CAR-BUYERS looking for a sleek family-sized workhorse with an attractive price tag might want to take note.

While it might not have been wholly impressive from launch, the Vauxhall Insignia has been transformed bit by bit over the last decade into a more attractive car.

What’s more, when compared to its hatchback and estate car rivals, it comes in at a very competitive price, with the range starting from around the £17,000 mark.

The bigger and better Insignia Grand Sport boasts sleeker looks, more passenger space and a degree of luxury more normally associated with the segment above.

The car’s size has been increased substantially and there’s no doubt that its new dimensions – which create rakish lines – are aesthetically pleasing.

Despite being a longer, lower, wider car than its predecessor, it is actually lighter thanks to a more innovative use of build materials.

Unsurprisingly, the extra size translates into oceans of interior space, with masses of head and legroom available to occupants.

The boot isn’t any bigger than that found on the previous model, although the 490 litres of space is still more than adequate for most everyday situations.

During my week with the Insignia, the car’s most noticeable asset was its low running costs.

With an official average fuel consumption figure approaching 50mpg, this 1.5-litre petrol engine is a frugal unit.

On the face of it, a 1.5-litre engine might seem insufficient to power a pretty large piece of metal.

However, the turbo provides the necessary oomph when a turn a pace is needed to ensure the Insignia is no slouch.

When mated with the slick manual six-speed gearbox, it performs the sprint from 0-62mph in a respectable 8.4 seconds.

It might not be quite as engaging to drive as some of its competitors, but its trustworthy and composed handling capabilities offer some degree of driving pleasure.

Where it really comes into its own is on long journeys thanks to the comfortable ride quality and high levels of refinement.

It feels especially relaxing to drive at motorway speeds, cruising along with very little noise from the road, wind or engine.

The way the hushed Insignia gobbles up the motorway miles with the minimum of fuss or fuel consumption is likely to appeal to, among others, business buyers.

The cabin has a strong feel of quality and has been much-improved, with high standard materials used throughout.

It also comes with plenty of plush equipment and creature comforts, including leather seat facings, heated front and outer rear seats and a Bose premium sound system.

The driving position is also rather more comfortable than that found in the previous model, with a drop in the hip point meaning the driver feels much more integrated in the cabin.

In essence, you get into the car and sink into your surroundings - immediately feeling at home and at one with the car.

In previous models, you felt to be perched on top of the cabin’s key features, rather than blending in with your surroundings.

From the new comfortable seating position, you’re in easy reach of the central console and the impressive 8.0in infotainment screen.

In terms of the engine line-up, those who prefer a diesel option can choose from a 1.6 Turbo D, available in 109bhp and 134bhp outputs, and a 168bhp 2.0 Turbo D.

All of those versions come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with an eight-speed automatic box offered as an option on the top-line 2.0 Turbo D.

In conclusion, the Insignia is worthy of serious consideration for anyone looking to buy a car in this segment.

It has an appealing look, the cabin is a pleasant and roomy place to be, and it shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg in running costs.

Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport SRI Nav

PRICE: £20,530 on the toad

ENGINE: 1.5-litre petrol turbo

POWER: 165PS

TOP SPEED: 138mph

0-60MPH: 8.4 seconds

AVERAGE MPG: 47.1

CO2 EMISSIONS: 136g/km

WARRANTY: Three years/60,000 miles