Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer review

Even the seats fitted to the entry-level Design models are pretty comfortable, but we’d suggest moving up to Tech Line Nav trim, which gets you more adjustment, including lumbar and seat-squab tilt for better thigh support. And, thanks to plenty of range to the steering wheel height and reach, you’ll be able to find a comfortable seating position.

Once in place, you’ll discover that the gearlever falls easily to hand and the major controls are just as conveniently located.

We doubt you’ll find any issue with the view forward past the Insignia Sports Tourer’s fairly slim windscreen pillars. Looking over your shoulder, things aren't quite as good, due to relatively thick rear pillars. If you take our advice and opt for the Tech Line Nav model, at least you’ll get the help of standard-fit front and rear parking sensors.

If you are still worried about parking what is a comparatively large car, then why not add the optional rear-view camera.You might also want to consider the powerful adaptive LED headlights (standard on top trims) to take the stress out of driving at night and blindspot monitoring, which is an option on nearly all grades.

All models get a standard colour touchscreen – on models without sat-nav, it’s 7.0in; with sat-nav, this grows to 8.0in. It has both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring as standard, allowing you to control certain phone functions through the infotainment screen.

You also get a concierge service as standard. Just press a button to get through to an operative for advice on travel-related issues. They will even download addresses to the sat-nav to save you the trouble.

When you are operating the touchscreen, you’ll find the on-screen icons are mostly large and easy to hit, and the menus are responsive and simple enough to figure out. Admittedly, it’s not as good as the systems in premium cars such Audis and BMWs, but it’s not far off the usability of the Volkswagen Group’s systems fitted to rivals such as the VW Passat and Skoda Superb.

All versions get a USB port in the front, while only Tech Line Nav models and above come with one in the rear.

Vauxhall claims that the current Insignia Sports Tourer feels more premium than ever – a statement that is largely borne out. Okay, the indicator and wiper stalks feel rather flimsy, but elsewhere there’s soft-touch plastic placed strategically in the areas you touch regularly and flashes of chrome that catch the eye, making the interior feel sufficiently plush.

There are some scratchy surfaces lower down, but we’d argue that it’s still a far nicer place to sit than a Ford Mondeo, if a little bit behind the Superb for perceived quality.