• Large car has a suitably large boot
• Interior has a few clever touches
• Low, sloping roof is limiting factor

A very large boot, at 1,039mm wide and 1,057mm deep, extends to 1,875mm long with the fold-flat seats collapsed. It’s a big car, but that space means that the Insignia hatch should suit the needs of most families. The contemporary Insignia Sports Tourer estate has a huge load area, if the hatchback’s 430-1,470 litres is insufficient.

Inside there’s a large air-conditioned glovebox, and a number of useful practical ideas such as a small pouch on the front of the driver’s seat – the right size for tissues, sweets or glasses.

The small central cubby between the two front seats is disappointing though. The armrest on the top is also situated too far back and doesn’t slide forward, making it pretty useless for all but the tallest of drivers.

Used Vauxhall Insignia A safety

• Five star rating under 2009 Euro NCAP standards
• Strong body, six airbags, safe handling
• Update in 2013 brings more kit

Compared with other cars of the same age, the Vauxhall Insignia is a safe option. It was awarded the maximum five stars for adult safety by Euro NCAP along with four stars for child safety – matching the Ford Mondeo. All cars get six airbags, anti-lock brakes, Isofix child seat anchor points, an electronic stability programme, traction control and three-point seatbelts all round.

Adaptive forward lighting is fitted to some models and this feature cleverly changes how the headlights work, according to the road and weather conditions. The headlights also turn in the same direction as a corner, for extra visibility and can adapt to rainy or snowy conditions. Daytime running lights are fitted as standard.

Insignia A 2013 safety upgrades

Adaptive Forward Lighting Plus is a technology which adapts the beam from the headlights depending on various driving conditions including weather and road conditions. It also includes an automatic high beam, which toggles on and off depending upon whether a car in front is detected.

Adaptive cruise control also features, and is capable of maintaining a set distance to the vehicle in front, even if it slows to a standstill.

Other safety systems include a lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, an autonomous parking system and several radar-based warning systems which will let you know of impending collisions or unexpected events around the car.