Vauxhall Insignia Review 2009: A Comprehensive Guide

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol (172bhp); 2.8-liter V6 petrol (220bhp); 1.8-liter diesel (122bhp); 2.0-liter diesel (160bhp) 0-60mph: 8.5 seconds (2.8-liter V6 petrol); 9.3 seconds (2.0-liter turbocharged petrol); 10.9 seconds (1.8-liter diesel); 11.3 seconds (2.0-liter diesel) Diesel Options: The Insignia also offered a range of diesel options, including a 1.8-liter engine producing 122bhp and a 2.0-liter engine producing 160bhp, with impressive fuel economy and low emissions

Vauxhall Insignia Review 2009: A Sterling Performance

Introduction

In 2009, Vauxhall launched the Insignia, a mid-size executive car that aimed to shake up the established order in the segment. With its sleek design, impressive performance, and innovative features, the Insignia quickly established itself as a contender for the top spot. In this review, we'll take a closer look at what made the 2009 Vauxhall Insignia such a compelling option.

Design and Build

The Insignia's design was a significant departure from Vauxhall's previous offerings. Its sleek, aerodynamic shape was penned by German design guru, Steve Mattin, and featured a sweeping nose, pronounced shoulder lines, and a dramatic rear haunch. The result was a car that turned heads wherever it went.

Inside, the Insignia's cabin was similarly impressive, with a focus on comfort, technology, and build quality. The dashboard was a marvel of modern design, featuring a prominent central binnacle, intuitive controls, and high-grade materials throughout. Rear-seat space was ample, with plenty of legroom and headroom for adult passengers.

Engine and Performance

The Insignia's engine lineup was a key selling point, with a range of petrol and diesel options to suit various tastes and budgets. The 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine, producing 172bhp, was a particular highlight, offering rapid acceleration and a smooth, refined delivery. The 2.8-liter V6 petrol option, with 220bhp, was even more impressive, powering the Insignia from 0-60mph in just 8.5 seconds.

The diesel options, including a 1.8-liter unit producing 122bhp and a 2.0-liter unit producing 160bhp, were more frugal, with the 2.0-liter model capable of returning an impressive 44.8mpg on the combined cycle.

Handling and Dynamics

Despite its size, the Insignia was a willing and able handler, with a chassis that was both stable and responsive. The steering was light and accurate, making it easy to thread through twisty roads, while the suspension was well-judged, soaking up bumps and potholes with ease.

Technology and Features

The Insignia was also a technological tour de force, featuring a range of innovative features that helped set it apart from the competition. These included a Bose premium sound system, a touchscreen navigation system, and a range of driver assistance systems, such as lane departure warning and forward collision alert.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2009 Vauxhall Insignia was a significant car, offering a unique blend of style, performance, and technology that made it a compelling option in the crowded executive car market. Its design was bold and impressive, its engines were potent and efficient, and its handling was stable and responsive.

Specifications

• Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol (172bhp); 2.8-liter V6 petrol (220bhp); 1.8-liter diesel (122bhp); 2.0-liter diesel (160bhp)
• Transmission: 6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic
• Drive: Front-wheel drive (FWD); all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Top Speed: 155mph (electronically limited)
• 0-60mph: 8.5 seconds (2.8-liter V6 petrol); 9.3 seconds (2.0-liter turbocharged petrol); 10.9 seconds (1.8-liter diesel); 11.3 seconds (2.0-liter diesel)
• Fuel Economy: up to 44.8mpg (combined) with 2.0-liter diesel engine

H2: Design and Build

• Sleek and Aerodynamic: The Insignia's design was penned by renowned designer, Steve Mattin, and featured a number of aerodynamic elements, including a smooth underbody and active grille shutters to reduce air resistance.
• High-Quality Materials: The cabin featured high-grade materials throughout, including leather-trimmed seats, aluminum accents, and soft-touch plastics.
• Spacious and Comfortable: The Insignia's interior offered ample legroom and headroom for adult passengers, as well as generous storage compartments and cup holders.

H3: Engine and Performance

• Turbocharged Petrol Engine: The 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine offered rapid acceleration and a smooth, refined delivery, with 172bhp and 221lb-ft of torque.
• V6 Petrol Engine: The 2.8-liter V6 petrol engine was even more potent, producing 220bhp and 258lb-ft of torque, and powering the Insignia from 0-60mph in just 8.5 seconds.
• Diesel Options: The Insignia also offered a range of diesel options, including a 1.8-liter engine producing 122bhp and a 2.0-liter engine producing 160bhp, with impressive fuel economy and low emissions.

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