Road Test: Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi [140] ecoFLEX SE 5dr [Start Stop]

Vauxhall doesn't hide the fact that a staggering 80 per cent of all Insignias sold are for business customers, and so has engineered a few new tweaks to keep its champion of the motorways fresh. Mr Salesman, we're talking to you, here.

Externally it's, erm, business as usual. Feedback on the Insignia's looks has been broadly positive - and we'd agree - so this facelifted version gets a smarter set of headlights, a lower chrome grille, new front fascia inserts, nicer rear tail lights and a repositioned chrome bar at the back.

Underneath and inside, however, you'll find a box of tricks designed to appeal to more premium aspirations. Inside, there's a digital display in the instrument cluster, coupled with an optional 8in touchscreen infotainment system that will have you connected in no time. There are upgraded materials and new leather trims on offer, and on the whole it feels less cluttered and classier.

What isn't classy, though, is the new 2.0-litre diesel we tested in 138bhp guise, a grumbly little engine with 99g/km of CO2 and a claimed 76.3mpg. Impressive, and if you can get over the rattling at the lower and upper ranges of its ability, it's a swift thing. Punchy, even. The 160bhp and 192bhp BiTurbo variants are punchier still, but think about what you need it for.

So, about those tricks underneath... there are new suspension bushes and control arms, plus dampers and anti-roll bars retuned for comfort. All these components are lighter, too, and there's a new programme for the electric steering's mapping.

The result? It is a touch more comfortable, although this depends on the wheel size on offer: 16s turn it into a bouncy castle, while, perversely, 18s give decent ride comfort. The steering is noticeably better, and you can hammer around with some level of abandon, enjoying the newfound sense of accuracy, before the sheer weight of the thing dissuades your ambitions. A Ford Mondeo it is not, but it's closer. Though we didn't have a go in a FlexRide-equipped model, we suspect this will be a valuable tick in the options box.

So, if you prefer to eat your breakfast on the side of the M6, certainly consider it. But, all joking aside, this new Insignia is a very polished product with flashes of premium aspiration. The Mondeo shades it for driving, though.