to drive?

It handles well for such a large car, although the rear end feels large and cumbersome when changing direction quickly. The 20" wheels add to the handling performance with the low profile tyres, but it isn't an athlete. The engine is decent and 160bhp is adequate for most drivers, and performs surprisingly well when driving spiritedly. The brakes fade far too quickly after a B-road blast, but to be honest this is an Insignia and not many will buy this type of car to drive fast.

What's it like to park?

The rear visibility is an issue, but the standard front and rear parking sensors make it easier. The nose is surprisingly long but the turning circle is ok considering the size of the wheels.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Issue with squeaking brakes, all replaced under warranty and auto headlights were too sensitive until sensors replaced under warranty.

What's most practical about your car?

Lots of space in the boot.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The Adaptive Forward Lighting is absolutely great for country road driving with bending headlights and auto main beam. Haven't had anything that even gets close to the amount of light it puts on the road and the headlights really move a lot which is great.