Vauxhall Insignia Review // Shame there won't be another.
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ธ.ค. 2023
- The Insignia Grand Sport is the last car ever produced by Vauxhall/Opel/Holden/Buick under the stewardship of General Motors. It was an end of an era for both GM, and this kind of car - the sub-luxury large hatchback which has all but disappeared now. I think it's a shame.
Car on review: 2019 Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport VX-Line 2.0 diesel 170
Second generation Insignia B (mk2). Also known as the Buick Regal and Holden Commodore.
#vauxhall #opel #holden
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Drove loads of these during my placement at enterprise (pretty sure they were the first owner of most of these insignias!!) and always enjoyed how they drove. I always thought it seemed like GM really put loads of effort into these and they looked brilliant compared to the rivals. Underrated!
I'm glad to hear from someone who agrees! I had one as a hire car (I think Enterprise actually) a few years ago and I've known they're good since then. Underrated is definitely the word :)
@@JJonCars Mine came via Europcar and was first registered on 31st December 2014. If they'd waited until a minute past midnight it would've been a "2015" registered car, but I guess reason for registering it on last day of the year was to achieve sales quotas for the year?
@@SpeedKingHighwayStar Yeah it's definitely going to be something like that!
For the people who have commented, this is my car. I love every minute driving it to and from work and especially going on long trips. The seats are super comfortable and I don’t have a bad back when I’ve been driving for long periods. As JJ mentioned the only thing that went wrong in around 60,000 miles was the adblue system and I can confirm that. Luckily I didn’t pay anything towards it as that system can be very expensive to replace. If you have one and the system fails, I’d recommend someone who can delete the system entirely. During MOT testing, they don’t check the adblue levels or anything, just the emissions but with the adblue solution applied it’ll trick the ecu to make the same emissions with the system working. Also great video JJ 😁
Thanks again Callum 🙂
No problem JJ! It was great to meet you and thank you for having me 😁
Same here from driving Vectras and an Insignia. Years ago I used to work away from home travelling 300 miles each way most weekends and although I liked the Mondeo it gave me a bad back no matter what I tried to adjust, I had to stop at least 3 or 4 times each way for a break, walk about, touch my toes, and by the end of the journey I was knackered. At the time I switched to a Vectra, it was really comfortable and a much more natural driving position, no back problems at all, it was an effortless cruiser on the motorway, no need to stop, could do the whole 300 mile journey in one go and still fresh as a daisy at the other end. Did 95,000 miles in a brand new petrol Vectra, it sailed through it's first MoT and only one fault, the exhaust back box, plus the front number plate the surface was delaminating and needed replacing, that was all. Then changed to a Vectra 1.9 CDTi 150bhp (predecessor of the 2.0 litre 163bhp and 168bhp engine), it was sweet as a nut and I did another 130k miles, sold it to a friend who did another 100k on it with nothing done to it, I then bought a nearly new (8 months old) 2.0 litre Insignia 163bhp with only 8k miles and currently 157k miles still going strong, and cruises at 67mph on the motorway with only feather touch on the accelerator and about 1800 revs in 6th gear (does 67mph at that) and still gets near 60mpg, I've had well over 800 miles from one tank (best 860 miles) usually in the summer but less in the winter (mpg seems slightly affected by temperature but still over 50mpg and usually still over 700 miles from one tank). On current car have only had to replace the solenoid waste actuator valve - when it failed acceleration became less smooth but cured by replacing it and which was quite cheap to replace. No issues at all, only had to replace scheduled components e.g. I had the timing belt replaced at 96k miles (scheduled at 100k miles) along with the water pump, plus usual tyres, brake pads, etc. Very comfortable and very reliable car, effortless on the motorway, will replace it with a Mk2 Insignia 2.0 litre 170 (168 bhp). PS when I had a parking bump and car in bodyshop to replace the bumper the insurance company gave me a so called "equivalent" as a courtesy car, a Nissan Qashqai, it was cramped inside and to drive it was awful with abysmal handling, it was like driving a postage stamp on stilts, absolutely tiny and a gutless wonder with zero power, you had to plan ahead about a fortnight to overtake anybody, when I got the Insignia back it was like driving a Lambourghini in comparison to the absolutely awful Qashqai, was so glad to get the Insignia back. Very underrated cars.
Has remapping it affected the reliability in any way? I own one myself with the same 2.0 diesel and I would like to remap it in the future
The reliability has been great and no issues. It was mapped around after the adblue situation so April 2022 and I’ve had 0 issues. I would definitely recommend but I’d shop around first before going ahead as this industry is full of scammers
I have the 170 hp Opel Isignia (Elite) Grand Sport and apart from the sunroof its has more extras than many other german brands. Been down to Spain, felt really good after a long drive because of the massage functions. Super quiet on NEXAN summer tyres, all through french motoways at 130 km returning 5,5L/100. The anti collision real does work - I had a lorry slam on his breaks and the car saved me from OMG a propbaly bad accident. At night the intellilux lights are amazing. Now in France many cities are charging extra parking fees for suv's and wacking extra tax on new suv's! Electricity prices nolonger capped, and 3-hour waits to motorways to charge your electric car! So...maybe a revival. I have always add extra product to stop crystalisation - main cause of adblue equipment failers. Get it serviced at my Opel dealership every year, did the timing chain and only had one recall I also like that its slightly understated. No need to keep up with the Jones when you have an Insignia B
I think you've convinced me, this'll be my next motor.
Digging my heels in not to join the crossover SUV revolution (and definitely not the EV movement!)
Nice video again.
I'm also a crossover/SUV avoider. Good man, and thanks 😄
Insignia’s got everything,
shampoo to shower-gel,
deodorant & aftershave
with one all-over smell.
New Insignia - and it’s all over now.
I think you've got a brick missing :) RIP New Insignia smell, I will miss you
I owned a Buick Regal TourX for 13 months (Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer in the states) and I absolutely loved it. Reasonably performance, surprisingly good on gas (2.0T petrol), extremely comfortable, very spacious, and one of the most beautiful wagons imo. It also felt surreal that I was one of the only ppl in my state driving around in one of these. It’s estimated that only ~5000 TourXs were sold, making it quite a rare site
Very nice. I think it's one of the few cars that actually looks better as a wagon! Really nice design
I have the same car, called a holden calais tourer here in Australia except mine comes with the v6 you get in the gs, definitely one of the best looking wagons👍
I bought a new Insignia Sports Tourer 2.0 Turbo A 200hp (petrol) from the store in April 2022, it is probably one of the last cars of this kind. So far driven 40,000 km and with 0 defects!! And I hope to drive at least another 300,000 km. 🤩🤩🤩
Comfortable, refined and a great cruiser but sadly anonymous. Marking the end of non premium D segment volume cars and a line that started with the Cavalier. For one, I’m sad to see this class of car replaced by yet more SUVs.
Yep, I'm with you there. As you say it's particularly the non-premium segment that has suffered first. You have to buy a DS9 now apparently if you want this kind of car from Stellantis
Really nice car, sadly underrated due to Vauxhall's reputation but they have came a long way recently. I would buy one, lot of car for the money. Great review as always.
Couldn't agree more, cheers :)
I’ve had mine now for 4,5 years, and today i just passed the 140k Mark. Mine is the newer one with the digital display and automatic gearbox, which takes this car to another level. To this day the car had not failed once. No errors, nothing!
I’ve had several cars made In Germany, also from premium brands.
I’ll tell you this; This is by far the most reliable car i ever owned. The seats (which is very important if you do 35k a year) are still the best I’ve tried so far, way better than my last car Audi A6. It runs very smooth and quiet. And i my opinion, this car stands out in the crowd. I nevet felt that In an Audi because there is so many People driving In the exact same car!
The first car i ever owned, In 1988, was a Opel Manta B GSI. Man, i loved that car. Today the Insignia is my Manta.
The Insignia has two downsides. If your looking for a car that is economical on fuel, forget the Insignia. It is a very big car. The other downside is, when the times come where you have to replace it with a new car. Right now, I would not know which car to replace it with?
Certainly not a Tesla Y which is the most sold car In Denmark right now!
That is really impressive. The more I hear about this car from comments like yours, the more I know I was right in how underrated it is as a car! With the digital dash and auto gearbox, I can really imagine it would be on another level.
You guys in scandinavia are moving on with electric cars quicker than us here. It is definitely difficult to know what you could replace it with next
Tesla 🤮🤮🤮
I have the same issue 😅 I don't know which car I would replace my insignia 🙈 I didn't had any issue until recently... I don't druve enough miles... i have a diesel and drive 25km to work... and now my particle filters is clogged... Car drives normally luckily for me no issues at all... but we will see when I have my test in june what they will say 😅
What you said about fuel is interesting. I almost bought the later Insignia but I am not through with my love affair with the first model and so just picked up a 2016 SRi Nav,, 2 litre diesel, 168hp.
Done just over 2k miles already and averaged a genuine 61mpg...
With £35 per year road tax, a huge boot, relatively fun to drive, steady as a rock on the motorway it still feels like a bit of a well kept secret.
I am from Singapore and it is an Opel Insignia here.. driving the 1.5T.
Very underrated as many here takes BMW/Mercedes as the better car..
Great to hear from someone in Singapore :) Same story here in that they are underrated vs the German rivals
Had a couple of these. Some early Insignias had gearbox trouble (2008 - 2013 models) but other than that, they are just as reliable and cost effective as any car in this class. Bloody good looking and great to drive also.
I have a 2013 Insignia it has just clicked over the 255,000 mile mark. Apart from the usual wear & tear items, I have recently had to replace the alternator belt.
I have a 2018 VX-Line Nav 136ps 1.6 diesel and I absolutely love it! I do around 30,000 miles a year on pretty much every kind of road we get in the UK, from motorways to mountain passes in the Lake District, and the car performs perfectly on all of them. Even though it's a big car it feels perfectly at home on smaller countryside roads and it's a super comfortable motorway cruiser, GM really did a great job on this version of the Insignia!
Great all rounder :)
Great car JJ, opel have made some good cars over the years
Yeah for sure. Ever since I owned the Astra K I've known they're not as bad as some people might say :)
@@JJonCars I'd have to agree with you there 🙂
I love my Insignia. Had mine for three years now and it never gave me a problem since I bought it.
I live in Hull, originally from London and when I go back to the capital, I fill the tank with diesel and more often than not, I come back with the half-a -tank.
Had mine over 5 years now (2018 model VXLine) and still love it - was supposed to go at 3 years, but kept it - nothing out there can match it on price - nearly went for a Volvo V60, but it means being hybrid and auto - neither of which I want. Still looks amazing, now on 75k miles and still looks new inside and out. Such a shame there are to be no more Insignias. - the owner of this white car you are driving,... need to get it cleaned!!
The features and design are great value. Definitely recommend this over other fastbacks like bmw 3 series gt or 4 series gc, peugeot 508, and Audi a5.
Great review, this is a car I’ve never thought about but I’ll take a look now
Thanks! Why not :)
Got the Australian version the Holden Calais. Unfortunately the car hit the market the day before Peugeot bought out Opel. I have the 2 litre 9 speed,FWD drive version with 192KW . Great car, badly marketed, & was cancelled less than a year after hitting the market .
Ive just bought the 1.6 cdti elite in red so far absolutely loving it comfortable and spacious 66 plate so not the newest but still a stylish one
I've driven a ton of cars this is my favourite
Had mine 3 years ....no issues at all. 200bhp as its the rare 1.6turbo petrol. Economic and very nippy. 0-60 in 7secs. Get 40+ mpg. Long run 50mpg. So comfortable and a beautiful car to drive.that car has the old and small infotainment system. Mines the larger and new software which is miles better.
Jammy sod 😂 I wanted the 1.6t but had to settle for the 1.5t 😢 still 165 bhp but would like it remapping but I don't know if it would make much difference.
Very interesting. I remember the old Holden version of the Pontiac GTO 6.0L V8 coupes of the mid 2000’s, they were cool fun cars and not bad to own. Perfect for those big, open, and fast Aussie and US roads. 😎
The good old days! I imagine Holden got a bit watered down towards the end, compared with what it was. Though I do think of this Insignia/Commodore as being a big cruiser suitable for the US/Aus :)
@@JJonCarsThe VE/VF was just a brilliant motor car for the open road, however the Australian version of this is not far behind.
Good review man, really, thanks!
Hey, you're welcome!
My favourite ever cars (and ive owned over 30 cars) had 3 company insignias and had a couple of hire cars too. Never had an issue AT ALL in about 200k miles. One I took from 30k to over 140k and again NEVER missed a beat.
Then I bought a lemon from a Vauxhall main dealer during Covid and it was a tatty refurbished car supposedly with just 40k miles but definitely felt clocked. Went back 3 times and on the third I told them to keep it. Took months to persuade them to take it back and in the end the finance company had to force them.
In the market again but looking at the 2018 model this time, just hope it lives up to the others.
Hi can u put a second hand dial cluster I'm a 2011 vauxhall insignia vxr the dials came from another vxr can it be program to work in another vauxhall insignia 2011 model?
Hi all I’ve got a 2016 vx line sports tourer/estate😂 love it 58 thousand so far in the 5 years I’ve owned it I’ve had oxygen sensors and blower fan and a boot lock/switch? The MPG is 28/29 town and 45/50 motorway thanks for this video a big thumbs up 👍
Great, glad you enjoyed the vid. And that your Insignia has been reliable over some big miles too :)
I’ve got a 68 plate gsi diesel,love it,this is my second insignia,previous one was the elite nav diesel,great cars and loads of equipment for the money
GSI, very nice 👍
@@JJonCarsyou want to take it for a spin,let me know
Agree that they're underated cars... The US also got these badged as the Buick Regal I believe...
In Australia, this was known as the ZB Commodore and copped a lot of hate, mostly to do with the iconic name being slapped on a FWD platform, as the 'Commodore' nameplate was used across many generations of RWD cars, with the option of a 6 cylinder as standard...
As a result, the ZB sold poorly and parts are difficult to find, especially since Holden shut down...
I personally believe that it was a great car, but Holden should've called it the "Insignia," though interestingly we got the previous generation for 1 year in VXR guise... The ZB in Australia was available with 2.0T, 2.0TD, and a 3.6 V6 all mated to automatic transmissions only...
True, it's always risky using a famous and well loved name on a car that doesn't strictly 'deserve it'. I'm thinking of that new Mustang Mach E, or that slew of Chevrolet badged Daewoos we were sold here a few years back. So you're right they probably should have called it the Insignia. I guess they were hoping the name would help sell a few more.
I find it interesting they called a Holden a VXR, doesn't make too much sense. No 3.6 V6 over here which is a shame, but at least we got a manual option. Cheers Martin 👍
@@JJonCars You're pretty much right with those other examples... They used the VXR nameplate to give the car a more European image I guess, as previous Commodores had "SS" as the performance variant, and that nameplate was symbolic with the V8... We also got the Astra, Trax, Captiva and other cars from both Opel and Daewoo, though they were badged as Holden... The Opel products were better however they were plagued with reliability issues... Don't even get me started on the Daewoo products though- That was the beginning of the end...
I've got a 1,6 diesel 136 bhp w an auto-box. Very economical. Looks the business too in dark blue metallic colour
I always like a dark blue metallic 👍
I picked up a black 18 plate 2.0 Diesel on 20 inch wheels to keep me mobile while I was looking for something else, I previously had a 16 plate 2.0 XF. I hadn't even thought about keeping it but the more I drove the Insignia the more I liked it, it does everything well, drives smoother than the Jag did, has loads of space and it's pretty quick so I'm going to keep it. If badges aren't important the Insignia is well worth a look and you get a lot of car for your money.
The first time I drove one it really surprised me too. Cheers Neil, 100% agree 👍
Hello, from Alan From Birmingham United Kingdom, just to say that your review that you’ve put together a superb as you passed. Excellent comments about the car as I’ve got the 2021 … Low mileage 2 L 8 speed box automatic, been great after upgrading summer time 2023 from the previous generation and drove to Paris in it August Time 2023 and the car has been absolutely superb clocking an average of just over 50 miles to the gallon, which is impressive for the size of the Motor as I’m sure you would agree as I’ve clicked on your subscribe for any future footage that you might put up at a later date. Best wishes
Thanks Alan, glad you liked the review, and that you like your Insignia. Great mile-munchers aren't they. Cheers :)
@@JJonCars hi from Alan thank you once again. I’m replying to My message to you as your review on the car was so so good as i will look forward to seeing future footage if when you decide to put onto TH-cam as it’s most definitely a great car as i travelled in September of last year, putting it to the test all the way from United Kingdom to Paris in Europe going through the channel tunnel at the time as the car was so impressive specially on a wrong journey like i did to Paris and taking members of the family to Disneyland having a great time as I’m one of those type of persons that do really look after my vehicles as the last one previous generation i had for just over seven years in white as it give me good service and believe it or not the car was in that good condition still after seven years my neighbour bought it off me and still very happy with it. But as regards the new generation that I’ve got now and your reviews I’m sure you would agree there’s no comparison and performance wise. What a great return specially when you have the diesel 8 speed automatic as it certainly a lot of car for the money so best wishes for this coming year as i will look out like i said to see if you put future footage for the general public to see kind regards and best wishes from me to you 🇬🇧👍
I want one in a 1.6 diesel - I think these are massively overlooked because of the troubles with the previous model especially the 2.0 diesel , this suits me fine - I will get a good deal on a pretty decent car 🤷♂️
I've got one of the wagons in buick form, it's a great underrated car. But hard to find because they didn't sell that well, and does have some quirks like the mid trim level has zero rear cupholders. In the Buicks they only put the fold down rear seat armrest with cupholders in the top trim level.
They do look great as a wagon. Funny that you have to have top trim just to have a rear armrest with cupholders 😄
Hi JJ. I've always liked these cars over several generations and the only thing that's put me off is the notoriously flaky engine management system.
This gen, that you're driving, is a fabulous looking car. Take the badges off and it could easily be mistaken for one of those upmarket rivals that you mentioned.
If we still had young children and needed something of this size, I would definitely consider it.
Cheers.
Hey John. 100% agree - I really can't understand the 'it's boring' or 'it's bland' comments that seem to crop up everywhere with this Insignia. It's as though people still see the Vectra when they look at it and haven't updated their thoughts yet 😄
Sure it's not for everyone, but it's quite a striking looking thing.
I think it lacked that little bit of sparkle, even compared to the Skoda Octavia and Superb and the Honda Civic. Nice video.
Perhaps, though I'm not sure the Octavia had any more sparkle :) Thanks Oliver 👍
It's a good car, and GM threw everything at this to revitalise the brand. With the shift to SUVs by most of the driving public (unforunate), it didn't gain the success it deserved.
Tip: go for the versions with 'Nav' as you get the upgraded 9" touchscreen.
Yep absolutely!
I bought mine Sports Tourer 2.0 170HP in 2017. Until now I've done ~91k miles driving down to south of Italy, France, Germany or Poland twice a year. Recently remapped to 213HP/500nm from 178HP/434nm. The worst fault I had so far is NOx sensor I am going to replace on my own in next few days. My best car ever.
Using the car exactly what the car is for. Nice long road trips :) Good to hear it has been dependable
Well interesting footage
I have a vauxhall insignia B20DTH 2l Sri
236000 on the clock , as been a very good card , wear and tear for me is usual as I am a taxi driver
And mechanical issues only just change the turbo , had both NOX sensors changed
Recalls where minor , so could I say this car is good, yes for a middle range car , really holds it own , travels smoothly and decent suspension, strong
Best car vauxhall have made in this model and shame there going electric in 2025
Ad blue was the best thing desiel could do and used correctly no problems
Interior has a relaxing feeling and tech is more on higher side for thus car , good sound system , with plenty of comments from my customers
More than average car
Thanks for commenting! I like hearing from taxi drivers as you really do put cars through their paces - lots of miles and carrying passengers and luggage etc. Good to hear it has been dependable and you like the car 👍
I have an Opel Zafira 2014 and really like it so I bet I’d like the Insignia. However the 2016 Meriva I have isn’t nearly as good but I guess that expected from a smaller car. Doesn’t feel as nice build quality wise.
Yes I think you're right, it's probably that the Meriva is a more budget car than the Zafira/Insignia :)
Back seat JJ, did you not feel left out not having heated seats in the back haha
Haha, he doesn't deserve such luxury :)
Had one 6 months, also mapped up to 211bhp 515NM, elite nav. It's a real wolf in sheep's clothing. And handles well. But you need good tyres.
Dislikes
no handle on boot to open
Tyres are £250 a corner (20")
Mpg worse than predecessor (thanks to AdBlue)
Does this model Vauxhall Insignia suffer from the DPF issues like the previous gen Insignia?
I can only assume that it can have DPF issues, the usual culprits being lots of short journeys etc. But I don't know if its better or worse than the previous model
Just call it an Opel.
Opel designed and built that car.
Hello random viewer from the world of TH-cam 🤜🤛 after watching this video I really have to say thank you 😊 you helped me make my choice. I've been to trading my beloved Ford Fiesta Mk7 which I've had it since it was the first car I've bought with my hard earned savings, but has time moves so does the need for something... bigger....more practical.... more.... Je ne sais quoi, so after saving again the choice was.... Audi...Volvo....and found this😮 Thank you 🙂
That's great to hear, I'm glad it has helped you random viewer :) Enjoy the car!
I had Opel Insignia sports tourer 2014, 2.0 Diesel, manual, drove it to 250 000 km (155 300miles), only had one problem with it, fuel pump in all those years/kilometers, sold it in 2023 and bought Opel Insignia Sports Tourer B 2020, 2.0 Diesel, automatic... I didn't even think about which car should I buy. For the money you can hardly get anything significantly better that that.
Fuel consumption... well... it depends on your mood, tbh. I managed to drive 850 kilometers with around 66% of my tank (70 liter tank) in the older one, and new one likes diesel a bit more, but still it can manage that same 850 kilometers with a single tank (60 liters). On the other hand, if you drive it often (like 70% of time as I do) at speed that exceedes 180 km/h its fuel consumption easily goes up to 12-13 L/100 KM (19-20 mpg)...
In the end, one of the best cars I've ever driven so far. Of course, there are better cars, but when you consider how much you have to pay for them compared to Insignia, imo, Insignia wins.
adaptive cruise control, heated steering wheel, heated seats, driver seat massage, panorama roof, 360 camera, lane asist, self parking, intellilux, and many many other things that I would have to pay premium to get in some other cars...
🙌
Hi, Am looking to buy this car, Am 6ft3, how good is the headroom and legroom pls..Thx
I would suspect that you will be absolutely fine at 6'3". Though I would recommend sitting in one just in case
I have Insignia B Elite 1,6 estate Disel manual gearbox 140340 miles number plate perfect travel some place no problem perfect c
ar
I see the Buick version of these around once in a while. The vauxhall looks better for sure lol
Reduced weight of 175kg but mpg is not as good as the older model.
Not sure how they managed that lol
3:09
I don't think an Insignia is a big as a 7 seires lol
It sits in between the 3 and 5 in terms of length
Grand Sport is 4897mm whereas the G30 (previous Gen 5 series) is 4,936mm
The new 7 series is 5391mm
Yeah, you're right! My bad. It's a big car though, which is what I was trying to get across.
Wheee was this filmed. Thanks.
Around the Peak District, near Buxton and Leek in particular 👍
@@JJonCars aha. My stamping ground
5:07 ouch, that sounded expensive :(
Wheel fell off I think 😂
@@JJonCars 😄Great review btw!
Is it worth considering to drive as a taxi?
Yes, I'd say so. Very spacious and comfortable. Fuel economy is not quite as good as rivals is the only downside I'd say
0-60 in 6 or 7 seconds? Not a chance.
The 170 does it in 8.2, so 7ish is believable for 200+? Perhaps 6 was a bit optimistic
@@JJonCars it's 1.5 tons, I looked it up there, honestly I thought it'd be lighter so that's probably loosing it 1 second
Well not a chance kinda means it's 9-10 seconds at best, it's not actually that far off 7 seconds
@@novicetheaf Aye, with 200 hp it will 100% at least be in the 7's.
1.5 tons is still quite heavy, but don't forget it's an enormous car - think BMW 7 series length! My little ol' CLK is also 1.5 tons haha
@@JJonCars that's a fair point actually! I was thinking it was on stock tune, I read by your comment too quickly, I think you're right to be honest 7 seconds is definitely doable considering its been remapped