Opel Insignia Review: 2015 Model | Insignia | Car Buyers Guide

When you hear the words limited edition associated with a car, you can generally expect something to the effect of more toys, some LED lights and possibly bigger wheels. When I took delivery of the impressively named Opel Insignia Carbon Flash Sri Limited Edition, I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised.

We have driven and written about one or two Opel Insignia’s here on CBG.ie in the past and like all cars we have driven, each have had their pro’s and their con’s. I rarely come across a car where I feel I have been met with THE perfect specification and the Opel Insignia Carbon Flash is possibly one of them. Let me start with its colour that led me to instantly blurgh “Oooh” on first sight. Its metal speckled ‘Carbon’metallic paint sparkled in the sun which turns out to be a two coat special paint, and the main clue behind the cars name. Sitting on 18 inch diamond cut two tone diamond cut wheels (as standard) complete with tinted rear windows, this Limited Edition Insignia from the outside, was starting to look like the pic of the bunch.

Sitting into it, my senses continued to be pleased with my posterior being met with supple figure hugging black nappa leather seats with contrast camel colour piping. They looked and felt supreme, and I guess they would want to standing at €3046 on the options list. Turning the key, Opel’s LED driver cluster and centrally mounted 8 inch IntellLink touch screen system lit up. This all combined to give a premium, modern executive feel to the car. I was not expecting this particular Opel Insignia to be so different. Setting off, I instantly noticed it felt quite rapid and discovered that the 2.0 CDTi diesel fitted to this particular model was putting out 170bhp. It accelerated really nice through the rev range in each gear with very linear torque delivery. It felt smooth and quick, which leads me onto the ride. The comfort levels on this car are very good indeed. It is not quite up there with the new Ford Mondeo, but damn near as close feeling like it could do any speed on the motorway with comfort and ease. A lot of this ride comfort may have been attributed to the perfectly suited (18 inch) size of the wheel and tires, where 19’s and 20’s can compromise the ride of these executive cars.

When it came to family practicality, besides fearing what the children may manage to do to the nappa leather over the short week, like all other Insignia’s in the range, it delivered. It’s not a small car so space in the back is generous, particularly for two young children. Along with the UV protected rear tinted windows were the modestly priced €87 pull up window blind which were an inspired tick on the options list and essential for sleeping toddlers. I was beginning to wonder if this car could do no wrong.

For a person that has always been a fan of the sportier car when it comes to specification, on the drive to deliver this Insignia back, for the first time it made me realise that options list are not just a personal indulgence or something that fills you with buyers remorse as you leave the dealership. But with some careful consideration, you can create the perfect car to satisfy your needs and pleasures without braking the bank. And this Opel Insignia Carbon Flash Sri Special Edition, while quite the mouthful, has delivered on all levels for €40,250 including €6925 worth of optional extras.