Vauxhall Insignia hatchback (2017-2022) - Practicality & boot space

The Vauxhall Insignia doesn’t have the largest boot or interior in its class (those honours go to the Skoda Superb), but it’s a practical and spacious family car.

Vauxhall Insignia interior space & storage

Four adult passengers will be able to get comfortable inside the Insignia. Front-seat space is rarely a problem in this class of car, but the outgoing Insignia had slightly cramped rear seats thanks to its sloping roofline.

That problem has been somewhat addressed in the new Insignia, although its tapered silhouette means rear headroom could still be a little better. The news is far better where legroom is concerned, with vast amounts of space to stretch out in the rear.

The Insignia’s seats are genuinely comfortable (made all the more so if you choose the optional orthopaedic AGR seats), interior storage is strong and the driving position is excellent. The door bins are all of a decent size, the glovebox is reasonable, while three lidded central cubbies hide a pair of cup-holders and two depositories for the assorted gubbins that are part and parcel of any road trip.

Boot space

Things are slightly less impressive in the boot, where the Insignia’s 490 litres of storage is roughly 10% down from its predecessor, and smaller than the boots found in the Skoda Superb (610 litres), Ford Mondeo (550 litres) and VW Passat (586 litres). It’s a well shaped boot, though, even if there’s a fair load lip to lug luggage over. If you fold the rear seats luggage space grows to 1,540 litres, which is up on the Mondeo, but down on the Superb.

Towing

The 1.5-litre diesel with an automatic gearbox has the lowest towing ability but its 1,500kg capacity for a braked trailer is still enough for a small or medium-sized caravan. The 2.0-litre diesel can tow 2,000kg with a manual gearbox, falling to 1,800kg if you pick an automatic. The petrol engines are similarly capable, with the 197bhp version of the 2.0-litre engine managing 2,000kg. Go for the range-topping 227bhp GSi version and the towing limit is reduced to 1,500kg.