Insignia storms UK mid-size sector with sub-£16k entry price

Vauxhall launched its new Insignia today at the British International Motor Show with an entry price of £15,935 for the 1.8-litre Exclusiv.

But even this model comes with high levels of equipment, including ESP, automatic headlights, an electric driver’s seat height adjuster and electrically adjustable four-way lumbar support. Cruise control is also standard on this model, along with single-zone climate control, front, side and curtain airbags, Isofix and ABS.

The 1.8 ECOTEC petrol engine found in the entry level car, producing 140PS and 175Nm of torque, is one of five engines available in the Insignia range, each of which meets Euro 5 emissions standards.

It’s joined by two other petrol units – a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and a 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 – and two new 2.0-litre diesels with either 130 or 160PS. The 2.0CDTi 130PS Exclusiv is the entry level diesel model, costing £16,935.

Bold, dynamic design comes as standard on all Insignias, as well as a host of new technology that provides more safety and improved dynamics for drivers. Innovative features, such as the Front Camera System, which reads traffic signs and warns drivers if they veer out of their lane, joins next-gen AFL lighting and a standard-on-all-models heated windscreen wash system – known as ‘Hot Shot’.

Insignia is also available with Vauxhall’s clever FlexRide chassis and the choice of either front- or all-wheel drive.