THE latest Insignia is the most aerodynamic car in its class anywhere in the world, according to claims being made by Vauxhall.
Thanks to a series of small but important changes to the bodywork and air flow management, engineers have reduced the drag coefficient to less than 0.25 for the hatchback. New extended underbody covers clean up the air flow, while wider front spoiler lips, tail lamp housings designed to enhance airflow separation and an integrated rear deck lid spoiler also contribute to the new Insignia's slippery shape. The efficiency-focused Insignia EcoFlex goes even further, with an active front air shutter that remains closed unless the engine needs cooling. According to Vauxhall, air passing into the grille accounts for up to 8 per cent of a vehicle's over-all drag, so by reducing this whenever possible the EcoFlex has made giant strides in efficiency. As a result, the large and spacious Insignia EcoFlex escapes road tax thanks to a 99g/km CO2 rating, which in turn means fuel economy potential of more than 76mpg. In theory this gives the most frugal Insignia a tank range of 1,175 miles. It also means that the average company car driver would only need to refuel 18 times in a year, according to data from Zenith, a leasing, fleet management and vehicle outsourcing business.