Vauxhall Insignia: Elite class for top of the range Insignia

Vauxhall Insignia 2.8 V6 Turbo Elite 4×4 auto 5dr

What is it?

The flagship in Vauxhall’s new Mondeo-fighting range. Power comes from a 256bhp 2.8-litre V6 turbo that’s hooked up to a six-speed automatic with four-wheel drive, FlexRide adaptive suspension and a raft of equipment as standard. Priced at over £28k.

What’s hot?

• Motorway mile munching ability is as good as a Merc S-Class
• Leather seats are supremely comfortable
• That clever 4×4 system means lots of grip…
• …while FlexRide offers plenty of composure too
• New adaptive headlights turn night into day…
• …and along with sat-nav and climate control, come as standard
• Big V6 sounds great…
• …there’s a rasp under power but a whisper when cruising
• Cabin quality worthy of a premium brand

What’s not?

• Dull-witted auto takes the edge of the big V6’s performance…
• …and you really have to work it hard to get the best out of it
• Bonkers 272g/km of CO2 means it’s not for business drivers…
• …while sub-25mpg fuel figures hammer the point home
• A good cruiser but not as fun as a Mondeo to drive
• Residuals will be absolutely dire

What you need to Know?

P11D Value:	28,080
Monthly Rental*:	500 (CH)/£575 (PCH)
Tax Band when posted:	35%
Monthly BiK:	164 (20%); £328 (40%)
Engine:	2.8-litre V6 turbo
CO2 Emissions:	272g/km
Power/torque:	260PS/258lb ft
Economy:	24.4mpg

Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year.

Business Car Manager Road Test Rating

The black sheep of the Insignia family. With sky-high running costs, there’s just no business case for the 2.8-litre V6 Elite – you’ll need to finance it on a personal contract hire basis to avoid the company car tax. The V6 Insignia may be a great way to waft up and down motorways. But there are plenty of diesel models in the range that will do just as good a job and return nearly 50mpg at the same time.