Family fortunes

We put two traditional models through their paces

NOT so long ago, driving a large family saloon or hatch was the measure of a driver who'd made their mark. Models such as the Vauxhall Insignia (and its earlier ancestors, the Vectra and Cavalier) or Ford Mondeo (and earlier Sierras and Cortinas) competed for approving looks in company car parks up and down the land.

Their drivers lobbied fleet managers hard for signs of success - indeed, that set of alloy wheels, spoiler or the right badge on the boot was worth more than a pay rise to many people. It all seems dreadfully unsophisticated looking backwards, because nowadays aspiring employees insist on German executive models, and the school run can apparently only be managed in a high-riding SUV.

"While it may be down, it's not quite all over for mainstream visions of the traditional family car"

But while it may be down, it's not quite all over for mainstream versions of the traditional family car, and these two diesel estate contenders can ably demonstrate it's not only Uber drivers who appreciate space and efficiency. They're not both 'survivors' though, because the Insignia was discontinued by Vauxhall in 2022.

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