New 2013 Vauxhall Insignia range

Vauxhall has revealed its updated Insignia. The hatchback, saloon and estate range gets more efficient engines and a price cut that ensures it undercuts key rivals. The car will make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

At its heart is a range of cleaner engines, helping reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. Diesels are all based on the 2.0-litre CDTI engine, and can be had in 118bhp/236lb ft, 138bhp/236lb ft, and 161bhp/273lb ft variants, the former two states of tune emitting a company car tax-friendly 99g/km of CO2 and averaging 76.3mpg on the combined cycle.

Two new direct injection turbocharged petrol engines are available in 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre guises, making 168bhp/206lb ft and 247bhp/295lb ft respectively, the latter of which can be combined with optional four-wheel drive. Two gearboxes are offered, a six-speed manual or a new low-friction six-speed automatic.

The chassis has benefitted from revised damper and anti-roll bar settings, whilst electronic power steering, reprogrammed for improved feel, is standard in all but the range-topping VXR model.

Although exterior changes are reasonably subtle (with hints of the Cascada convertible at the rear), a host of updates have been carried out inside. Standard equipment now includes a digital radio and an instrument cluster with a switchable 8-inch LCD capable of displaying audio, navigation or smartphone information. It can also function as an analogue or digital speedometer, harking back to the 1980s Astra GTE. An additional 8-inch infotainment display is optional, with touchscreen functionality and 3D navigation.

As with all new Vauxhalls, the Insignia will be supplied with a ‘lifetime’ warranty, while pricing kicks off at £16,279, nearly £2000 less than the outgoing model.