Vauxhall Insignia range boosted with new petrol engine

The Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport hatch and Sports Tourer estate are both now available with a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine. The new unit is on sale now, priced from £25,610.

With 197bhp and 280Nm of torque, the new four-cylinder motor joins an extensive range of petrol and diesel engines. It sits above the entry-level 1.5 (available in 138bhp or 163bhp guises) and below the 2.0-litre 258bhp GSi, and completes the firm’s large family car line-up. Four diesel engines – ranging from 134bhp to 207bhp – are also available.

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The new 1.6-litre direct injection turbo petrol model sprints from 0-60mph in 7.2 seconds, and hits 146mph flat out. It emits 146g/km and should return 44.8mpg.

Vauxhall says all models gain a gasoline particulate filter, helping the new engine meet Euro 6d-TEMP emissions regulations, which come into force in 2019.

Available exclusively on the high-end VX-Line Nav and Elite Nav trims, the 1.6 T costs from £25,610; a premium of £1,500 over the equivalent 163bhp 1.5 T.

VX-Line Nav cars come with 18-inch wheels, touchscreen sat-nav and climate control, while Elite Nav (£26,815) cars boast bigger wheels, and front and rear parking sensors. The more practical Sports Tourer costs £1,830 more than the hatch.

Would you buy such a Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport with a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine? Let us know in the comments below…