Let's dive into the Vauxhall Insignia Estate review. Guys, if you're in the market for a spacious, practical, and reasonably stylish estate car, the Vauxhall Insignia Estate should definitely be on your radar. This car has been a popular choice for families and business users alike, offering a compelling blend of comfort, economy, and versatility. In this comprehensive review, we'll explore everything you need to know about the Insignia Estate, from its design and interior to its performance, practicality, and running costs. We'll also compare it to its rivals and help you decide if it's the right car for you. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Design and Styling: A Sharp Looker

When it comes to design, the Vauxhall Insignia Estate boasts a sleek and modern appearance. It's a definite step up from its predecessors, with a more dynamic and refined look. The front end features a bold grille, sharp headlights, and sculpted lines that give it a confident stance on the road. The side profile is equally appealing, with a sloping roofline that adds a touch of sportiness to the overall design. The rear of the car is well-proportioned, with stylish taillights and a subtle spoiler. Overall, the Insignia Estate is a handsome car that manages to combine practicality with a touch of elegance.

Stepping inside, the Insignia Estate's cabin is a pleasant place to be. The dashboard is well-laid out, with a clean and uncluttered design. The materials used are generally of good quality, although some of the plastics feel a little cheap in places. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long journeys a breeze. There's plenty of space for both front and rear passengers, and the driving position is excellent, offering good visibility all around. The Insignia Estate also comes with a decent amount of standard equipment, including a touchscreen infotainment system, air conditioning, and cruise control. Higher-spec models add features like leather seats, satellite navigation, and advanced driver assistance systems.

Overall, the Vauxhall Insignia Estate's design is a strong point, offering a blend of style and practicality that should appeal to a wide range of buyers. The exterior is modern and eye-catching, while the interior is comfortable and well-equipped. While some of the materials could be better, the overall impression is one of quality and refinement. Compared to its rivals, the Insignia Estate holds its own in the styling stakes, offering a more contemporary look than some of its more conservative competitors. If you're looking for an estate car that looks good both inside and out, the Insignia Estate is definitely worth considering.

Performance and Handling: A Smooth Operator

Under the hood, the Vauxhall Insignia Estate offers a range of engines to suit different needs and preferences. There are both petrol and diesel options available, with varying levels of power and fuel economy. The petrol engines include a 1.5-liter turbo and a 2.0-liter turbo, while the diesel engines consist of a 1.6-liter and a 2.0-liter unit. All engines are reasonably refined and offer decent performance, but some are better suited to the Insignia Estate's size and weight than others.

The 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine is a good choice for those who primarily drive in town or on shorter journeys. It provides adequate power for everyday driving and is relatively fuel-efficient. However, it can feel a little strained when fully loaded or when tackling steep hills. The 2.0-liter turbo petrol engine is a more powerful option that delivers stronger acceleration and better overall performance. It's a good choice for those who regularly carry passengers or cargo or who do a lot of motorway driving.

The diesel engines are a popular choice for the Insignia Estate, offering a good balance of performance and fuel economy. The 1.6-liter diesel is a frugal option that's ideal for those who do a lot of miles. It provides decent power and is capable of returning excellent fuel economy figures. The 2.0-liter diesel is a more powerful option that offers stronger performance and better refinement. It's a good choice for those who want a more relaxed and effortless driving experience.

When it comes to handling, the Vauxhall Insignia Estate is a competent and comfortable car. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The suspension is well-tuned, providing a smooth and comfortable ride on most road surfaces. The Insignia Estate is not the most exciting car to drive, but it's safe, predictable, and easy to handle. It's a car that inspires confidence and makes long journeys a pleasure.

Overall, the Vauxhall Insignia Estate offers a decent driving experience. The engines are reasonably refined and offer a good balance of performance and fuel economy. The handling is competent and comfortable, making it a pleasant car to drive on a variety of roads. While it's not the most thrilling car on the market, it's a practical and capable choice for those who prioritize comfort and ease of use.

Practicality and Space: Room for Everything

One of the main reasons why people choose an estate car is for its practicality, and the Vauxhall Insignia Estate doesn't disappoint in this area. It offers a generous amount of space for both passengers and cargo, making it a great choice for families, business users, and anyone who needs to transport large or bulky items.

The Insignia Estate's boot is one of the largest in its class, offering a whopping 560 liters of space with the rear seats up. This is enough to accommodate several large suitcases, a pushchair, or a week's worth of groceries. With the rear seats folded down, the boot space expands to an impressive 1,665 liters, which is more than enough to carry larger items like furniture or bicycles.

The rear seats are easy to fold down, and they lie virtually flat, creating a smooth and even loading surface. The boot also features a number of useful features, such as tie-down hooks, a 12-volt power socket, and a luggage net. There's also a hidden storage compartment under the boot floor, which is ideal for storing valuables or keeping smaller items out of sight.

In terms of passenger space, the Insignia Estate offers plenty of room for both front and rear occupants. There's ample headroom and legroom in the front, and the seats are comfortable and supportive. The rear seats are also spacious, with enough room for three adults to sit comfortably side-by-side. The Insignia Estate also features a number of useful storage compartments throughout the cabin, including door pockets, a glovebox, and a center console.

Overall, the Vauxhall Insignia Estate is a highly practical car that offers a generous amount of space for both passengers and cargo. The boot is one of the largest in its class, and the rear seats are easy to fold down. The cabin is also spacious and comfortable, with plenty of storage compartments. If you're looking for an estate car that can handle everything you throw at it, the Insignia Estate is definitely worth considering.

Running Costs and Reliability: Affordable Motoring

Running costs are an important consideration for any car buyer, and the Vauxhall Insignia Estate scores well in this area. It offers a good balance of fuel economy, insurance costs, and maintenance expenses, making it an affordable car to own and run.

Fuel economy varies depending on the engine you choose, but all of the Insignia Estate's engines are reasonably efficient. The diesel engines are the most frugal, with the 1.6-liter diesel capable of returning excellent fuel economy figures. The petrol engines are also reasonably efficient, but they will consume more fuel if you drive them hard.

Insurance costs for the Insignia Estate are generally quite reasonable, falling into relatively low insurance groups. This is due to the car's good safety record and its relatively low repair costs. Maintenance costs are also reasonable, with servicing and repairs being relatively affordable. Vauxhall also offers a range of service plans that can help you spread the cost of maintenance over time.

In terms of reliability, the Vauxhall Insignia Estate has a mixed reputation. Some owners have reported problems with electrical systems and engine components, while others have had no issues at all. It's important to note that reliability can vary depending on the age and mileage of the car, as well as how well it has been maintained. It's always a good idea to have a used car inspected by a qualified mechanic before you buy it.

Overall, the Vauxhall Insignia Estate is an affordable car to run, with reasonable fuel economy, insurance costs, and maintenance expenses. Reliability is a mixed bag, but with proper maintenance and care, the Insignia Estate can be a reliable and dependable car. Before buying, be sure to research the specific model year and engine you're interested in to get a better understanding of its potential reliability issues.

Alternatives to the Vauxhall Insignia Estate

The Vauxhall Insignia Estate competes in a crowded market segment, with a number of strong rivals vying for your attention. Some of the most popular alternatives include:

• Ford Mondeo Estate: The Mondeo Estate is a well-rounded car that offers a good balance of practicality, performance, and value for money. It's a popular choice for families and business users alike.
• Skoda Octavia Estate: The Octavia Estate is a highly practical car that offers a huge amount of space for both passengers and cargo. It's also known for its excellent fuel economy and reliability.
• Volkswagen Passat Estate: The Passat Estate is a premium estate car that offers a refined driving experience and a high-quality interior. It's a good choice for those who want a more luxurious estate car.
• Peugeot 508 SW: The 508 SW is a stylish and sophisticated estate car that offers a comfortable ride and a well-equipped interior. It's a good choice for those who want a more distinctive estate car.

When choosing between these alternatives, it's important to consider your individual needs and preferences. Think about what you prioritize most in an estate car, whether it's space, fuel economy, performance, or style. Compare the different models carefully and take them for a test drive to see which one feels the best for you.

Conclusion: Is the Vauxhall Insignia Estate Right for You?

The Vauxhall Insignia Estate is a practical, stylish, and affordable estate car that offers a lot of appeal. It's a good choice for families, business users, and anyone who needs a spacious and versatile vehicle. It boasts a sleek design, a comfortable interior, and a range of efficient engines. It also offers a generous amount of space for both passengers and cargo, making it a highly practical choice.

However, the Insignia Estate is not without its flaws. Some of the materials used in the interior could be better, and the reliability record is mixed. It's also not the most exciting car to drive, prioritizing comfort and ease of use over sporty handling.

Ultimately, whether or not the Vauxhall Insignia Estate is right for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a practical, affordable, and stylish estate car, it's definitely worth considering. However, if you prioritize sporty handling or a more luxurious interior, you may want to look at some of the alternatives. Before making a decision, be sure to do your research, compare the different models, and take them for a test drive. Guys, good luck with your car search!