IT’S probably as easy to get penalty points for speeding in a 20 year-old car as it is in a new one.
But if you are driving new cars every week the temptation is always there to see how fast they can go. That’s why I was happy to see a digital speed counter on the dash when I sat into the new Insignia Country Tourer last week.
The speed counter certainly helps focus the mind on any possible speed traps that might lay ahead, but really this is a car to relax in and do a bit of
‘country touring’ at your leisure, rather than see how many seconds it takes to go get to 100km. For the record, Opel say you should be able to get from zero to 100 in 11.4 seconds.
Opel’s Insignia has been getting good reviews and the Country Tourer is really an estate or
‘station wagon’ version. It’s really long and sturdy. I drove a 4×4 version, but didn’t have any reason to go off-road last week. Motoring writers are spoiled in that the cars we get are packed with extras. I had heated front seats and reversing sensors and both were appreciated – the heated seats on cold mornings and the sensors for reversing.
The boot is massive and it could take three or four suitcases plus a set of golf clubs. And if you have a dog, he/she would really appreciate the boot space available. But despite all that space it was disappointing to find a repair kit instead of a spare wheel. However, there is space provided for a space-saver or full-size spare wheel if you are buying a new Tourer yourself.
Inside there is plenty of room for five adults and plenty of head and leg room for the back seat passengers also. My test car came in a deep green colour, which was unusual. Black or white are good colours for the regular Insignia, but I suppose the green added to the rustic look.
I showed the Country Tourer to a colleague, who has recently bought a regular Insignia. He previously owned an Opel Vectra, which the Insignia has replaced and he still can’t get over the improvements that have been made.
There is keyless entry and stop-start technology. And if you leave the key in one of the cubby holes in the cabin as you exit the car horn sounds. It’s a great way to remind you to go back and fetch your keys – but if it happens late at night it might be annoying for the neighbours.
It’s a powerful motor and if you have a caravan or need to tow a trailer there is a hitch discreetly located underneath the boot. I thought the 2.0-litre diesel engine was frugal. I enjoyed my time in the Country Tourer. And remember – you don’t have to dress up like a Sherlock Holmes type character to enjoy the Tourer.
Prices start at
?¬24,995, for the regular Insignia while the Country Tourer starts at
?¬37,995.