Mazda 6 or Opel Insignia?

road_high

Hi guys,

In the lucky position of having to choose a new car. Have discounted the new Mondeo (bit big) and Passat (nice but too old man).
So it's down to the new Mazda 6 or Insignia SRI Ltd (have one already). I'm leaning towards the Mazda, it's a much newer model came out 2013, the Insignia way back in 2008. Was quite impressed with the (Insignia) facelift, feels a lot improved really.
Any words of wisdom here ?

Wanderer78

even though i dont have experience with either car, i think id go with the mazda. stunning car. extremely reliable so i believe. best of luck with it

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Wanderer78 wrote: »

even though i dont have experience with either car, i think id go with the mazda. stunning car. extremely reliable so i believe. best of luck with it

Two things in the favour of the Insignia are slightly better spec and nicer body kit (in my eyes) and have a dealer just down the road I like dealing with.
It would be the 6 Exec SE vs Insignia SRI LTD Ed model by the way.

Colser

Ive driven the Insignia and loved it..no opinion on the Mazda but I love the look of the Passat..have you seen the new green colour? Its either a love or hate and I love it..lady driver here so I only judge on the looks tbh:pac:

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Colser wrote: »

Ive driven the Insignia and loved it..no opinion on the Mazda but I love the look of the Passat..have you seen the new green colour? Its either a love or hate and I love it..lady driver here so I only judge on the looks tbh:pac:

Thanks, yea I'm a big Insignia fan. Had Opel launched an all new model, I'd definitely be going there. Tried the Passat, lovely car but not a VW fan in general. I'm a guy in my early 30s, I just don't like the Passat's image!

Mr.Carter

Mazda 6...without a doubt...the insignia is soft

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Mr.Carter wrote: »

Mazda 6...without a doubt...the insignia is soft

Soft as in the handling or reliability (not too bothered as company car)?. Have had Insignia for 3 years and totally reliable in every respect.

bazz26

There are still some question marks around the reliability of Mazda's Sky Active D engine. I'd be reluctant to buy one.

Insignia for me is too long in the tooth at this stage. Don't see how the Mondeo is discounted because of it's size considering it's similar in dimensions to the 6. Mondeo specs are odd though, Titanium spec is pretty mean considering the price being asked imo.

What about the new Skoda Superb?

bazz26

bazz26 wrote: »

Don't see how the Mondeo is discounted because of it's size considering it's similar in dimensions to the 6.

Same size as mazda 6 and insginia.

You say the passat is "too old man", but aren't all these large family cars so by definition pretty middle aged???? (by the way if you're in your 30s you're middle aged )

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bazz26 wrote: »

There are still some question marks around the reliability of Mazda's Sky Active D engine. I'd be reluctant to buy one.

Insignia for me is too long in the tooth at this stage. Don't see how the Mondeo is discounted because of it's size considering it's similar in dimensions to the 6. Mondeo specs are odd though, Titanium spec is pretty mean considering the price being asked imo.

What about the new Skoda Superb?

Yea the spec wasn't orderly generous either. I can see the styling dating very quickly, I'm just not gone on them.
Superb not on my list and to me it's very bland, similar to Passat I guess.

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[Deleted User] wrote: »

Same size as mazda 6 and insginia.

You say the passat is "too old man", but aren't all these large family cars so by definition pretty middle aged???? (by the way if you're in your 30s you're middle aged )

That's just my image of them, I'll be driving it so. Test drove and it was very nice.
Depends a lot on the spec. And in swayed a lot by styling. The Passat is way too "accountant in his 50s" for me!! The Insignia SRI is kinda "sporty" in comparison which is more along the lines of what I want again. Whereas the Elite would be more like the Passat.

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bazz26 wrote: »

There are still some question marks around the reliability of Mazda's Sky Active D engine. I'd be reluctant to buy one.

Insignia for me is too long in the tooth at this stage. Don't see how the Mondeo is discounted because of it's size considering it's similar in dimensions to the 6. Mondeo specs are odd though, Titanium spec is pretty mean considering the price being asked imo.

What about the new Skoda Superb?

It's a company car so not own cash.

road_high

road_high wrote: »

That's just my image of them, I'll be driving it so. Test drove and it was very nice.
Depends a lot on the spec. And in swayed a lot by styling. The Passat is way too "accountant in his 50s" for me!! The Insignia SRI is kinda "sporty" in comparison which is more along the lines of what I want again. Whereas the Elite would be more like the Passat.

Yeah the passat is definitely the most conservative of the models you've mentioned. I agree the insignia SRI looks sportier but I think it is just touching tacky.

An accountant in his 50's will be more likely driving an A6 not a passat.

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[Deleted User] wrote: »

Yeah the passat is definitely the most conservative of the models you've mentioned. I agree the insignia SRI looks sportier but I think it is just touching tacky.

An accountant in his 50's will be more likely driving an A6 not a passat.

See that's what I have already so there's an inbuilt bias on my part. Also they are 170bhp. All the others are 150 I think. As said already shame Opel haven't an all new version out.

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road_high wrote: »

See that's what I have already so there's an inbuilt bias on my part. Also they are 170bhp. All the others are 150 I think. As said already shame Opel haven't an all new version out.

True it's a very personal decision.

All I can say is my choice based on looks would be mondeo, mazda 6, insignia, passat, but they are all great cars enjoy whatever you choose!

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[Deleted User] wrote: »

True it's a very personal decision.

All I can say is my choice based on looks would be mondeo, mazda 6, insignia, passat, but they are all great cars enjoy whatever you choose!

If you were to read the English auto press it'd be Passat hands down. I just didn't feel that it was any better or worse on the test drive.

thierry14

What's ur budget?

Colser

Are you really test driving with an open mind or have you more or less decided on the Insignia? Id definitely say you should look at the Passat again :pac:

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thierry14 wrote: »

What's ur budget?

Company car

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Colser wrote: »

Are you really test driving with an open mind or have you more or less decided on the Insignia? Id definitely say you should look at the Passat again :pac:

No I've not defo decided but have ruled out the Passat! I found very little between any of them tbh

liam7831

I have a 141 Insignia, Bluetooth does not work my colleagues is the same, did an update on it last week in Opel dealer still not working. Electrics are terrible radio cuts out too some times

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liam7831 wrote: »

I have a 141 Insignia, Bluetooth does not work my colleagues is the same, did an update on it last week in Opel dealer still not working. Electrics are terrible radio cuts out too some times

I've a 12 and best Bluetooth I've used. Clear as day. Did you go back to the dealer?
Duh just read that!

thierry14

road_high wrote: »

Company car

Get an SLK then if you have no budget

MarkN

Mazda. All day. Had one for a week in May, loved it. 175bhp and so much torque.

road_high

That's the Platinum Mazda 6 I think 😄?

MarkN

Correct!

bridster007

There are still a few Accord type S available before discontinuance if you can drop the biased old man image - great driving car and you will need nothing other than a standard service for many years

bazz26

Don't think Honda offer the same competitive fleet discount as the others, even on a discontinued model like the Accord.

Tippjohn

Just got my 170 Insignia. The best car I have ever driven and that includers rollers/mercs. Lots of goodies come with it. Nothing wrong with it at all, user friendly and massive torque. Most driving is at 1500 rpm! 45 MPG in town/urban and thats an auto.

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Tippjohn wrote: »

Just got my 170 Insignia. The best car I have ever driven and that includers rollers/mercs. Lots of goodies come with it. Nothing wrong with it at all, user friendly and massive torque. Most driving is at 1500 rpm! 45 MPG in town/urban and thats an auto.

Did you buy new ?

corsav6

Tippjohn wrote: »

Just got my 170 Insignia. The best car I have ever driven and that includers rollers/mercs. Lots of goodies come with it. Nothing wrong with it at all, user friendly and massive torque. Most driving is at 1500 rpm! 45 MPG in town/urban and thats an auto.

Increase your rpm to just over 2k and you should see 50mpg and you'll save stress on your flywheel.

I'm a big Opel/VX fan and drive a Vectra C 150bhp, waiting until the facelift insignia comes near 10k and I'll be upgrading.

Ayls

I had a VW Passat cc a couple of years ago. It was undoubtedly my favourite ever car but was a company car and I lost it when I changed jobs, if I'd been able to afford to buy a new one I would have as it was really hard settling for anything else. I then got a Volvo V40 cross country and hated it so then I short listed Insignia and Mazda 6. I got the 2015 Mazda 6 SE-L. Apart from being much better looking (imo) it was also a much more comfortable and smoother drive. I now love it and have no regrets about buying it.

1hnr79jr65

If you like the insignia but want a change then have a look at the hyundai i40

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Ayls wrote: »

I had a VW Passat cc a couple of years ago. It was undoubtedly my favourite ever car but was a company car and I lost it when I changed jobs, if I'd been able to afford to buy a new one I would have as it was really hard settling for anything else. I then got a Volvo V40 cross country and hated it so then I short listed Insignia and Mazda 6. I got the 2015 Mazda 6 SE-L. Apart from being much better looking (imo) it was also a much more comfortable and smoother drive. I now love it and have no regrets about buying it.

Yea I found the 6 smoother and a sharper drive than the Insignia too. That's what's swaying me.
What's the SE L? I've only seen SE Executive or the Platinum which has is the full bells and whistles version.

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Sour Lemonz wrote: »

If you like the insignia but want a change then have a look at the hyundai i40

Yea that was on the list too but I don't like them. Dated looking and only 1.7 diesel.

bazz26

road_high wrote: »

Yea I found the 6 smoother and a sharper drive than the Insignia too. That's what's swaying me.
What's the SE L? I've only seen SE Executive or the Platinum which has is the full bells and whistles version.

That is a UK spec model.

Tippjohn

Did a 160 mile round trip, went up to 2000rpm at 75 on motorway, whole trip mixed driving, town,50mph and 75 mph was 49MPG.
I cannot see reason to make it go above 1500 rpm at 50MPH, it just does not want to do it. It is the first 170 auto in the country I am told.
The drive was fantastic, great feel on corners just enough resistance, lively enough but boring for those who want hard work.

corsav6

corsav6 wrote: »

............

I'm a big Opel/VX fan and drive a Vectra C 150bhp, waiting until the facelift insignia comes near 10k and I'll be upgrading.

I'm in a diesel Lancer for the last few years, 2014 facelifted 140bhp Insignia with dealer 18" wheel upgrades for circa €21/€22k are looking very attractive to me. I don't mind the Lancer but I used to drive 5 series BMWs in better economic times so would like to get into a bigger car again.

Insignias seem great value for 2013/2014 models but 2010/2011 models seem expensive in comparison.

road_high

Decided on the 6 after guys, thanks. Was very very close! I still love the Insignia, it's styling and overall package. Just the newer modelness of the 6, it's drive and trying something new. In three years if Opel bring out an all new Insignia in the meantime I'll be back there!

Tippjohn

I have found that the new Insignia has a power curve that appears to be a straight line. Cruise at 60mph and floor it, it just keeps going with no hesitation. Steering slightly heavy with one hand. Love walking towards it in the car park, pressing the key and the boot opens just as you get there, walk away and it closes. Worth 10K more just for that :-) very pleased with it. Oh yes, a bit of tyre noise but more to do with crap roads.

bazz26

New Insignia due mid 2016, supposed to be bigger than the current model as GM are trying to push it up market.

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bazz26 wrote: »

New Insignia due mid 2016, supposed to be bigger than the current model as GM are trying to push it up market.

Yes seen a few pics online, looks crisper than the current model. Had this been out now it'd have been a no brainer for me as am extremely happy with the current model.

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Tippjohn wrote: »

I have found that the new Insignia has a power curve that appears to be a straight line. Cruise at 60mph and floor it, it just keeps going with no hesitation. Steering slightly heavy with one hand. Love walking towards it in the car park, pressing the key and the boot opens just as you get there, walk away and it closes. Worth 10K more just for that :-) very pleased with it. Oh yes, a bit of tyre noise but more to do with crap roads.

It's great engine alright, safest car for overtaking. Bundles of power on tap in the 160.

Tippjohn

Like the new Astra, the proposed Insignia seems to be a "lower" profile design, I think they are going to reduce the weight by 200KG? The present one does feel heavy to say the least but the torque is incredible, yet balanced and smooth. I prefer to cruise and let it drive itself with only slight throttle, however if you want to shift a bit then it does not hang about. The gadgets are very user friendly and self teaching with a simple "back" facility if required. The radio station switches on the steering wheel are not best placed. I thought the self adjusting lights and seeing round corners thing was OTT but in reality it is a great help.

bazz26

The competition has moved on alot since the Insignia was first launched 7 years ago. Newer designed cars have been shedding weight with each generation, higher mpg and lower co2 has been the main driving force behind shedding the pounds. The Mazda 6 for example is on it's 3rd generation model and each one has been lighter than it's predecessor yet has grown in size. Also up to recent gadgets seen as fancy are now filtering their way down to more moderately priced cars as the technology becomes cheaper to produce.

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bazz26 wrote: »

The competition has moved on alot since the Insignia was first launched 7 years ago. Newer designed cars have been shedding weight with each generation, higher mpg and lower co2 has been the main driving force behind shedding the pounds. The Mazda 6 for example is on it's 3rd generation model and each one has been lighter than it's predecessor yet has grown in size. Also up to recent gadgets seen as fancy are now filtering their way down to more moderately priced cars as the technology becomes cheaper to produce.

Yea the Insignia has been around a while alright, that was offputting. The facelift two years improved it a lot having test drove it.
The dash was totally redesigned withp much more logical buttons and layout. Gearbox felt smoother and refinement improved.

Ayls

As much as I do like my Mazda 6 I don't think it's the best car for pulling off and/or overtaking and certainly no where near as good as a Passat cc. For the 1st week or so I was having serious doubts about it until I was shown what the little silver button by the gears was for (sport switch ?) so I press that down now and it gives a lot more power for those times, but when it's not used the car is definitely a little sluggish in comparison to others. Also hate the quite cheap plastic seat levers but could only get the electric in the top spec, still, think they could have put in something a little more hardy. On the test drive the Insignia did feel quite nippy but so much noisier (it being the diesel) and the seats weren't nearly as comfortable as the Mazda. Any passengers I've had have all expressed how comfortable it is, the stereo isn't the best either, again would need to go up to the top spec.

Tippjohn

The current Insignia has the whisper engine. About as good as it gets. It is also 170PS and has great torque.

PaulKK

I had a insignia hire car in the UK during the summer. It was a decent spec, leather, nav etc.
It was basically a brand new car with 3k miles on it.

I was very unimpressed with it.. I think it had only 120bhp, but leaving that aside it had terrible rattles, cheap switchgear and plastics and drove like a barge.

There is no way I'd have one over a Passat etc.

I had booked a Mondeo so I was a bit disappointed!
I was delighted to get back in to my E90!

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Ayls wrote: »

As much as I do like my Mazda 6 I don't think it's the best car for pulling off and/or overtaking and certainly no where near as good as a Passat cc. For the 1st week or so I was having serious doubts about it until I was shown what the little silver button by the gears was for (sport switch ?) so I press that down now and it gives a lot more power for those times, but when it's not used the car is definitely a little sluggish in comparison to others. Also hate the quite cheap plastic seat levers but could only get the electric in the top spec, still, think they could have put in something a little more hardy. On the test drive the Insignia did feel quite nippy but so much noisier (it being the diesel) and the seats weren't nearly as comfortable as the Mazda. Any passengers I've had have all expressed how comfortable it is, the stereo isn't the best either, again would need to go up to the top spec.

Yea that was two on the Insignia plus side alright. The punchy engine and the electric seat!
The Platinum spec looks good but that was about 4 or 5k more which would have upped my BIK a bit more.

Someone else mentioned the Passat. Fine car, didn't get to drive the 2.0 model in that.