These three executive saloons are very close in terms of performance. Each one is front-wheel-drive, has a turbocharged engine and a 6-speed automatic gearbox. But performance aside, execs in a hurry also want a saloon that’s roomy and practical.
Sure to grab the attention of keen drivers is the updated Opel Insignia and its muscular powertrain. But this car also aims to impress with its enhanced cabin, which is more upmarket than before.
Also looking fresher is the facelifted Peugeot 508. The nip-and-tuck exercise keeps this French number looking sharp, while the slight bump in power should improve its driveability, too.
Facing off against the 508 and Insignia is the Ford Mondeo, which we tested in fastback form. Although the Mondeo is underrated in Singapore, it remains a strong contender, having been voted “Best Category B Saloon” at the 2015 ST-Torque Awards.
Which of these saloons will prove the most compelling to executives in a perpetual rush? Continue reading to find out.
When it comes to agility, it’s the Opel Insignia with its precise helm and well-sorted chassis that leads this pack. The automobile’s biggest bugbear is its relaxed performance despite its muscular powertrain. However, the Insignia’s keen pricing (at press time, it costs $11.1k and $8.1k less than the 508 and Mondeo respectively) should still make it irresistible to execs.
For keen drivers, the Peugeot 508 makes an even better case with its zippiness and power-to-weight ratio, which is the best of the trio. This Pug also boasts the most spacious backseat. Its only real drawbacks are its irregularly shaped boot and relatively unsupportive front seats.
The Ford Mondeo has the fewest ponies and is less agile than its two rivals, but it claws back points with its generous practicality, smooth powertrain and good infotainment. In this story, the Mondeo is the sporty executive option offering the most ideal blend of pace and space.
Peugeot 508 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1598cc
Bore x stroke 77mm x 85.8mm
Compression ratio 10.2:1
Max power 163bhp at 6000rpm
Max torque 240Nm at 1400rpm
Power to weight 115.6bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 8.9 seconds
Top speed 210km/h
Consumption 17.2km/L
CO2 emission 134g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Primacy HP
Size 215/55 R17
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction aids ABS, ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4792mm
Width 1853mm
Height 1456mm
Wheelbase 2817mm
Kerb weight 1410kg
Turning circle 12m
BUYING IT
Price excl. COE $143,900 (after $5k CEVS rebate)
Warranty 5 years/100,000km
+ Nippiest performance, roomiest backseat, best overall visibility
– Least supportive front seats, narrowest footrest, highest price even with CEVS rebate
BEST IN PERFORMANCE
Ford Mondeo 1.5 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1498cc
Bore x stroke 79mm x 76.4mm
Compression ratio 10:1
Max power 160bhp at 6000rpm
Max torque 240Nm at 1600-4000rpm
Power to weight 107bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 9.1 seconds
Top speed 214km/h
Consumption 13.9km/L
CO2 emission 168g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Energy Saver
Size 215/50 R16
SAFETY
Airbags 7
Traction aids ABS, ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4871mm
Width 1852mm
Height 1476mm
Wheelbase 2850mm
Kerb weight 1496kg
Turning circle 11.9m
BUYING IT
Price excl. COE $140,999 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 5 years/100,000km
+ Most refined powertrain, largest boot, smoothest gearbox
– Manual front seats, relatively thirstier motor, still underrated in Singapore
BEST IN PRACTICALITY
Opel Insignia 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1598cc
Bore x stroke 79mm x 81.5mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max power 170bhp at 4250rpm
Max torque 260Nm at 1650-4250rpm
Power to weight 107.6bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 9.9 seconds
Top speed 210km/h
Consumption 14.3km/L
CO2 emission 164g/km
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson struts, coil springs
Rear Double wishbones, coil springs
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Continental ContiSportContact 3
Size 245/45 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction aids ABS, ESP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4780mm
Width 1890mm
Height 1498mm
Wheelbase 2780mm
Kerb weight 1580kg
Turning circle 11.4m
BUYING IT
Price excl. COE $132,800 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 5 years/100,000km
+ Most powerful engine, nicest cockpit, lowest asking price
– Most relaxed performance, narrowest backseat, smallest storage points
BEST IN HANDLING
Go behind the scenes of this Group Test shoot with this video clip…
