67: Opel Insignia Grand Sport – Sleek styling but another saloon losing to SUVs

Technically we should be calling this the Insignia Grand Sport, as that is the slightly third-world-dictator title Opel has bestowed on its second-generation big saloon. No, we don't know why either.

It is, like the last Insignia, uncommonly good looking, and this time around Opel has remembered that people sitting in the back seats actually have both heads and knees, so the cabin is roomy and exceptionally comfortable. Up front, it’s a touch grey and plastic-y compared with some of its premium rivals, or for that matter, the VW Passat, but quality is decent.

The digital dials look very cheap and after-market though. Engines are good, and even the base 1.5 petrol turbo or 1.6 diesel haul the Insignia around quite nicely. Where has the handling gone, though? The Insignia’s steering has become over-light and the chassis feels vague and imprecise.

It’s a distinct step-down from the old one in that regard, but the upcoming sporty GSI model may make amends. Go for the estate and you have a classy-looking family holdall with masses of luggage space.