Although Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer running costs aren’t low, among its key rivals only Volvo’s XC70 significantly beats its figures.

Hurting your pocket most is the automatic 192bhp 2.0-litre CDTi BiTurbo with a claimed average of 42.8mpg.

Things will improve during 2014 when the front-wheel drive Country Tourer goes on sale but until then the version with the best fuel efficiency is the 161bhp 2.0-litre CDTi with manual transmission, at 50.4mpg.

Unsurprisingly, those slightly above average for the segment fuel consumption figures also mean Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer emissions aren’t dazzlingly brilliant either.

Again, things will improve with the 2014 arrival of a front-wheel drive version but until then at 147g/km of CO2 the 2.0-litre 161bhp CDTi manual is the least polluting model in the range.

The worst offending 192bhp BiTurbo automatic is not significantly higher at 174g/km though.

Although it might be a little short of being class-leading, Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer reliability is expected to build upon the strong record of other models in the range.

The cabin is constructed from good quality materials to a high level, with plenty of soft-touch materials and switchgear that doesn’t feel like it might become fragile after years of use. Even the firmer plastics feel resilient without being unpleasant.

One key aspect that may affect future reliability is the amount of cross-country driving the Insignia’s been subjected to. Frequently traverses over rougher ground might gradually loosen interior trim as well as knock the underside of the car.

Vauxhall offers a comprehensive warranty which could last the lifetime of the Country Tourer – providing you remain the sole owner of the car and don’t break the 100,000 mile cap.

One key aspect that may affect future reliability is the amount of cross-country driving the Insignia’s been subjected to. Frequently traverses over rougher ground might gradually loosen interior trim as well as knock the underside of the car.

Vauxhall offers a comprehensive warranty which could last the lifetime of the Country Tourer – providing you remain the sole owner of the car and don’t break the 100,000 mile cap.