Vauxhall Insignia Biturbo SRi Sport Tourer road test

This is not a new engine fitted to the Vauxhall Insignia Biturbo 2.0 CDTi 16v Start/Stop SRi Sports Tourer. Instead it’s the existing 2.0-litre diesel fitted with not one but two turbochargers, as well as fuel saving technologies like stop/start.

The upside to this is more power - an extra 34bhp to take the total to 192bhp - and an added 50Nm of pulling power, increasing to 300Nm. It has also helped reduced fuel consumption – with a claimed average of 55.4mpg – while at the same time lowering emissions to 134g/km.

In terms of company car costs this means that for the current tax year (2012/13) that this version of the Insignia Sports Tourer qualifies for the 20% BIK band. Combined with a P11d value of £28,505, without options, means a 20% tax payer would be looking at £95 per month while a 40% tax payer will be looking at £190 a month.

Out on the road the extra pulling power is noticeable, providing deceptive acceleration and easy cruising. You can’t let the revs drop too low though, as the engine will soon start to struggle and you’ll be forced to drop down a gear.

Thanks to the hefty tug of the engine there isn’t a noticeable step in power, just a strong build of speed until you need to change up a gear. It is deceptive as you can reach a higher speed than you might anticipate.

Gear changes are fine so long as you are positive with the gearbox, though it is easy to catch your arm on the central armrest cover. In fact, trying to flip the central arm rest lid up to reveal the cubby hole underneath is tricky using one hand, so you need to twist in your seat and use two hands to lift the lid all the way. Clearly something not designed for when the driver is on the move.

Our test car was fitted with a host of options including a brown leather interior with contrasting piping on the seat edges plus heated seats for the front two occupants. Also on the tick box list was a 19-inch alloy wheels - which look great but mean the ride feels harsh on bumpy back roads - a sat nav system that also includes an audio system with connectivity for MP3 players, SD card slot, DAB radio and a CD player.  This all added an eye-watering £7,220 to the cost of the car.

There’s also adaptive cruise control that enables you to set the speed and distance to the car in front you want to be. This system is meant to gradually slow and keep a specific distance if you begin to close in on the car in front. On the Insignia the system seemed to kick in quite suddenly as you get closer to the car, so you need to plan ahead with overtakes to keep a smooth momentum.

Furthermore, there's a camera system fitted along with a Front Camera System that reads road signs and flashes them up on the central display, a forward collision alert and lane departure warning.

Despite the pricey additions, the SRi Sports Tourer does come well equipped as standard. Kit list includes a powered tailgate operated via a dial that sets the height of the open boot lid (ideal so you don’t clout low car park ceilings), multi-adjustable front seats with part electric adjustment, electric parking brake and lowered and uprated sports suspension to name but a few.

While the updated engine offers much in the way of improvements, more power and lower emissions, the overall package continues to be some way behind the key competition.

Also consider:

Ford Mondeo Estate

The arch rival in the company car park. The 2.2-litre diesel sport version emits more CO2 and is less fuel efficient. It is, however, more powerful and quicker in the 0-62mph sprint. 

Mazda 6 Estate

Another roomy estate for passengers with a huge bootspace. The 2.2-litre diesel Sport model is quiet, smooth and delivers more pulling power, though is not as fuel efficient and with higher emissions.

Skoda Superb Estate

The 2.0-litre diesel engine delivers more shove and is only marginally slower than the Insignia BiTurbo SRi. Emissions are higher, at 151g/km, and it isn't as fuel efficient due to a claimed average of 48mpg.