1. Home
  2. Club Together
  3. Discussions
  4. Towcars & Towing
  5. Vauxhall Insignia Estate as a tow car

Vauxhall Insignia Estate as a tow car

ellie2761 replied on 09/03/2018 22:41

ellie2761 profile picture Member

ellie2761

Posted on 09/03/2018 22:41

I am thinking of buying the following car:

2013 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX Tech Line 5dr but the BHP is 130

I tried to check it on the car match but couldn't find a 2013 so went for a 2012 and it was all green ticks apart from the 87% kerb weight ratio but I can live with that then it said:

BHP per ton : 39
The car's engine power is quite low to tow this caravan. It may be sluggish and uncomfortable on hills or at junctions.

But when I go on TOWCAR.INFO I can choose a 2013 Insignia but it doesn't list my swift so I went for the nearest match and it gives 82 % says its an excellent match and then its says:

Mountains

On most motorways inclines (1:20) driving is easily possible in the 3th gear with 50 mph and even full throttle with 60 mph. Hill starts are possible even on steep slopes up to 16%, if the front wheels have sufficient traction. While driving the engine has enough power to drive on every normal road.

So ... my dilemma is ... will it pull comfortably or not?

And as a final question, can the car be legally remapped to give it more BHP?

Thanks

9 replies

Follow

paul56 replied on 16/03/2018 10:33

paul56 profile picture Member

paul56

Caravanner from South Yorkshire

Posted on 16/03/2018 10:33

I suspect all diesels can be remapped to give extra bhp. It is said that the engines are prepared so that they can run on diesel across the world, no matter what quality. This site Evolution Chips claim they can add another 35 bhp. 

I did consider an Insignia as there are so many out there at great prices but ended up down the Ford route as my old Mondeo was brilliant. 

PrestonDave replied on 19/03/2018 21:38

PrestonDave profile picture Member

PrestonDave

Caravanner from Lancashire

Posted on 19/03/2018 21:38

Hi Ellie,

I towed a 2013 Swift Challenger 480/2 with a 2010 Insignia sport tourer 163bhp with no problems. The main reason I changed to a 4x4 was because we only use CL sites and the front wheel dive Insignia struggled a bit on uphill grass and gravel farm tracks. Maybe the 130bhp might give better traction with less bhp but it's the engine torque you need to check up on. 

EmilysDad replied on 19/03/2018 22:24

EmilysDad profile picture Member

EmilysDad

Caravanner
Posted on 19/03/2018 21:38 by PrestonDave

Hi Ellie,

I towed a 2013 Swift Challenger 480/2 with a 2010 Insignia sport tourer 163bhp with no problems. The main reason I changed to a 4x4 was because we only use CL sites and the front wheel dive Insignia struggled a bit on uphill grass and gravel farm tracks. Maybe the 130bhp might give better traction with less bhp but it's the engine torque you need to check up on. 

Posted on 19/03/2018 22:24

You could've looked at RWD  rather than go 4x4  ðŸ˜‰and 

GVallis replied on 21/03/2018 23:59

GVallis profile picture Member

GVallis

Caravanner from Warwickshire

Posted on 21/03/2018 23:59

Hi Ellie,

I currently tow with a 63 plate Vauxhall Insignia model as the one you described - albeit the 163 BHP, and can honestly say that I am very pleased with its towing performance.

I also noticed that when checking its towing ability that it was almost borderline in some areas when checking against the new caravan specification we had purchased, but having bought a new Lunar Ultima 4 berth caravan at some 28cwt MLW, it tows without hesitation, being quite happy to motor along in 6th gear when road conditions allow. Hills have never presented a problem either.

With higher 40's to lower 50's MPG solo and averaging 32MPG towing, its also an economical workhorse.

All in all, I'm a happy bunny with this car's performance regarding towing, economy and its general handling.

Gallery

Chris Ardis replied on 28/03/2018 11:49

Chris Ardis profile picture Member

Chris Ardis

Caravanner from Lancashire

Posted on 28/03/2018 11:49

I ran a 2009 Insignia 130 bhp saloon remapped by Superchips.  Rear suspension was soggy but the estate version should be more robust.  As stated on earlier replies front wheel spin is a problem.  I have changed to rwd Merc C Class estate, 170 bhp.  A much better tow car and more economical.

replied on 28/03/2018 12:34

profile picture

Posted on 09/03/2018 22:41 by ellie2761

I am thinking of buying the following car:

2013 Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX Tech Line 5dr but the BHP is 130

I tried to check it on the car match but couldn't find a 2013 so went for a 2012 and it was all green ticks apart from the 87% kerb weight ratio but I can live with that then it said:

BHP per ton : 39
The car's engine power is quite low to tow this caravan. It may be sluggish and uncomfortable on hills or at junctions.

But when I go on TOWCAR.INFO I can choose a 2013 Insignia but it doesn't list my swift so I went for the nearest match and it gives 82 % says its an excellent match and then its says:

Mountains

On most motorways inclines (1:20) driving is easily possible in the 3th gear with 50 mph and even full throttle with 60 mph. Hill starts are possible even on steep slopes up to 16%, if the front wheels have sufficient traction. While driving the engine has enough power to drive on every normal road.

So ... my dilemma is ... will it pull comfortably or not?

And as a final question, can the car be legally remapped to give it more BHP?

Thanks

Posted on 28/03/2018 12:34

No idea on your caravan weight but our 135 (or is it 136) bhp 2005 X-Trail tows our 1500 mptlm van fine. 

near Malvern Hills Club Campsite Member photo by Andrew Cole

Book a late escape

There's still availability at many popular UK Club campsites - find your perfect pitch today for a last minute trip!

Book now
Woman sitting in camping chair by Wastwater in the Lake District with her two dogs and picnic blanket

Follow us on Facebook

Follow the Caravan and Motorhome Club via our official Facebook page for latest news, holiday ideas, events, activities and special offers.

Photo of Wast Water, Lake District by Sue Peace
Visit Facebook