The Vauxhall Insignia is an exceptionally frugal option in its segment, having achieved over 1,300 miles on a tank of fuel.

• Hypermiler Felix Egolf covers 1,311 miles on a single tank of fuel
• 82mpg on average: approximately ten per cent increase on official figures
• Insignia 1.6CDTi ‘Whisper Diesel’ (136PS) ecoFLEX manual chosen for pan-European journey

The Vauxhall Insignia has proven itself to be an exceptionally frugal option in its segment, having achieved over 1,300 miles on a single tank of fuel. The 1.6 CDTi ‘Whisper Diesel’ 136PS ecoFLEX manual model with Start/Stop was driven from the Alps in Switzerland to the North Sea and back again, clocking up 1,311 miles in total.

While the model’s official combined fuel economy is listed as 74.3mpg or 72.4mpg (for hatchback, figures are dependent on trim level), independent hypermiler Felix Egolf recorded an impressive average fuel economy of 82mpg over the entirety of the trip, which included city and motorway driving in typical European traffic conditions. As a hypermiler, the former Airbus pilot seeks to establish new minimum fuel consumption values and surpass official economy figures.

Egolf’s tour started in Lucerne, Switzerland on 6 April. From there, he travelled to the Opel/Vauxhall headquarters in Rüsselsheim via the Black Forest. In Rüsselsheim, he stopped to discuss the Insignia’s progress with Christian Müller, Vice President GM Global Propulsion Systems – Europe.

“The fuel gauge in the Insignia showed that the tank was still almost full when Felix Egolf arrived in Rüsselsheim,” said Müller. “He managed to complete the first 266 miles with an average consumption of about 88mpg. It’s great that he managed to cover over 1,300-miles without having to refuel.”

The journey then took Egolf to Münster in North-West Germany and up to Cuxhaven on the North Sea coast. The return leg saw him pass Hanover, Kassel and St. Gallen before coming to a successful end in Zurich on 8 April.

“I have wanted to crack the 2,000-kilometre milestone for some time now but I couldn’t find the car to do it. The excellent aerodynamics of the Insignia combined with the Eco Contact 5 low-rolling resistance tyres contributed to this outstanding result,” said Felix Egolf. “This hypermiling tour with the Insignia also shows that anybody can easily equal or better official consumption figures by using foresight when driving and pre-empting the situation ahead.”

The Vauxhall Insignia is not all about great fuel economy though, also giving the driver strong performance, a smooth ride and exemplary safety equipment. The 1.6 CDTi ecoFLEX engine with (136PS) has maximum torque of 320Nm at the low, fuel-saving range of 2,000 to 2,250rpm, providing the driver with sufficient levels of power while remaining efficient.

Vauxhall’s flagship model also comes with a wide range of technological, safety and comfort features, including modern radar-based and camera-based assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, side blind zone alert and forward collision assist. Driver comfort is offered through the premium seats that feature numerous adjustment options and four-way lumbar support.

The Insignia range also gives drivers improved technology through OnStar, Vauxhall’s innovative personal connectivity and service assistant system that becomes a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to seven devices.

My two Vauxhall Astra's have got through 400 tyres in the last eight months.

Top F1 driver coach, Rob Wilson, isn’t the most sympathetic driver you’ll meet. Since Vauxhall loaned him two ex-press Astras last April in which to train some of the world’s leading race drivers, the cars have covered the equivalent of five Le Mans 24-Hour races, all completely flat-out at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in Leicestershire.

Rob Wilson is possibly one of the most important players in Formula One that you’ve never heard of, and is instrumental in carving split seconds from the lap times of at least 12 drivers who’ve been on the grid in 2015. Their skills are honed in two standard production Astras – a 1.6 CDTi 136PS diesel Sports Tourer and a 1.6T 200PS petrol GTC.

‘The Vauxhalls will do everything that an F1 car does dynamically, just at a far lower speed,’ said Rob. This allows me to explain the physics behind what the car is doing on the track in real time.’

But as Rob swapped his beloved Astras for three models from the all-new generation range, it wasn’t without some regret. ‘The Astras have been as tough as old boots. Between them, they’ve covered over 16,000 track miles at Bruntingthorpe in the hands of successive F1, GP2, WRC, DTM and Indycar drivers, and they haven’t missed a beat. They’ve chewed through 400 tyres and 40 sets of brake pads, but despite nearly 100,000 gearshifts and 43,000 severe braking manoeuvres, the cars are as nice to drive as they were on Day One.

‘I often have a driver’s race engineer in the back seat and everyone has commented how comfortable the cars are, and how predictable and stable their handling is. The cars have an unbelievably hard time out on our track, so I need to know that they’re not going to break. I have tried other makes of car, but they’ve always suffered some kind of breakdown. I’m really looking forward to spending next year in the new Astras.’

Rob is taking delivery of three new Astras this month – all SRi models, two 1.6 CDTi 136PSs and one 1.4T 150PS – and has already sampled one on track, taking a full three seconds off his best lap time in the outgoing car. ‘You can feel the benefits that up to 200kgs of weight-loss has brought straight away,’ said Rob. ‘My drivers are going to enjoy their training even more in 2016.’

So what have Rob’s Astras had to endure this year?

• 16,000 track miles at full race speed
• 7,250 laps of Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground
• 2,250 corners on the limit
• 43,000 hard-braking areas driven through
• 95,000 manual gearshifts
• 400 replacement tyres
• 30 sets of front brake pads
• 10 sets of rear brake pads
• 10 front brake discs

Vauxhall launches updated Insignia with Whisper Diesel and new technology.

• New 1.6-litre ‘Whisper Diesel’ now available in Vauxhall flagship model
• Award-winning OnStar offered as standard on selected models
• Second gen Navi 900 IntelliLink uses Apple CarPlay for iPhone connectivity

Vauxhall’s Insignia is the latest model in the range to get the new 1.6-litre ‘Whisper Diesel’ engine.

The new version of this mid-size turbo engine replaces the current 2.0-litre units and was developed to deliver exemplary responsiveness and low consumption with exceptional running smoothness.

Priced from £19,534 to £26,114 on-the-road, the 1.6 CDTi (136PS) ecoFLEX version achieves a top speed of 130mph and 0-60mph in 10.9 seconds. And crucially for fleet managers and company car drivers this model achieves 99g/km CO₂ emissions when specified with 17-inch alloy wheels and ultra-low rolling resistance tyres (Design, SE, Tech Line and SRi models only). Fuel consumption is as frugal as 74.3mpg combined.

Also new to the Insignia range is OnStar, a one-of-a-kind system, giving you a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to seven devices, emergency response notification if the airbag deploys and stolen vehicle recovery technology. Connecting drivers directly with a call centre advisor, it provides owners with a personal assistant 24/7. For example, with Destination Download, you can call your OnStar advisor in-car and they’ll pinpoint your desired destination and send the address to your vehicle’s navigation system.

OnStar is available as standard on Elite, Limited Edition and VXR trims and as a £395 option on other models. For more information on OnStar please see: http://bit.ly/1KzOTW4

And if that wasn’t enough, the second generation Navi 900 IntelliLink that utilises Apple CarPlay brings the very best iPhone connectivity in to your car. This guarantees fast access to many entertainment apps for music and news. Display and operation are via the eight-inch colour touchscreen.

IntelliLink also enables audio streaming, having incoming text messages read aloud and voice control as well as watching films and videos – the former, of course, only when the car is stationary. The navigation system also features maps of more than 30 European countries; it can be displayed two or three-dimensionally according to personal preference and be controlled by voice command.

Vauxhall's Astra GTC now equipped with "Whisper Diesel"

• Latest model to benefit from economical and refined 1.6 CDTi ‘Whisper Diesel’
• From 104g/km CO₂ and up to 72.4mpg combined economy
• Up to 320Nm torque and 136PS offers increased performance

Vauxhall’s rakish GTC, is now available with the refined and powerful 1.6 CDTi ‘Whisper Diesel’ engine. It is the latest model to benefit from the economical new engine, following its introduction in the Astra, Meriva and Zafira Tourer.

The engine replaces the 1.7 CDTi, providing 320Nm torque (up 20Nm) and 136PS (an increase of 6PS) to ensure its refinement and economy is matched by its performance, delivered through an improved six-speed manual transmission.

Available in Sport, Limited Edition and SRi trims and equipped with Start/Stop plus a braking energy recuperation system as standard, the GTC 1.6 CDTi delivers fuel economy of up to 72.4mpg on the combined cycle and has CO₂ emissions from just 104g/km.

The already Euro 6-compliant 1.6 CDTi is one of the best engines in its class for noise and vibration thanks to an efficient combustion process with multiple injection, re-designed components and the use of acoustic covers.

“We are delighted to see the 1.6-litre ‘Whisper Diesel’ introduced into our flagship GTC model,” said Stuart Harris, Vauxhall’s Head of Carline Brand. “The new 1.6-litre engine is a result of significant investment and provides an exceptional blend of performance, refinement and economy.”

The GTC can be ordered with the new engine for prices starting at £22,260.

Vauxhall launches new super smooth and quiet 1.6L Diesel engine in Astra range

• New 1.6 CDTi offers outstanding refinement and economy
• Low 97g/km CO2 emissions and up to 76.3mpg combined

The top-selling Astra is now available with a super-smooth new generation 1.6 CDTi engine, Vauxhall’s cleanest ever mid-size diesel.

Previously only available on the Zafira Tourer and the Meriva, the new 1.6 CDTi engine is now set to enhance the Astra’s appeal as Vauxhall continues to significantly refresh its powertrain offer.

Unveiled in the Astra at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, the much-lauded new engine is available in two power outputs: 110PS and 136PS, in both hatchback and Sports Tourer body styles.  The 110PS version achieves 76.3mpg combined with CO2 emission of just 97g/km, and 72.4mpg combined and 104g/km in 136PS guise.

Quiet and refined, the new 1.6 CDTi is one of the best engines in its class for noise and vibration thanks to an efficient combustion process with multiple injection, re-designed components and the use of acoustic covers.

Already Euro 6-compliant, the engine is best-in-class in noise and vibration generation thanks to its optimised component design, an especially efficient combustion process with multiple injection.

Not only is the new 1.6 CDTi super-refined, it’s also clean and powerful, too. A high-pressure common rail injection system and lean NOx trap exhaust-after treatment (LNT) improve efficiency, while a variable turbine turbocharger help make the new diesel a strong performer, too.

Vauxhall/Opel have invested over €50 million in the development and optimisation of five and six-speed gear boxes. The six-speed ‘box mated to the 1.6 CDTi features a revised gear change and improved shift quality that is faster, slicker and less effort.

“We are delighted to introduce the 1.6-litre ‘Whisper Diesel’ to the top-selling Astra range,” said Stuart Harris, Vauxhall’s Head of Carline Brand.  “The new 1.6-litre engine is Vauxhall’s cleanest ever mid-size diesel and is now available on Astra, as well as Meriva and Zafira Tourer.”

The Astra with the 1.6 CDTi is available to order now with first deliveries expected from April.

Full pricing is as follows:

On-the-road Prices

5-door hatchback

DESIGN
1.6CDTi 16v (110PS) ecoFLEX S/S £17635
1.6CDTi 16v (136PS) ecoFLEX S/S £18230

EXCITE (SPECIAL EDITION MODEL)
1.6CDTi 16v (110PS) ecoFLEX S/S £20240

LIMITED EDITION
1.6CDTi 16v (110PS) ecoFLEX S/S £20240

TECH LINE
1.6CDTi 16v (110PS) ecoFLEX S/S £18810
1.6CDTi 16v (136PS) ecoFLEX S/S £19405

TECH LINE GT
1.6CDTi 16v (110PS) ecoFLEX S/S £19670
1.6CDTi 16v (136PS) ecoFLEX S/S £20265

SRi
1.6CDTi 16v (110PS) ecoFLEX S/S £21640
1.6CDTi 16v (136PS) ecoFLEX S/S £22235

ELITE
1.6CDTi 16v (110PS) ecoFLEX S/S £23075
1.6CDTi 16v (136PS) ecoFLEX S/S £23670

Sports Tourer

DESIGN
1.6CDTi 16v (110PS) ecoFLEX S/S £18655
1.6CDTi 16v (136PS) ecoFLEX S/S £19250

TECH LINE
1.6CDTi 16v (110PS) ecoFLEX S/S £19830
1.6CDTi 16v (136PS) ecoFLEX S/S £204

Vauxhall/Opel updates the Meriva with improved diesel engines.

• Vauxhall’s innovative MPV gets new engine and design flourishes
• Revolutionary FlexDoors and FlexSpace systems remain unique in sector
• On sale from next month

Vauxhall’s Meriva will come of age with a new look and class-leading Euro-6 diesel engine when the model goes on sale in the UK next month.

Launched in 2010, the second-generation Meriva turned the compact MPV class on its head, with its clever FlexDoors system – rear-hinged rear doors which allow a 20 per cent larger opening for passengers – and FlexSpace system, which allows rear passengers a variety of different seating combinations.

The Meriva now gets a new grille, chrome accents that frame the front fog lamps and newly-designed headlamps with an ‘eagle-eye’ graphic. For the first time, LED daytime running lights and LED tail lights are available as an option. Complementing the design revisions are new optional 18-inch alloy wheels.

Fresh from its launch in the Zafira Tourer, Vauxhall’s all-new 1.6 CDTi diesel engine is now available in the Meriva. The Euro-6 compliant engine, which is already setting a high benchmark in the industry for efficiency and refinement, produces 136PS and 320Nm of torque at 2,000rpm, yet achieves a remarkable 64.2mpg combined and 116g/km of CO2 emissions. This equates to a 10 per cent improvement in economy/emissions over the 1.7 CDTi, which the new unit replaces.

Diesel engine performance from the new Meriva has also been improved, the 1.6 CDTi model accelerating from 0-60mph in 9.1 seconds, nearly a second quicker than the 1.7 CDTi, thanks to its additional 6PS and 20Nm of torque. The Meriva’s petrol engine range (1.4 100PS, 1.4T 120 & 140PS) remains and is now fully Euro-6 compliant.

Like all Vauxhalls, the Meriva comes with Lifetime Warranty, which offers first owners peace of mind for as long as they own the car, up to 100,000 miles.

A separate pricing announcement will be made next month when the new Meriva goes on sale, with first customer deliveries in January 2014.