• Clean and uncluttered dashboard
• Some important functions retain physical buttons
• Lots of driving position adjustment, even for tall drivers

How is the quality and layout?

While the interior looks good, in terms of material quality the Vauxhall Insignia still doesn’t quite feel as upmarket as its premium rivals, or the more mainstream Volkswagen Passat and Skoda Superb – both of which have interiors that are nicer to look at and use.

The Insignia’s cabin is reasonably smart, though, especially with the larger digital display behind the wheel. The rev counter and fuel gauge are physical instruments but the speedometer is a customisable graphic version with a large numerical display.

Infotainment and tech

The dashboard has proper switches for important things like the air conditioning and stereo, while the sat-nav is relatively easy to use, managing to store up to 10 waypoints, should you want to plan a long route stopping along the way – as opposed to six on Fords fitted with the SYNC 3 media system.

The Insignia features a button-fest steering wheel, which on the one hand is quite useful but on the other is a bit of a headache to navigate at first. The main quirk for us is that the heated steering wheel button is easily mistaken for the cruise control.

Otherwise there are few complaints about the dashboard layout, even if it’s a little difficult to read what setting the rotary headlight switch is pointing to. You soon get used to that.

Comfort

• Front seats are supportive with loads of adjustment
• Large and airy cabin adds to comfort
• You could spec it with heated rear seats

The front seats are large and cossetting and can be set really low down – great for tall drivers, and also improving rear passenger vision, making the cabin feel large and airy wherever you’re sat. It’s also easy to get into a comfortable driving position thanks to the highly adjustable seat and steering wheel.

The seats are actually approved by Aktion Gesunder Rucken – or the German Campaign for Healthy Backs – meaning they’re certified as ergonomic and can be adjusted in several ways. Heating is available for not just the front seats but also the two outer rears – plus the steering wheel can be warmed to help combat cold hands in the winter.

138