Vauxhall Insignia Estate as a tow car
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
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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.
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Ellie, I suggest you check out this thread if you’re thinking of remapping.
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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.
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Hi MollyMummy,
Yep could of gone for RWD but we also had the idea of changing to a 4 berth fixed bed van and needed the extra tow car weight.
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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.
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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.
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