The hot 2.8 V6 turbo caters for that end of the market - the engine previously found in the Vauxhall Vectra VXR. That model will reach 62mph from rest in just 6.7 seconds, before reaching 155mph.

The diesels will make up a significant percentage of sales, thanks to their economy. Both models can return an average of 48.7mpg, while emitting 154g/km of CO2. An ultra-efficient ECOflex version, which will emit less than 140g/km will be available later in 2009.

Vauxhall claim the Insignia is one of the safest cars on the road, and cites a host of features including ABS, ESP, traction control, multi-stage front and side airbags for driver and front passenger, head curtain airbags for front and outer rear seats and collapsible pedals among more conventional features.

Its adaptive brake lights flash if the car's ABS is activated above 20mph, while Vauxhall's Intelligent Adaptive Forward Lighting (Intelligent AFL) has nine light functions which operate depending on the car's speed and steering angle. It features LED daytime running lights, and can automatically detect oncoming vehicles when running on main beam to dip the headlights to avoid dangerous dazzling. Additionally, Vauxhall will introduce a front camera system after launch which can read traffic signs to provide information on speed limits. Understandably the company are confident that their vehicle will get full marks in the EuroNCAP crash test programme.

So the Vauxhall Insignia with its bold styling and excellent - possibly class-leading - ride comfort will make Vauxhall a desired label again.

All Insignias come with high levels of equipment as standard, including ABS, ESP, passenger airbag deactivation, automatic headlights, electric driver’s seat height adjuster and electrically adjustable four-way lumbar support. Cruise control is also standard across the range, along with front, side and curtain airbags and ISOFIX child seat mountings.

The entry level S model receives manual air conditioning, a seven speaker radio/CD with steering wheel mounted controls, power door mirrors, trip computer and a leather trimmed steering wheel.

The Exclusive model adds single zone climate control, 17-inch steel wheels with bespoke fitted wheel trims, a front centre armrest with storage facility, and interior ambient lighting. Step up to the SE for 18-inch alloys wheels, an electronic handbrake, automatic wipers, electric rear windows, electric passenger’s seat height adjuster and electrically adjustable four way lumbar support as well as an audio upgrade which includes an MP3-compatible six-disc auto changer and DAB digital radio.

At the sporty end of the range is the SRi which has sports seats, single zone climate control, electric rear windows, front fog lights and suspension lowered by 15mm.

The Elite model builds on the SE, adding full leather trim, eight way electrically adjustable drivers seat, dual zone climate control, front and rear park sensors, Intelligent Adaptive Forward Lighting, front fog lights and folding door mirrors. Flexride is standard on the 2.0 Turbo and 2.8 V6 petrol engines, while 4X4 is also standard on the 2.8 V6 model. Flexride is also standard on the 2.0 Turbo petrol engine.