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Insignia 1.6 Turbo (A) vs Camry 2.5 (A) vs Passat 1.8 TSI (A)
17 Dec 2015|43,306 views
Somewhere between entering your 20s and getting closer to 30, you realise that your friends are getting married and becoming part of a segment we call - young families with kids. Coffee shop talks about which exhaust system works best on your Suzuki Swift Sport are slowly replaced by debates about the best family sedans in the market.
Three names that came up during one of our usual Sunday kopi sessions were the Opel Insignia, the Toyota Camry and the Volkswagen Passat. Although the Insignia hasn't enjoyed the same levels of success as the Camry or the Passat, it seems like it deserves a little more recognition that it currently receives.
And since Volkswagen has launched the new Passat, we decided to find out how the Insignia and Passat compare against the Camry, which has long been a staple in the family sedan segment.
The minimalist styling on Volkswagen's new Passat is one that should endure the test of time
Exterior
The Insignia was designed around Opel's multi-award winning design philosophy - sculptural artistry meets German precision. This philosophy expresses premium aspiration and dynamics with an unmistakable wide and low frontal visage that visually pronounce the Insignia's wide stance.
Also echoed in the rear, the Insignia features a wider and lower proportioned rear end design. Its enthusiastic design gives it a quirkier French feel than the more serious expressions on the Passat.
Three names that came up during one of our usual Sunday kopi sessions were the Opel Insignia, the Toyota Camry and the Volkswagen Passat. Although the Insignia hasn't enjoyed the same levels of success as the Camry or the Passat, it seems like it deserves a little more recognition that it currently receives.
And since Volkswagen has launched the new Passat, we decided to find out how the Insignia and Passat compare against the Camry, which has long been a staple in the family sedan segment.
Exterior
The Insignia was designed around Opel's multi-award winning design philosophy - sculptural artistry meets German precision. This philosophy expresses premium aspiration and dynamics with an unmistakable wide and low frontal visage that visually pronounce the Insignia's wide stance.
Also echoed in the rear, the Insignia features a wider and lower proportioned rear end design. Its enthusiastic design gives it a quirkier French feel than the more serious expressions on the Passat.
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Toyota has designed the Camry bolder than ever before - thanks to a new gaping grille, sleek head lights and slashes adorning the lower front corners. Edges and corners have been given a touch of elegance while the taillights are redesigned to integrate well with the chrome bar that runs across the boot.
However, the more 'prominent' and 'premium' Toyota Camry still lacks the road presence that the Passat exudes.
Now in its eighth generation, the Volkswagen Passat's refined sheet metal slots it in between the mainstream and premium areas of the family sedan segment. Volkswagen has redesigned the Passat with shorter front and rear overhangs and tightly drawn lines to give it a more dynamic stance than its predecessor.
Together with a fancy four-bar chrome grille and swept-in headlamps, the Passat appears to be the sportiest and classiest of the three.
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Interior
Cabin build and finish is always a priority for families who spend a lot of time on the roads and the Insignia, which offers a feeling of subtlety and refinement, is a nice place to be in.
Design of the Insignia's centre console is simple and operation of the infotainment system by means of an 8.0-inch touchscreen is pretty intuitive.
On top of that, the Insignia has ergonomic sport seats with extendible cushions that provide tons of grip and comfort. It does, however, lose out to the Camry and Passat in terms of rear leg room but that should not be that big of an issue if your main rear occupants comprise of children.
The Insignia's (left) 500-litre boot is small in comparison to the Camry's 550 litres (centre) and Passat's 586 litres (right)
In the Camry, cabin design is a little more humble but it makes up for its lack in flair with comfort levels that are testament to why it is one of the best-selling family sedans to date.
With more upmarket materials, nicer detailing and better fit and finish, the Camry has indeed moved a step upmarket.
Cabin build and finish is always a priority for families who spend a lot of time on the roads and the Insignia, which offers a feeling of subtlety and refinement, is a nice place to be in.
Design of the Insignia's centre console is simple and operation of the infotainment system by means of an 8.0-inch touchscreen is pretty intuitive.
On top of that, the Insignia has ergonomic sport seats with extendible cushions that provide tons of grip and comfort. It does, however, lose out to the Camry and Passat in terms of rear leg room but that should not be that big of an issue if your main rear occupants comprise of children.
In the Camry, cabin design is a little more humble but it makes up for its lack in flair with comfort levels that are testament to why it is one of the best-selling family sedans to date.
With more upmarket materials, nicer detailing and better fit and finish, the Camry has indeed moved a step upmarket.
But even though the Camry is armed with creature comforts like ventilated seats and a rear sun shade that ensures all passengers enjoy a much cooler environment, its lack in modern aesthetics may cause younger buyers to go with the sportier Insignia or plusher Passat.
A simple yet appealing cabin design makes the Volkswagen Passat the most desirable cockpit of the three cars
Step inside the Passat and you'll find that it is a genuinely premium affair, especially on the Highline version we tested.
The Passat's cabin has a minimalistic touch and the business-like interior makes it the most atas feeling of the three. From the way the air-conditioning vents merge into chrome-like lines that run horizontally over the width of the dash, to the positioning of a stylish analogue clock and sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel, there is an obvious attention to detail.
Fit and finish of the interior surfaces and materials are also huge selling points that set the Volkswagen apart from the other two.
Step inside the Passat and you'll find that it is a genuinely premium affair, especially on the Highline version we tested.
The Passat's cabin has a minimalistic touch and the business-like interior makes it the most atas feeling of the three. From the way the air-conditioning vents merge into chrome-like lines that run horizontally over the width of the dash, to the positioning of a stylish analogue clock and sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel, there is an obvious attention to detail.
Fit and finish of the interior surfaces and materials are also huge selling points that set the Volkswagen apart from the other two.
 |
The Drive
Powering the Insignia is a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine tuned to produce 168bhp and 260Nm of torque. Those numbers are put through a six-speed automatic transmission that is smooth and responsive enough by today's standards.
While its drive isn't particularly sporty, the Insignia grips the road well and offers the right levels of comforts even over the bumps and ruts of Singapore's perpetually constructed roads.
The Camry, on the other hand, manages 178bhp and 231Nm of torque. Compared to the Insignia, it feels less eager to work through the revs - especially during overtaking manoeuvres.
The Toyota Camry's (centre) was the quietest, smoothest, and most obedient of the bunch
Power deliver through its six-speed automatic transmission although smooth, lacks the punch that both the Insignia and the Passat deliver. The Toyota does best at cruising speeds on the highways - more composed and confident than before, with a stiffer structure and suspension that allow for more spirited driving.
Setting the Passat in motion is a 1.8-litre TSI motor that makes 178bhp and 250Nm of torque, mated to Volkswagen's seven-speed DSG transmission.
Powering the Insignia is a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine tuned to produce 168bhp and 260Nm of torque. Those numbers are put through a six-speed automatic transmission that is smooth and responsive enough by today's standards.
While its drive isn't particularly sporty, the Insignia grips the road well and offers the right levels of comforts even over the bumps and ruts of Singapore's perpetually constructed roads.
The Camry, on the other hand, manages 178bhp and 231Nm of torque. Compared to the Insignia, it feels less eager to work through the revs - especially during overtaking manoeuvres.
Power deliver through its six-speed automatic transmission although smooth, lacks the punch that both the Insignia and the Passat deliver. The Toyota does best at cruising speeds on the highways - more composed and confident than before, with a stiffer structure and suspension that allow for more spirited driving.
Setting the Passat in motion is a 1.8-litre TSI motor that makes 178bhp and 250Nm of torque, mated to Volkswagen's seven-speed DSG transmission.
Torque is delivered in a much more linear fashion than the previous motor and the gear shifts are consistent even under hard driving. The Passat can be aggressive in sports mode, but also well-behaved and refined during lighter-footed moments around the city.
Thanks to a low centre of gravity, improved torsion rigidity and ample grip from the tyres - body control in the Passat is outstanding - making it the most dynamic of the three while its equally comfort-focused suspension settings absorb even the most intrusive of bumps without fuss.
You'll notice the extra urgency of the acceleration in the Passat, and its power is spread wider across the rev range
Conclusion
Even though the Volkswagan Passat costs $156,300 (as of 10th December 2015), which is $6,412 more than the Toyota Camry (as of 11th December 2015) and $13,500 more than the Opel Insignia (as of 10th December 2015), this difference in price is reflected in the Passat's classier exterior, more sophisticated interior and better overall driving dynamics.
No doubt the Opel Insignia and Toyota Camry make great family sedans but for something a little more, the Volkswagen Passat has our vote.
Thanks to a low centre of gravity, improved torsion rigidity and ample grip from the tyres - body control in the Passat is outstanding - making it the most dynamic of the three while its equally comfort-focused suspension settings absorb even the most intrusive of bumps without fuss.
Conclusion
Even though the Volkswagan Passat costs $156,300 (as of 10th December 2015), which is $6,412 more than the Toyota Camry (as of 11th December 2015) and $13,500 more than the Opel Insignia (as of 10th December 2015), this difference in price is reflected in the Passat's classier exterior, more sophisticated interior and better overall driving dynamics.
No doubt the Opel Insignia and Toyota Camry make great family sedans but for something a little more, the Volkswagen Passat has our vote.
Somewhere between entering your 20s and getting closer to 30, you realise that your friends are getting married and becoming part of a segment we call - young families with kids. Coffee shop talks about which exhaust system works best on your Suzuki Swift Sport are slowly replaced by debates about the best family sedans in the market.
Three names that came up during one of our usual Sunday kopi sessions were the Opel Insignia, the Toyota Camry and the Volkswagen Passat. Although the Insignia hasn't enjoyed the same levels of success as the Camry or the Passat, it seems like it deserves a little more recognition that it currently receives.
And since Volkswagen has launched the new Passat, we decided to find out how the Insignia and Passat compare against the Camry, which has long been a staple in the family sedan segment.Exterior
The Insignia was designed around Opel's multi-award winning design philosophy - sculptural artistry meets German precision. This philosophy expresses premium aspiration and dynamics with an unmistakable wide and low frontal visage that visually pronounce the Insignia's wide stance.
Also echoed in the rear, the Insignia features a wider and lower proportioned rear end design. Its enthusiastic design gives it a quirkier French feel than the more serious expressions on the Passat.
Three names that came up during one of our usual Sunday kopi sessions were the Opel Insignia, the Toyota Camry and the Volkswagen Passat. Although the Insignia hasn't enjoyed the same levels of success as the Camry or the Passat, it seems like it deserves a little more recognition that it currently receives.
And since Volkswagen has launched the new Passat, we decided to find out how the Insignia and Passat compare against the Camry, which has long been a staple in the family sedan segment.Exterior
The Insignia was designed around Opel's multi-award winning design philosophy - sculptural artistry meets German precision. This philosophy expresses premium aspiration and dynamics with an unmistakable wide and low frontal visage that visually pronounce the Insignia's wide stance.
Also echoed in the rear, the Insignia features a wider and lower proportioned rear end design. Its enthusiastic design gives it a quirkier French feel than the more serious expressions on the Passat.
Toyota has designed the Camry bolder than ever before - thanks to a new gaping grille, sleek head lights and slashes adorning the lower front corners. Edges and corners have been given a touch of elegance while the taillights are redesigned to integrate well with the chrome bar that runs across the boot.
However, the more 'prominent' and 'premium' Toyota Camry still lacks the road presence that the Passat exudes.
Now in its eighth generation, the Volkswagen Passat's refined sheet metal slots it in between the mainstream and premium areas of the family sedan segment. Volkswagen has redesigned the Passat with shorter front and rear overhangs and tightly drawn lines to give it a more dynamic stance than its predecessor.
Together with a fancy four-bar chrome grille and swept-in headlamps, the Passat appears to be the sportiest and classiest of the three.
However, the more 'prominent' and 'premium' Toyota Camry still lacks the road presence that the Passat exudes.
Now in its eighth generation, the Volkswagen Passat's refined sheet metal slots it in between the mainstream and premium areas of the family sedan segment. Volkswagen has redesigned the Passat with shorter front and rear overhangs and tightly drawn lines to give it a more dynamic stance than its predecessor.
Together with a fancy four-bar chrome grille and swept-in headlamps, the Passat appears to be the sportiest and classiest of the three.
Interior
Cabin build and finish is always a priority for families who spend a lot of time on the roads and the Insignia, which offers a feeling of subtlety and refinement, is a nice place to be in.
Design of the Insignia's centre console is simple and operation of the infotainment system by means of an 8.0-inch touchscreen is pretty intuitive.
On top of that, the Insignia has ergonomic sport seats with extendible cushions that provide tons of grip and comfort. It does, however, lose out to the Camry and Passat in terms of rear leg room but that should not be that big of an issue if your main rear occupants comprise of children.
In the Camry, cabin design is a little more humble but it makes up for its lack in flair with comfort levels that are testament to why it is one of the best-selling family sedans to date.
With more upmarket materials, nicer detailing and better fit and finish, the Camry has indeed moved a step upmarket.
Cabin build and finish is always a priority for families who spend a lot of time on the roads and the Insignia, which offers a feeling of subtlety and refinement, is a nice place to be in.
Design of the Insignia's centre console is simple and operation of the infotainment system by means of an 8.0-inch touchscreen is pretty intuitive.
On top of that, the Insignia has ergonomic sport seats with extendible cushions that provide tons of grip and comfort. It does, however, lose out to the Camry and Passat in terms of rear leg room but that should not be that big of an issue if your main rear occupants comprise of children.
In the Camry, cabin design is a little more humble but it makes up for its lack in flair with comfort levels that are testament to why it is one of the best-selling family sedans to date.
With more upmarket materials, nicer detailing and better fit and finish, the Camry has indeed moved a step upmarket.
But even though the Camry is armed with creature comforts like ventilated seats and a rear sun shade that ensures all passengers enjoy a much cooler environment, its lack in modern aesthetics may cause younger buyers to go with the sportier Insignia or plusher Passat.
Step inside the Passat and you'll find that it is a genuinely premium affair, especially on the Highline version we tested.
The Passat's cabin has a minimalistic touch and the business-like interior makes it the most atas feeling of the three. From the way the air-conditioning vents merge into chrome-like lines that run horizontally over the width of the dash, to the positioning of a stylish analogue clock and sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel, there is an obvious attention to detail.
Fit and finish of the interior surfaces and materials are also huge selling points that set the Volkswagen apart from the other two.
Step inside the Passat and you'll find that it is a genuinely premium affair, especially on the Highline version we tested.
The Passat's cabin has a minimalistic touch and the business-like interior makes it the most atas feeling of the three. From the way the air-conditioning vents merge into chrome-like lines that run horizontally over the width of the dash, to the positioning of a stylish analogue clock and sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel, there is an obvious attention to detail.
Fit and finish of the interior surfaces and materials are also huge selling points that set the Volkswagen apart from the other two.
The Drive
Powering the Insignia is a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine tuned to produce 168bhp and 260Nm of torque. Those numbers are put through a six-speed automatic transmission that is smooth and responsive enough by today's standards.
While its drive isn't particularly sporty, the Insignia grips the road well and offers the right levels of comforts even over the bumps and ruts of Singapore's perpetually constructed roads.
The Camry, on the other hand, manages 178bhp and 231Nm of torque. Compared to the Insignia, it feels less eager to work through the revs - especially during overtaking manoeuvres.
Power deliver through its six-speed automatic transmission although smooth, lacks the punch that both the Insignia and the Passat deliver. The Toyota does best at cruising speeds on the highways - more composed and confident than before, with a stiffer structure and suspension that allow for more spirited driving.
Setting the Passat in motion is a 1.8-litre TSI motor that makes 178bhp and 250Nm of torque, mated to Volkswagen's seven-speed DSG transmission.
Powering the Insignia is a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine tuned to produce 168bhp and 260Nm of torque. Those numbers are put through a six-speed automatic transmission that is smooth and responsive enough by today's standards.
While its drive isn't particularly sporty, the Insignia grips the road well and offers the right levels of comforts even over the bumps and ruts of Singapore's perpetually constructed roads.
The Camry, on the other hand, manages 178bhp and 231Nm of torque. Compared to the Insignia, it feels less eager to work through the revs - especially during overtaking manoeuvres.
Power deliver through its six-speed automatic transmission although smooth, lacks the punch that both the Insignia and the Passat deliver. The Toyota does best at cruising speeds on the highways - more composed and confident than before, with a stiffer structure and suspension that allow for more spirited driving.
Setting the Passat in motion is a 1.8-litre TSI motor that makes 178bhp and 250Nm of torque, mated to Volkswagen's seven-speed DSG transmission.
Torque is delivered in a much more linear fashion than the previous motor and the gear shifts are consistent even under hard driving. The Passat can be aggressive in sports mode, but also well-behaved and refined during lighter-footed moments around the city.
Thanks to a low centre of gravity, improved torsion rigidity and ample grip from the tyres - body control in the Passat is outstanding - making it the most dynamic of the three while its equally comfort-focused suspension settings absorb even the most intrusive of bumps without fuss.
Conclusion
Even though the Volkswagan Passat costs $156,300 (as of 10th December 2015), which is $6,412 more than the Toyota Camry (as of 11th December 2015) and $13,500 more than the Opel Insignia (as of 10th December 2015), this difference in price is reflected in the Passat's classier exterior, more sophisticated interior and better overall driving dynamics.
No doubt the Opel Insignia and Toyota Camry make great family sedans but for something a little more, the Volkswagen Passat has our vote.
Thanks to a low centre of gravity, improved torsion rigidity and ample grip from the tyres - body control in the Passat is outstanding - making it the most dynamic of the three while its equally comfort-focused suspension settings absorb even the most intrusive of bumps without fuss.
Conclusion
Even though the Volkswagan Passat costs $156,300 (as of 10th December 2015), which is $6,412 more than the Toyota Camry (as of 11th December 2015) and $13,500 more than the Opel Insignia (as of 10th December 2015), this difference in price is reflected in the Passat's classier exterior, more sophisticated interior and better overall driving dynamics.
No doubt the Opel Insignia and Toyota Camry make great family sedans but for something a little more, the Volkswagen Passat has our vote.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Opel Insignia 1.6 Turbo (A)
CAT B|Petrol|14.3km/L
Horsepower
125kW (168 bhp)
Torque
260 Nm
Acceleration
9.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Opel InsigniaToyota Camry 2.5 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|12.9km/L
Horsepower
133kW (178 bhp)
Torque
231 Nm
Acceleration
9.2sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Toyota CamryVolkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI Highline (A)
CAT B|Petrol|16.9km/L
Horsepower
133kW (178 bhp)
Torque
250 Nm
Acceleration
7.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volkswagen Passat
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