THE handsome Vauxhall Insignia has become a familiar sight on our roads since it made its debut back in 2008 when it replaced the worthy but dull Vectra.

In order to keep it fresh and competitive the Insignia range was recently given a significant makeover.

The model range was also reduced to make things simpler for private and fleet buyers and a price reduction across the board also helped increase the model's appeal.

From a styling point of view not too much has changed and the profile remains the same. At the front there is a more prominent grille and revised LED headlamps and at the rear the chrome bar across the tailgate is wider and extends in to the light clusters.

Significant improvements have been made inside with a neater more modern dash and digital instruments, resulting in less clutter and fewer switches.

Equipment levels are very generous and the test car featured electronic climate control, automatic lights, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, a steering column adjustable for reach and rake, digital radio and Bluetooth.

A leather covered steering wheel, cruise control, trip computer, electric four-way lumbar adjustment on the driver's seat and LED daytime running lights are also included as well as a decent sound system.

On the safety front the Insignia has six airbags and an electronic stability programme (ESP) which helps it to keep the five-star Euro-NCAP rating. It also has central deadlocking and a remote security alarm.

Much of the Insignia's success in this country is down to the fleet market which accounts for 80 per cent of sales and they are also keen on low running costs.

The diesel Insignia meets that challenge with low emissions and great fuel economy.

Linked to a six-speed manual gearbox the 1,956cc engine features stop/start technology which helps it keep emissions to a low 98g/km and a combined fuel economy figure of 76.3mpg.

In the real world you won't get anywhere near that figure but I regularly did get close to 60mpg on a number of occasions.

Improvements have also been made to the Insignia's suspension and steering resulting in slightly better handling and comfort. The Insignia may not be the most dynamic in its class but it handles well and is an ideal motorway cruiser which is why you can't travel a couple of miles on our roads without seeing one.

This eco model also provides decent performance with the sprint to 62mph taking just over 10 seconds before going on to a respectable 127mph if you have the urge to take it to Germany where that kind of speed is still legal.

Build quality is excellent and the Insignia feels robust and that is why it is so popular with used car buyers.