Got an Insignia CDTi SRi Automatic

Frank Incensed · 24th April 2012, 23:56

Well, only until First Class Motors finish making my car more beautiful than I've ever seen her.
First impressions of the Insignia - which I've always liked the look of - are that it's quite well equipped, but for me it's a bit disappointing inside and to drive. The ride is very choppy and I can sense that a long journey on anything but the smoothest of roads would have me feeling sick. The seats aren't as comfortable either, although the squabs can extend to neatly support under the thighs near the knees. And I must say the rest for the left foot seems better positioned, though my right foot has slipped off the accelerator a couple of times. When I first put my foot down in it, I thought "Aha! That must be what the Rover would feel like with a Synergy fitted." But, the initial surge when the turbo kicked in soon seemed to die away and it didn't feel that much different to the Rover, despite more of a snarl from the exhaust. Before I give it back, I'll try and find a piece of deserted road to check if I think the extra 25 hp seems to make much of a difference.
I really hate:-
I like the look from outside (even if it is silver

) but I don't want to get in it
It's really superficial and devoid of character
The choppy ride
The interior design, which appears to be the work of the person who designed the back of our plasma TV
The feel of the steering wheel
The tiny control buttons on the wheel for cruise and radio
The over fussy radio controls on the dash
The electronic, push-button, nanny handbrake, which won't let you disengage it without simultaneously pressing on the footbrake
I really like:-
The style of the alloy wheels
The cup holders between the front seats
The automatic headlights (except that they come on when you unlock the car)
I can understand people having a love affair with a 75 / ZT - but not with an Insignia.

BigRuss · 25th April 2012, 00:58

Quite an accurate description of the Insignia

Hated every minute of being in one.

Russ

Canonite · 25th April 2012, 07:31

I took one up to the lakes for a week when the car was launched. The one thing I hated more than anything is how hard the seat was. I'd not even got from Wakefield to Scotch Corner and I was already shuffling about cos I had numb bum. It was quite unique then as it was new, this model in particular only had 10 miles on it before I got it so it got lots of attention.
Sadly a few years have passed and they're more common than Lilo Lil and they have absolutely no appeal at all. The boss just got a new one, the SRI with the VXR kit in white with 19" wheels and while it does look nice it is still very bland.
I don't like the fat doors, or the mass of plastics used on the interior. It's no different to my brothers Astra.
That said it was roomy and the rear legroom was generous. I just can't see it having an owners club.

AdyB · 25th April 2012, 07:46

I had a Insignia as a hire car it was a cdti 6 speed hatchback, it was well equipped but the view out the rear window was useless middle head rest in the way, the door mirrors were useless due to their shape and i kept banging my head on that low roof line everytime i put somthing in the back, and the build quality did not seem all that.

Cheers
Adrian

cabbers · 25th April 2012, 12:54

I have driven a Vauxhall Insignia myself and considering its a Vauxhall i find it a good car - its alot better then the Vauxhall Vectra

But on the same note the Insignia is no match for the current Ford Mondeo or VW Passat

James.uk · 25th April 2012, 13:09

F-Incensed has such a good car that frankly (

) everything else was bound to disappoint. innit...

Very good write up though Robert.

*makes a note, "don't buy a Vauxhall " * ...

...

cabbers · 25th April 2012, 13:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canonite

I just can't see it having an owners club.

take a look here:- http://blog.insignia-enthusiast.org/

martin green · 25th April 2012, 17:45

Frank Incesed

just a question I noticed your tourer is 355188 which is 6 from the end of production just wondering what year is its registration? is it a 05/55/06/56/07/57/08 ?

This would be interesting to see when this 6 from the end car was registered.

capese21 · 25th April 2012, 18:44

Quote:

But on the same note the Insignia is no match for the current Ford Mondeo

I recently drove a new Mondeo hire car. Nothing special not that comfortable or quiet and rather dull. It made me appreciate the ZTT 2.5V6 even more!!

I have the money for a new car but nothing out there is grabbing me. So will be keeping the ZTT for a while.

Ed

Jag XF maybe.

RPWC · 25th April 2012, 18:56

TBH,I quite like the look of the car,never been in one mind,but would consider taking a test drive,if I ever had enough dosh to buy one that is.
If I ever finish my love affair with the 75s,my choice would be Volvo S60,or V70,as I like Volvos,and need a good towcar.
either would have to be turbo diesel,possibly auto.My dad had a 740 saloon for 10 years,it was a 90 on H plate,he sold it 2 years ago when he stopped driving,but that car never missed a beat,the engine was quiet,even at 148,000,if I hadn't had the Rover,I would have had the Volvo from him,the guy who MOT'd it each year,commented how good a condition it was for its age.(sorry for going off topic slightly.)

24th April 2012, 23:56	#1
Frank Incensed Ex 75 Owner 75 Tourerless Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Manchester Posts: 2,147 Thanks: 60 Thanked 156 Times in 93 Posts	Got an Insignia CDTi SRi Automatic Well, only until First Class Motors finish making my car more beautiful than I've ever seen her. First impressions of the Insignia - which I've always liked the look of - are that it's quite well equipped, but for me it's a bit disappointing inside and to drive. The ride is very choppy and I can sense that a long journey on anything but the smoothest of roads would have me feeling sick. The seats aren't as comfortable either, although the squabs can extend to neatly support under the thighs near the knees. And I must say the rest for the left foot seems better positioned, though my right foot has slipped off the accelerator a couple of times. When I first put my foot down in it, I thought "Aha! That must be what the Rover would feel like with a Synergy fitted." But, the initial surge when the turbo kicked in soon seemed to die away and it didn't feel that much different to the Rover, despite more of a snarl from the exhaust. Before I give it back, I'll try and find a piece of deserted road to check if I think the extra 25 hp seems to make much of a difference. I really hate:- I like the look from outside (even if it is silver) but I don't want to get in it It's really superficial and devoid of character The choppy ride The interior design, which appears to be the work of the person who designed the back of our plasma TV The feel of the steering wheel The tiny control buttons on the wheel for cruise and radio The over fussy radio controls on the dash The electronic, push-button, nanny handbrake, which won't let you disengage it without simultaneously pressing on the footbrake I really like:- The style of the alloy wheels The cup holders between the front seats The automatic headlights (except that they come on when you unlock the car) I can understand people having a love affair with a 75 / ZT - but not with an Insignia. __________________ Beyoncé's Green Light Used More Rubber 355188 of 355194

25th April 2012, 00:58	#2
BigRuss Premium Trader 75 CDT Tourer,2.5 Launch Saloon, Omipro MG/Rover (T4) Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Liversedge, West Yorkshire Posts: 5,405 Thanks: 1,105 Thanked 1,340 Times in 661 Posts	Quite an accurate description of the Insignia Hated every minute of being in one. Russ __________________ Replacement Key Service http://https://the75andztclub.co.uk/...d.php?t=244732 Full T4 Testbook diagnostics available. Diesel ECU repair and replacement. Options enabled or disabled as required. Diesel X-Power 135 and 160bhp, Rover 1.8T 150 to 160 MG 160 V6 to 177 upgrades available P.M. for details.

25th April 2012, 12:54	#5
cabbers Retired 62-reg Suzuki SX4 SZ5 1.6i AWD / 07-reg Audi S3 2.0 T FSI Quattro Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Darlaston Posts: 1,706 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have driven a Vauxhall Insignia myself and considering its a Vauxhall i find it a good car - its alot better then the Vauxhall Vectra But on the same note the Insignia is no match for the current Ford Mondeo or VW Passat Last edited by cabbers; 25th April 2012 at 12:59.. Reason: to correct spelling

25th April 2012, 13:09	#6
James.uk Passed Away 2002 Pale Blue. Rover 75 CDTi Connoisseur auto. 170K miles Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Near the M67. Posts: 14,509 Thanks: 199 Thanked 585 Times in 397 Posts	F-Incensed has such a good car that frankly () everything else was bound to disappoint. innit... Very good write up though Robert. makes a note, "don't buy a Vauxhall " ... ...

25th April 2012, 17:45	#8
martin green Posted a thing or two ROVER 75 TOURER CDT 2002 & 2000 PRIMROSE YELLOW 75 SE Join Date: May 2007 Location: ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH Posts: 1,518 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Frank Incesed just a question I noticed your tourer is 355188 which is 6 from the end of production just wondering what year is its registration? is it a 05/55/06/56/07/57/08 ? This would be interesting to see when this 6 from the end car was registered. __________________ http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/n...ingreensig.jpg

25th April 2012, 07:31	#3
Canonite This is my second home BMW 330d Tourer, MG ZT 180 SE XPG, VW Polo 6R 1.2 TDI Bluemotion Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: York Posts: 6,022 Thanks: 363 Thanked 574 Times in 319 Posts	I took one up to the lakes for a week when the car was launched. The one thing I hated more than anything is how hard the seat was. I'd not even got from Wakefield to Scotch Corner and I was already shuffling about cos I had numb bum. It was quite unique then as it was new, this model in particular only had 10 miles on it before I got it so it got lots of attention. Sadly a few years have passed and they're more common than Lilo Lil and they have absolutely no appeal at all. The boss just got a new one, the SRI with the VXR kit in white with 19" wheels and while it does look nice it is still very bland. I don't like the fat doors, or the mass of plastics used on the interior. It's no different to my brothers Astra. That said it was roomy and the rear legroom was generous. I just can't see it having an owners club.

25th April 2012, 07:46	#4
AdyB Avid contributor CDT Club Saloon Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Northampton Posts: 221 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I had a Insignia as a hire car it was a cdti 6 speed hatchback, it was well equipped but the view out the rear window was useless middle head rest in the way, the door mirrors were useless due to their shape and i kept banging my head on that low roof line everytime i put somthing in the back, and the build quality did not seem all that. Cheers Adrian

25th April 2012, 18:56	#10
RPWC This is my second home 75 model car Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Newcastle upon Tyne Posts: 20,177 Thanks: 4,008 Thanked 5,083 Times in 3,114 Posts	TBH,I quite like the look of the car,never been in one mind,but would consider taking a test drive,if I ever had enough dosh to buy one that is. If I ever finish my love affair with the 75s,my choice would be Volvo S60,or V70,as I like Volvos,and need a good towcar. either would have to be turbo diesel,possibly auto.My dad had a 740 saloon for 10 years,it was a 90 on H plate,he sold it 2 years ago when he stopped driving,but that car never missed a beat,the engine was quiet,even at 148,000,if I hadn't had the Rover,I would have had the Volvo from him,the guy who MOT'd it each year,commented how good a condition it was for its age.(sorry for going off topic slightly.) __________________ Cheers. Rich…