The Insignia is the first car to use GM’s new Epsilon2 platform, which will underpin as many as 13 different cars. And while it’s essentially an evolution of the old Epsilon1 platform, there’s nothing evolutionary about the Insignia’s styling and comfort.

Vauxhall dropped the name of its existing family car, but the Insignia bears little resemblance to the car it replaces. GM’s European design boss, said: “There’s nothing of the Vectra in here and that’s deliberate. We’re not going to take baby steps. We wanted this car to be dynamic.”

You can see the front with the new Vauxhall logo taking pride of place. Smart headlamps feature daytime running lamps as standard and high spec models will even get fashionable LED technology.

Another neat touch is the rear badge, which incorporates the boot release button. The Insignia’s smooth styling is clearly inspired by the GTC Concept from last year’s Geneva Motor show and its tapering rear end shows a provide a muscular look.

Vauxhall’s Vectra bears the VXR performance badge. The Vectra is designed for speed and delivers a swift, exciting ride. The Vauxhall Vectra estate is a more than adequate vehicle. The estate VXR is a reliable load-lugger that provides a substantial amount of performance and also has a large practical boot. The VXR badge has become indicative of performance. Although a new introduction, Vauxhall wouldn’t have given the Vectra the VXR badge without being completely confident about the performance being offered. The car also comes with twin exhausts, a subtle spoiler and a restyled grille. Cleverly straddling the line between sportiness and subtlety. Recaro sports seats come as standard. These seats are designed for support in a performance car. They offer adequate support and comfort in all the right areas. The cabin is not quite as exciting as you would expect it to be, but the quality of materials used is good quality. The Vectra estate is not as pricey to purchase than many of its rivals, it’s also faster and delivers a more enjoyable ride. Anyone looking for a car with performance potential should give the Vectra a test drive to make they mind up before buying another car in its class.