The instrument binnacle includes a TFT display that gives the driver access to various data at the touch of a steering wheel-mounted button, with a larger TFT display that incorporates the speedometer on high-end models.

The car is improved on the road, too. Around 60% of suspension components are new, and while the car retains a similar responsive feel to the original, ride comfort is improved.

We drove the 120bhp 2.0 CDTi, which will take a significant proportion of sales, alongside the 140bhp version. The entry-level diesel offers up to 236lb-ft of torque (for brief periods on ‘overboost’) and despite changes to the engine and gearing to optimise the car for its low fuel consumption (76.3mpg on the combined cycle) and CO2 emissions, it still accelerates well enough when above 1,500rpm and is an exceptional motorway cruiser.

A revised steering set-up designed for the UK market, was agreed to be so good in development that it has now been adopted for Opel models, and the Insignia is a great all-rounder, managing to balance ride comfort with alert reflexes matched by only a few in this sector.

Vauxhall told us that the new model has an average £750 residual value uplift over the outgoing model at three years/60,000 miles, and this is before the effect of the price reduction is taken into account on any residual values percentage.

Taylor said it is his aim that the Insignia should be the best performer against mainstream rivals, whether looking at pence per mile depreciation costs or percentage of retained value.

First impressions suggest the revised Insignia could be the most impressive Vauxhall for many years, hitting best-in-class figures for costs and tax, as well as giving drivers more equipment and an engaging drive.

♦ Read the September 18 issue of Fleet News for more information on the new Insignia