VAUXHALL INSIGNIA SRI CDTi: grunt and green

ONLY the chunter of a diesel engine shatters the illusion that the is a bona-fide sports saloon.

Its slightly (15mm) lowered stance and arch-filling alloy wheels subtley enhance the handsome rep mobile with an air of performance.

Look closely and the small “4x4” badge on the boot will only serve to reinforce that this is an Insignia with a difference.

Underneath there’s the same four-wheel-drive set up as the 321bhp Insignia VXR, but this two-litre diesel strikes a more pragmatic balance between grunt and green credentials.

Here’s my quick five-star guide to the new Amarok.

Vauxhall Insignia 4X4 SRI CDTI

Engine: 1,956cc, two-litre turbo-diesel

Power: 158bhp and 258lb.ft. of torque

Acceleration (0-62mph): 9.6 seconds

Top Speed: 134mph

Economy: 47.8mpg

Price: £27,440

Overall rating: * * *  (out of five).

Style: * * *

“The standard Insignia has always been a handsome saloon, better than many rivals considered more premium alternatives, and the enhancements of the SRI spec only add to that.

“Optional 20 inch alloys fill the arches better thanthe standard items, however, and are a worthwhile investment for the style-conscious.”

Specification and Value: * * *

“Despite an impressive standard specification which includes Sat-Nav, cruise control, adaptive dynamics and bluetooth telephone connectivity, that four-wheel-drive system adds to the initial outlay and ongoing running costs due to lower miles-per-gallon and higher CO2 emissions.

“The standard front-wheel-drive car is the better option for those with tighter purse strings.”

Performance: * * *

“That 4X4 system definitely gives the Insignia a more dynamic edge out on the road and helps make the most of the CDTI engine’s torque, but this is still no genuine performance saloon.”