Vauxhall Insignia SRi 1.6i Turbo 4dr Car Review - March 2012

The Vauxhall Insignia SRi 1.6i Turbo 4dr develops 177 bhp and 170 lb-ft of torque. This means 0-60mph takes 8.4 seconds and flat out you'll be doing 140mph. This is more than fast enough for a comfortable motorway cruise which, let's face it, is what the Insignia will be used for 90% of the time.

The handling is good, if not quite as good as its German rivals. The Insignia grips well through the bends and is suprisingly comfortable, especially at speed. Well done Vauxhall.

The Insignia is a very good looking car, much more aesthetically appealing than the old Vectra. The interior is also very appealing and stylish.

In terms of in-car technology, this model comes with a fairly extensive list of standard features which include power steering, central locking, stability control, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control and an advanced stereo system with CD and MP3 connectivity.

In addition to this alloy wheels become a standard feature at this trim level but leather seats will cost marginally more than in some models – priced at £1,145.

Rear parking sensors cost £395 whilst Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in sat nav cost £220 and £855 respectively.

The front seats offer plenty of room and both the driver's seat and steering column adjust to ensure that the most comfortable driving position is attained. Leg room is more than sufficient in both the front and back but headroom is at a premium in the rear.

When the seats are in place the boot offers a roomy 500 litres, whilst folding down the rear seats can expand this to an impressive 1,015 litres.

Safety levels are also high within this model with an advanced level of safety kit offering driver, passenger and front side airbags as standard equipment. The Insignia achieved an impressive five star rating for overall safety in the NCAP crash tests.

Reliability is expected to be strong in this model thanks to a high build quality. A 100,000 mile warranty is provided.

Priced at £23,350, this model is relatively good value for money. However, fuel economy is just 40.4 mpg on the combined cycle which is pretty poor by modern standards.

Carbon emissions of 164g/km push the model into tax band G and insurance is group 22 which is pretty reasonable for a car like this.

For those who pride performance over economy, this model is therefore a great option. However, buyers looking for long term savings should consider a diesel model instead.