What is it?
If there’s a weak link in the present Insignia line-up, it’s the 1.8-litre petrol engine: economy and emissions are lacklustre, and there’s little overtaking punch. The new turbocharged 1.4 puts that right.
For now, the 1.8 will continue to be sold alongside the 1.4 T, but even considering its price advantage of £825 we can’t see many buyers choosing this outdated engine. The Turbo matches the 1.8’s 138bhp but torque is up 14 per cent to 147lb ft and arrives lower down the rev range.
What’s it like?
Whereas the 1.8 needs hard revving to stay with its own shadow, the 1.4 turbo pulls cleanly and with purpose from low revs. Overtaking no longer demands a long straight and plenty of patience. It’s a refined unit, too, and there’s nothing strained about the engine note even at high revs.
If the new engine is the most significant change for the 2012 model year, second billing goes to the new power steering system fitted to all Insignias with a manual gearbox. It’s an electric set-up to cut emissions by doing away with a power-sapping hydraulic pump.
Electrically assisted racks can feel artificial and inconsistent, but the Insignia’s system is better than most. Feedback is limited but, just off the straight ahead, the new rack is more responsive than the old hydraulic set-up.
Should I buy one?
Vauxhall predicts 60 per cent of cars sold with the new engine will go to company fleets. It’s certainly a more appealing prospect for business drivers than the 1.8, having better economy (49.6mpg defeats the 1.8’s 37.2mpg) and lower emissions (just 134g/km of carbon dioxide compared with 179g/km). The Insignia isn’t a match in driver appeal for the Ford Mondeo, but it is on the same page.
David Motton
Vauxhall Insignia 1.4i 16v Turbo
Price: £18,795; Top speed: 127mph; 0-60mph: 10.1sec; Economy: 49.6mpg; CO2: 134g/km; Kerb weight: 1503kg; Engine: 4 cyls, 1364cc, turbo, petrol; Power: 138bhp at 4900-6000rpm; Torque: 147lb ft at 1850-4900rpm; Gearbox: 6-spd manual
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Re: Vauxhall Insignia 1.4T
For me this is a good car - but would pick the derv for everyday driving - i have driven the 2.0t - and that is seriously quick - but mpg goes down.
Sadly this is the way it will go - and continue to go for the future - if it was my money I would not buy the 1.4t (I have a 1.6t in the corsa I currently own) - it is easy to drive economical - but the turbos on the petrol come in very low now - max tourque in the corsa is about 1900 rpm.
The big engine is sadly dead - when I started driving I couldn't wait till I got older - my dream has been to own a v8 - but sadly I don't think I will ever be able to afford one due to fuel, tax insurance.
Re: Vauxhall Insignia 1.4T
Well thank you for those kind words.
I ploughed £19k of my own money in to a brand new Calibra back in 1991, a car which I was continually told Vauxhall were keen not to discount... a line which every dealer I visited dropped when I said 'not interested', so I do have personal experience.
It's almost laughable you suggest Vauxhall don't discount those cars you mention, I'll let others decide for themselves, but just for you Edward I've had a look on Broadspeed: Lets take an Insignia at random - say the 1.4T being discussed here in SE trim:
5dr price: £23820, discounted to £17653
and the 4dr which you say isn't discounted...
4dr price: £23820, discounted to £17653
Now then when you say you work in Vauxhall, would that be valeting cars or in reception?
PS, I'm not sure why you should take such an attitude towards me but I'd ask you to stop.
Re: Vauxhall Insignia 1.4T
To hear you used to work for Vauxhall, and the fact you seem to talk to people like s**t dosent suprise me at all. Although im guessing the employee of the month award didnt go to your self?
Getting back to the car, although risky I reakon they should try taking the 1.8 off sale, im interest to hear what the performance figures will be.