Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Markjay on 12 September 2009, 08:57:13

Title: Insignia
Post by: Markjay on 12 September 2009, 08:57:13
...just to say it is a beautiful car, and I am very happy for Vx that they seem to be selling them well.

Can't wait for them to trickle down to the second-hand market, hopefully with the traditional Omega-style depreciation.... only drawback is that it is not RWD, but then nobody's perfect :)
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: feeutfo on 12 September 2009, 09:57:45
yeah lets hope they sell loads of the 4by4 sport models with full irmscher kit and all the toys......yeah right.

I have come round with the look of the rear end. Not sure about the front still, imho.

Still keeping any on phaeton second hand prices personally.

Anybody driven one an insignia?
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: Markjay on 12 September 2009, 10:34:48
The future:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/general-discussion/75002-opel-vauxhall-sold-magna-sperbank.html
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: feeutfo on 12 September 2009, 12:52:23
our wages are too high, and theirs are too low.
Inevitable. We have priced ourselves out of the employment market.

Wonder, however, on the motivation of an old communist based work force?

Didnt realise magna was russian owned.
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: Markjay on 12 September 2009, 13:08:48
According to The Times today, the problem is that we let R&D slip in the UK and concentrated on manufacturing - which can be cheaper done elsewhere.

This is bceause of government policiies of investing/encouraging/saving car factories - lots of manufacturing jobs is good for voters, R&D is less popular...
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 12 September 2009, 14:24:44
Quote
yeah lets hope they sell loads of the 4by4 sport models with full irmscher kit and all the toys......yeah right.

I have come round with the look of the rear end. Not sure about the front still, imho.

Still keeping any on phaeton second hand prices personally.

Anybody driven one an insignia?

Yes Chris, I did back in October:
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1224349616

 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) ;)
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: LordShiplane on 12 September 2009, 15:26:19
The VXR Sports Tourer due out this autumn looks the absolute puppys privates. 2.8 V6 Turbocharged monster,

http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/vx/microsite/insignia08/index.html

Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: Squealey on 12 September 2009, 17:19:07
I really really like the Insignia. I ordered one when they first come out, a 2.0 diesel with 160bhp, SE spec. It was to be metallic black with the hatchback body.

BUT, I got made redundant instead. Happy Days!!!NOT! :-/ :-/ :-/

Wayne
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: Pedro on 12 September 2009, 17:26:37
Quote
our wages are too high, and theirs are too low.
Inevitable. We have priced ourselves out of the employment market.

Wonder, however, on the motivation of an old communist based work force?

Didnt realise magna was russian owned.

Magna is a Canadian car parts manufacturer - they have got in with some Ruskies and GM still has a stake in Opel/Vx.

I drove a few Insignias at Millbrook last year, before the official launch. 2.8 V6 Turbo part-time 'intelligent' 4x4 is mental (ex-racing driver took us round the handling course with no TC or owt), 2.0 turbo petrol was very good, diesel is good and torquey, but compared to the petrol car, I found it a bit heavy on the front end.

I love the styling, interior is as big as an Omega (feels more roomy though), dash is awesome (lights go red in sport mode - how wow is that!!!), seats very firm, but unlike Gobby Clarkson (fat lardy arse that he is) I didn't think they were too hard, BUT the current Mondeo was a bit more fun to drive.
Everything about the Insignia is miles far and away better than the Vectra it replaces. Look, dynamics, drive, fit and finish, quietness, bootspace, driving position, styling - everything.
I didn't see any estate (Sports Tourer) variants though, but seen a few since, and that's the shape I'd go for.

Glad they've added some more colours and the VXR in Arden Blue looks the nutz.

Just my opinion though.
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: VXL V6 on 12 September 2009, 18:42:28
Just hope they've done something with the absolutely dire autobox / autobox software on the 2.8 V6, Would love to try the same car with a manual box (maybe the Plod will get that option?)

I'm not sure that the Insignia will be the car that I replace the Omega with, the problem is I can't see anything from any manufacturer to replace the Omega with.....
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: Brick Tamland on 12 September 2009, 19:43:52
To be honest I dont really see the point of the insignia :-/

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAUXHALL-Vxr8-2007-Petrol-SALOON_W0QQitemZ230366618254QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomobiles_UK?hash=item35a2eba28e&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

 8-) 8-)
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: Auto Addict on 12 September 2009, 21:09:45
Markjay!

A voice from the past, how are you doing these days?
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 12 September 2009, 21:38:05
I do like them but dont like the new style of Vauxhall badge it looks crap :(
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: Andy B on 12 September 2009, 22:14:01
They're very samey ....as all the other new-ish designs on the road, IMHO they're not dissimilar to the VW Passat. I'm not struck on the tapered in rear end ...... and the cheapo shared rear fog/reverse light.  :-X
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: HNO3GOH on 12 September 2009, 22:41:22
The Insignia i would like to get my mits on is the one that Lotus is ment to be having a go at, they hope it will be as fast as the Lotus Carlton :o
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: Andy B on 12 September 2009, 22:45:19
Quote
The Insignia i would like to get my mits on is the one that Lotus is ment to be having a go at, they hope it will be as fast as the Lotus Carlton :o

Do Proton not still own Lotus?
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: Elite Pete on 12 September 2009, 22:52:04
I think the estate is better looking than the saloon, but then I think the Omega estate is better than the Omega saloon.
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: Markjay on 13 September 2009, 07:43:11
Quote
Markjay!

A voice from the past, how are you doing these days?

I am still around, AA :)

And how are you and your Silver Arrow spotless Omega these days?

Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: Auto Addict on 13 September 2009, 11:52:27
Quote
Quote
Markjay!

A voice from the past, how are you doing these days?

I am still around, AA :)

And how are you and your Silver Arrow spotless Omega these days?


Still going OK, both car and myself ;)

Have you still got the Merc?
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: Markjay on 13 September 2009, 12:06:40
Quote
Quote
Quote
Markjay!

A voice from the past, how are you doing these days?

I am still around, AA :)

And how are you and your Silver Arrow spotless Omega these days?


Still going OK, both car and myself ;)

Have you still got the Merc?


http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/general-discussion/75108-dealer-service.html
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: Ian_D on 13 September 2009, 18:09:25
Quote
To be honest I dont really see the point of the insignia :-/

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VAUXHALL-Vxr8-2007-Petrol-SALOON_W0QQitemZ230366618254QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAutomobiles_UK?hash=item35a2eba28e&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

 8-) 8-)
Wow! Didn't know they were that cheap!  :o
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: Auto Addict on 13 September 2009, 19:38:59
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Markjay!

A voice from the past, how are you doing these days?

I am still around, AA :)

And how are you and your Silver Arrow spotless Omega these days?


Still going OK, both car and myself ;)

Have you still got the Merc?


http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/general-discussion/75108-dealer-service.html

Sorry to hear you haven't been well, hope you're on the mend now

MB dealers make Vx dealers look like saints.
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: NaughtyNigel on 14 September 2009, 09:11:49
Quote
Just hope they've done something with the absolutely dire autobox / autobox software on the 2.8 V6, Would love to try the same car with a manual box (maybe the Plod will get that option?)

I'm not sure that the Insignia will be the car that I replace the Omega with, the problem is I can't see anything from any manufacturer to replace the Omega with.....

Neither could I, until I tried one of these.

(http://www.2blowhards.com/archives/Jaguar%20S-Type%20-%202005.jpg)

It is a lot like the Omega, but even more so:

Rear Wheel Drive, 206 BHP twin turbo diesel, six speed BMW box, goes like stink, and still does 40 + MPG.  :)

The only downside (apart from main stealer servicing costs) is that the boot is smaller than the Omega, and I couldn't find one with a sunroof and the other options I wanted (xenons, Sat Nav, etc).

Better still, its all made in good old Blighty.

If you want something seriously fast, there is a 4.2 litre supercharged version (the STR), which puts 400 BHP down on the tarmac, and reputedly gets from 0 to 60 in 5.3 seconds.  :D

Management is using the Omega for work every day, and enjoying the comfort, so it is getting used, but 26 MPG is expensive at current pump prices, and I cannot see it getting any cheaper. :-/ 

NN

Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: feeutfo on 14 September 2009, 09:16:23
Quote
According to The Times today, the problem is that we let R&D slip in the UK and concentrated on manufacturing - which can be cheaper done elsewhere.

This is bceause of government policiies of investing/encouraging/saving car factories - lots of manufacturing jobs is good for voters, R&D is less popular...

I dont see what the govt can do about overseas wages? Be it RnD, manufacturing, or peeing in the wind, all can be done cheaper elsewhere.

The car is def growing on me though, just need to come round to the front end. :-( but purely a personal thing, and it does seem to be a success for vx, bloody things are everywhere. Hogging lane 3 mostly....

Thanks for your report Lizzie. Dont suppose you noticed the tyres, out of interest? Would guess dunlops of some sort from what you said?

Rear head room seems common issue on a few new cars in my ltd experience. Not on the mig obviously. ::)

Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 14 September 2009, 11:05:58
Nice car, good drive but absolutely appalling rear head room......unless you have the estate!
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: NaughtyNigel on 14 September 2009, 11:12:34
Quote
Nice car, good drive but absolutely appalling rear head room......unless you have the estate!

Ah no; that is the X Type. I am only 5' 10, but I could not sit in the back of the X Type saloon.

(Besides, the X-Type is not a proper Jaguar IMHO, and apart from the 4WD V6 versions the only engine option is the 2.0 or 2.2 four cylinder diesels from the Ford Transit/Mondeo).

My son is about 6' (he's only 15), but he can sit in the back of the S-Type without any problems.

The cabin is more of a 'snug' fit than the Omega, but with the Barley leather seats it just looks and feels gorgeous.

NN
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: Markjay on 14 September 2009, 12:01:13
I almost bought an X-type FWD 2.5 V6, but then went for the C-Class.

Both cars are considerably smaller than the Omega, both for the driver and rear passengers (very little legroom).

I eventually went for the C-Class because I wanted to stick to RWD, I don't regret it but it is a small car.

Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: NaughtyNigel on 14 September 2009, 12:39:52
Quote
I almost bought an X-type FWD 2.5 V6, but then went for the C-Class.

Both cars are considerably smaller than the Omega, both for the driver and rear passengers (very little legroom).

I eventually went for the C-Class because I wanted to stick to RWD, I don't regret it but it is a small car.


Did you ever try an S-Type, Mark?

In terms of size it is fractionally longer and wider than the Omega (about 50 mm both ways IIRC), and about 100 KG lighter.

They are not without their faults, but the handling, and braking is excellent, whilst overtaking is rapid.

They also look good, and I just cannot stop looking at mine.  :)

NN
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 14 September 2009, 12:48:11
Overall height has bugger all to do with it, I am not tall but, have short legs and a long body.

Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: bob.dent on 14 September 2009, 13:03:16
Quote
Overall height has bugger all to do with it, I am not tall but, have short legs and a long body.


Too much time spent stretched out under Omega bonnets Mark.  ;D
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: feeutfo on 14 September 2009, 15:34:56
Quote
Overall height has bugger all to do with it, I am a short arse, have short legs and a long body.

:-) and still cant fit in one, unless its an Estate. So ill have to lie down making it a 3 seater.:-)
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: NaughtyNigel on 14 September 2009, 15:56:36
Quote
Quote
Overall height has bugger all to do with it, I am a short arse, have short legs and a long body.

:-) and still cant fit in one, unless its an Estate. So ill have to lie down making it a 3 seater.:-)

So do I. But they don't make an S-Type estate, so I am thinking you have only tried the X-Type.

The S-Type has much better headroom in the back.

NN
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 14 September 2009, 15:56:53
Quote
Quote
Overall height has bugger all to do with it, I am a short arse, have short legs and a long body.

:-) and still cant fit in one, unless its an Estate. So ill have to lie down making it a 3 seater.:-)

Sadly true of many cars....e.g. Mondeos......my head touches the roof even in the front of an Audi A4!
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: Markjay on 14 September 2009, 19:47:14
He he... have same problem, long body, seat in lowest position and head touching the roof lining...

I had a friend with an MG B, only way I could drive it was with the roof down and looking at the road from over the top of the windscreen.  :)

Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: PhilRich on 14 September 2009, 21:55:21
No probs in the headroom department for me, i'm such a short a**e I sit on a thick cushion (on top of an axle stand) LOL  ;)
Title: Re: Insignia
Post by: feeutfo on 14 September 2009, 22:28:14
Quote
He he... have same problem, long body, seat in lowest position and head touching the roof lining...

I had a friend with an MG B, only way I could drive it was with the roof down and looking at the road from over the top of the windscreen.  :)

Remember clarckson and that yellow Kia(?) convertibal thing on top gear? The one that looked like post man pats sunday run about? Well thats me in a Shaguar XK! Super charged v8 and me looking over the top of the sun visor! Hit the brakes and i would have broken me nose. Bloody joke.  ;D ;D ;D