2011 Vauxhall Insignia EcoFlex Review
It rides 10mm lower than the standard model, while flat panelling on the underbody helps to reduce aerodynamic drag. Combined returns of 54.7mpg represent a 10 per cent improvement over the regular car’s. Meanwhile, a CO2 output of 136g/km not only puts the Insignia EcoFlex in the second lowest benefit-in-kind car tax band for any diesel, but also saves private owners £25 a year in road tax over the 2.0 CDTI.
Amazingly, though, Vauxhall’s quoted performance figures are no different to the regular model’s.
Vauxhall's Insignia EcoFlex is a large family car that has undergone a range of tweaks designed to cut its CO2 output.
In common with other "green label" cars from major manufacturers, the EcoFlex version of the Insignia employs a retuned turbo-diesel engine, revised gear ratios, low-resistance tyres and aerodynamic tweaks to boost fuel economy compared to its standard siblings
Given the generous size of the Insignia, the EcoFlex model's CO2 score is quite impressive.
At 136g/km the EcoFlex car emits 18g/km or about 12 per cent less than a standard Insignia with the same engine, which scores 154g/km.
Costs and savings
For company car drivers, the Insignia EcoFlex model qualifies for 18 per cent benefit-in-kind tax this year, rising to 19 per cent in the coming 2010/11 tax year and 20 per cent in 2011/12. By coming in at under 160g/km, the EcoFlex Insignia qualifies for the low-carbon Capital Allowance regime, which allows fleet buyers to write down 20 per cent of the car's purchase cost in the first year, or offset 100 per cent of lease payments against tax.
Driving
Despite the gearing adjustments, the Insignia EcoFlex remains easy and pleasant to pilot, with plenty of urge on offer from the 2.0-litre, 158bhp engine. In our tests we found the car generally comfortable and reassuring to drive. The car offers style, quality and excellent value for money.
The EcoFlex package takes nothing away from the Insignia's winning recipe except CO2.
In the UK, the Insignia 1.4 Turbo is priced from £18,680 for the ES Hatchback up to £27,110 for the SRi Nav Vx Line Red Sports Tourer.
GM’s Vauxhall unit updated the Euro 5 compliant 2.0 CDTi diesel engines in the Insignia ecoFLEX model. The 160HP model records a 137mph (220 km/h) top speed and a 0-60mph sprint time of 8.9 seconds.
