Taking over from the Opel Vectra was never going to be an easy task. It had been a popular car for a number of years even if its durability and reliability were overlooked sometimes in criticism of its looks. The Opel Insignia came as its replacement in 2009 with a European Car of the Year as an endorsement. It is a large car. The styling is sharp and the cabin refined, with excellent fit and finish. It also drives well. There’s a lot of interior room for five and a huge boot. It now handles really well and has added a lot of spec and application-friendly technology, as well as the addition of a 'personal mobility assistant' in Onstar - making it something of a class leader in that respect. There is a big range of engines and they have all been improved on fuel consumption and emissions. This is well worth a test drive.

•  Check that all of the electrics are in working order

 •  OnStar system is impressive (although not a standard feature)

 •  It feels refined and comfortable on the move

 •  Generous level of standard equipment and safety features

 •  The spacious cabin is of a high quality and well laid out

 •  There’s a good selection of engines to choose from

• Be careful when ticking option boxes as it can get pricey