Re: Vauxhall Insignia mini-review

Can't disagree. I can't see a good reason for the Insignia having 4x4 either, if it ruins the boot space like that. They should have at least done two floorpans but I guess that would cost too much. At least I think it is all common, I've tried googling to see if the FWD has more space, but can't find anything so I'm assuming it doesn't for now.

Wonder if they took the cheap option of re-hashing the Fiat / Alfa / GM 'premium' platform they'd supposedly decided not to use?

Would make sense, as that was always designed to be 4wd for the 159 / Brera.

Same platform as next year's Saab 9-5 apparently, so expect to see a 4x4 Saab I guess

It's because of the new EU requirement about the gap between the bonnet and the engine block. Cheap cars solve the problem by simply making the bonnet higher so that there's a big air gap above the engine. Look at the new Pugs for example. Mercs, BMWs and Jags solve the problem by having a bonnet that rises away from the engine on impact, hence they can keep the sleeker lines that their customers want.

they did a 4x4 9-3 called the turbo x or something, only ever seen 1 at work which was in for service.

Wasn't it the 9-3 XWD, but you couldn't have a TTiD, convertible, XWD which is a shame.

nope one of these is what i meant

I was thinking about this one.