Inspiring
Exclusive Preview
To truly appreciate the new Insignia, you need to experience it for yourself – we invited some lucky drivers to an exclusive early test drive to do just that.
Imagine being thrown the keys to a brand-new Vauxhall Insignia and given your own private test track to put it through its paces. Well, that’s exactly what happened recently when a few lucky drivers were invited to an exclusive preview event at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, then got to test drive our newest car, nearly three months early.
After a presentation on the Insignia Project, a preview of the Sports Tourer and the essential safety briefing, it was time to put the new Insignia through its paces. The first test was on Millbrook’s high-speed bowl, where the new Insignia drew particular praise for its comfort and refinement at speeds of up to 100mph. Next up was the challenging hill route, a tortuous ribbon of tarmac twisting up, over and around steep man-made crests and valleys – a tough test of steering, grip and stability which the new Insignia dispatched with aplomb.
But there was one final test that would underline just how capable this car really is. It was the chance to ride alongside a professional racing driver around the tight Millbrook handling circuit, pushing the new Insignia to its limits and revealing its impressive performance, poise and balance.
Competitors’ vehicles were on hand so they could be measured against the range of new Insignia models, to assess whether the new Vauxhall has what it takes. Theverdict? A resounding ‘yes’ – and not just from the drivers on the day. New Insignia has since been voted Car of the Year 2009. That says it all!
Name: Lee
“The Insignia inspires confidence when you drive it – it handles well and it’s quiet. I like both shapes, the hatch and the saloon. I especially liked the handling of the SRi, the toys and the big wheels. Overall, the car is very, very good. The diesel was relatively punchy and for everyday use it would suit me, but the Tourer estate looks a really nice car, and that’s probably what I’d go for.”
Name: Amanda
“I drive a company car, a Honda. Compared to my car, the Insignia is so much more comfortable, much more powerful – and it’s nicer looking as well. The seats are very comfortable. Several people in the company use my car, and this is really easy to drive. I really like the overall look of it. Plus I wasn’t expecting to be able to ride with a pro driver today – that was really good!”
Name: Paul
“I really enjoyed driving the new Insignia. I love the dashboard, the handling and the power. The interior, the comfort and ride are fantastic, and the whole body style is up there with the best. The 2.8 V6 with automatic transmission was the car of the day, without a doubt. Today’s been really good – I loved going round the high-speed bowl and the hill track, and going out with a professional driver.”
Name: Christine
“I particularly liked the Insignia SRi – it was very comfortable; the seat supported my back very well. It was very quiet, and a really smooth drive. It’s a lovely design, with a fantastic interior – it looks so good. I’d certainly recommend taking a test drive. It’s been great driving the cars – the whole day has been an excellent experience. As a result, I’m considering buying an Insignia.”
Name: Viv
“I enjoyed the driving very much – particularly the handling track with the professional driver. It was an excellent experience. The Insignia is very comfortable and the build quality is excellent. It’s an exceptional car in its class, and I’d definitely recommend it to friends. It would certainly be at the top of my shortlist.”
Name: Tracey
“Driving the Insignia was really, really good. I like the comfort of it. I love the whole look of the car, inside and out – particularly the dashboard and interior. The most interesting part of the day has been getting to drive all the different cars – and trying the speed bowl. I’m a bit of a speed freak and I loved it.”
Name: Vernon
“The Insignia was superb to drive. I cover a lot of miles in my job and if you’re spending seven or eight hours a day in a car you want comfort, and I thought the new Insignia Elite was superb for that. I’ve got a Vectra, and from what I’ve seen, Insignia is my favourite to replace it. The best part of the day for me was the high-speed lap with a professional driver. It was really enjoyable – and slightly scary!”
Name: Sharon
“I like a lot of the technical features of the Insignia, like the active headlights and the speed limit warning. They’re good safety features and it’s nice to see them all incorporated in one vehicle. We work with fleets and we’re considering lighter vehicles with smaller engines because we’re looking at CO2 levels and tax bands. But I like to have fun when I can: I was driving in the Sport mode and it was very responsive.”
