Vauxhall Insignia SRi VX-Line 2.0 CDTi (160ps) 4x4 Start/Stop 4dr Car Review - March 2012

The Vauxhall Insignia SRi VX-line 2.0 CDTi (160ps) 4x4 Start/Stop 4dr delivers a maximum power output of 158 bhp at 4000 rpm with torque figures of 258 lb-ft at 1750-2500 rpm. This gives the car a highly impressive top speed of 134 mph whilst maintaining decent levels of fuel efficiency with the engine achieving 50.4 mpg on a combined cycle.

Handling is fair but lacks the strong response of rivals, lowering its overall effectiveness. That being said, the comfort of the drive is still high as the car has good road grip and the ride is a smooth and refined one.

From the outside, this model is stylish and attractive although some may find the view from certain angles a little awkward.

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, 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 in this model but only £1,045 in the 2.0 litre Exclusiv ecoFLEX model.

Rear parking sensors cost £395 whilst Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in sat nav cost £220 and £850 respectively.

The interior is fairly spacious in the front seats and there is plenty of adjustment in both the driver seat and steering column to ensure that the most comfortable driving position is attained. Leg room is more than sufficient across all seats but unfortunately limited headroom in the back of the car mean that tall adults will struggle to fit here comfortably.

However, the storage space offered in the boot is more than sufficient and is almost a match for one of the car’s main rivals: the Ford Mondeo. When the seats are in place there is a moderate 500 litres of capacity on offer 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 safety kit offering driver, passenger and front side airbags as standard equipment. An alarm and immobiliser are also fitted as standard and the car 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, however, to offer greater assurances to customers, who are advised to invest in a service every 20,000 miles.

Priced at £28,345, this model is fairly competitive for its class but high running costs mean it falls short of the 2.0 litre ecoFLEX model. Fuel economy still reaches an impressive 50.4 mpg but this is still lower than the 64.2 mpg efficiency offered by the 2.0 litre ecoFLEX model.

On top of this, road tax and insurance premiums are also higher than in some other models. Green credentials aren't too bad, with carbon emissions of 147 g/km pushing the model into tax band F. Insurance premiums register at some of the most expensive for the series, falling under insurance group 23.

For those who want a combination of performance, comfort and economy, this model is a great option. However, buyers looking for larger savings should consider the ecoFLEX model instead.