Vauxhall has spilled the beans on an Insignia more averse to using diesel than the chaps at Ferrari are. The ecoFLEX Insignia does have an oil burner under the bonnet, but it's capable of 54.7mpg - which means a theoretical tank mileage of 842-miles, according to the maker. We've looked at the pictures too, and there's definitely no evidence that the back seats have been ripped out to accommodate a gargantuan fuel tank.
The engine, which emits 136g/km of CO2 (putting it into VED band C (£120) and the 18 percent benefit-in-kind bracket) still performs pretty well: it hits 62mph in 8.9 seconds and you can get it up to a very non-green 135mph (assuming you're touching base with your colleagues via the autobahn, that is).
The 158bhp ecoFLEX engine has 258lb.ft of torque, and it's available in all three trim levels: L, LX, and LS. Only joking. Obviously we mean Exclusiv, SE and Elite, with base models kicking off at £19,600, going up to £25,745 for something with leather and satnav. EcoFLEX models are marked out by improved aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tyres, a fettled gearbox for more economy and a light that tells you when to shift gear - you know, the overhaul that comes to manufacturers in a big green box marked 'efficiency improvements'. You can have one now too, unless you want an estate, in which case you'll just have to be patient.
Mark Nichol - 20 Apr 2009