The market for cars such as Vauxhalls new Vectra replacement “the Insignia” is a pretty competitive place, with new Ford Mondeo, new Citroen C5 and new Skoda Superb all wanting a chunk of it and so pricing is going to be crucial.
Vauxhall say the Insignia lead in model called the exclusive with the 1.8 petrol engine will retail at £15935. Whilst its still under the magical £16,000 mark, its more expensive than the cheapest Mondeo which is the 1.6 Edge which retails at £15,445 and its more expensive than Citroen lead in C5 1.8 SX which is £15,595 and Skodas new superb which starts in at £15,490 for the 125ps Tsi version. Of interest, both 4 door and 5 door versions will be identically priced.
Vauxhall say even lead in Insignia will carry a high level of specification, including single zone air-conditioning, automatic headlights, cruise control, and electric driver’s seat adjustment, ESP and Vauxhalls “Quickclear” competitor called “HotShot” which is effectively heated windscreen washers.
There will be a choice of 5 engines, all that meet Euro V emissions standards ranging from a 1.8 that produces 138ps with a 184g/km CO2, a 2.0i at 220ps with CO2’s ranging from 208g/km to 229g/km depending on drivetrain, a 2.8 Turbocharged V6 at 260ps which produces a CO2 of 272g/km and two diesels, both 2-litre which produce either 130ps or 160ps, with CO2 readings of 154g/km in manual form.
SRi models upwards will get the option of four-wheel drive on either the 2-litre or 2.8-litre versions. In line with other manufacturers, Vauxhall will be adding a greener engine to the range in the near future, called “ecoFLEX”.
This is an important car and Vauxhall will rely on it to be successful, but if early reports are to be believed, they shouldn’t have to worry too much as this pretty car is head and shoulders over the Vectra it replaced
We will be testing the Insignia shortly so look out for our report in our Road Tests section.
