Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: 05omegav6 on 27 December 2014, 20:12:57

Title: Insignia Flex ride...
Post by: 05omegav6 on 27 December 2014, 20:12:57
As above, does anyone have any direct experience with it? Any good or just marketing blurb :-\
Title: Re: Insignia Flex ride...
Post by: 05omegav6 on 28 December 2014, 04:00:37
Presumably it's a development of the IDS fitted to the Vectra C VXR :-\

Specific questions are regarding the durability of the system and its overall effectiveness...
Title: Re: Insignia Flex ride...
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 02 January 2015, 10:06:58
Quite simply its the same setup as fitted to most higher end euro cars these days.
Title: Re: Insignia Flex ride...
Post by: 05omegav6 on 02 January 2015, 11:53:42
Quite simply its the same setup as fitted to most higher end euro cars these days.

Seems to work well, especially with 4x4 :y Sports mode taught without being harsh, and Tour mode is noticeably more supple, even with 20" wheels...
Title: Re: Insignia Flex ride...
Post by: TheBoy on 02 January 2015, 13:43:28
What is it, adjustable shocks then?
Title: Re: Insignia Flex ride...
Post by: 05omegav6 on 02 January 2015, 14:26:30
What is it, adjustable shocks then?
I believe the shock fluid is magnetised to 'thicken' it on demand :-\ car in question has LSC as well and the sport button also sharpens steering and throttle response, but the biggest thing is that it makes the dials glow red 8)

Actually that's not really the best bit... ::) the best bit is that in Tour mode it is summat like 70/30 torque split front/rear, but in Sport, the torque switches to 60/40 rear/front 8)

Just like an Xr4x4 with more torque and more toys... :D

Edit to add, also has rear LSD. Which is nice.
Title: Re: Insignia Flex ride...
Post by: TheBoy on 02 January 2015, 16:42:20
Having thrashed an XR4x4 (and a 4i for that matter, which I thought was better, but that was with security following) around Silverstone, I don't think that's a particularly good thing to compare anything with.


Yeah, I was thinking of the magnetic shocks, that's the normal way now of providing electronically adjustable suspension.
Title: Re: Insignia Flex ride...
Post by: 05omegav6 on 02 January 2015, 16:49:00
Lol... I know what you mean, but there's over twenty years of evolution between them ::)

I guess the point being made was that it makes a wwd car feel less wwd and more RWD with front end grip/traction. I found the Sierra quite entertaining, if a bit basic, and was never really taken by the Chavalier :-[
Title: Re: Insignia Flex ride...
Post by: TheBoy on 02 January 2015, 17:02:33
Lol... I know what you mean, but there's over twenty years of evolution between them ::)

I guess the point being made was that it makes a wwd car feel less wwd and more RWD with front end grip/traction. I found the Sierra quite entertaining, if a bit basic, and was never really taken by the Chavalier :-[
Lively rather than entertaining, handling wise.  Shame same couldn't be said for the (factory standard) engine, always felt a bit strained IMHO.
Title: Re: Insignia Flex ride...
Post by: 05omegav6 on 02 January 2015, 17:10:13
I did fancy converting a Granada Cosworth saloon from RWD auto to 4x4 manual just to see how that would go, kind of a 'perfect car' idea... Now I reckon a reengined (ls1-ls3+) Holden Adventura would satisfy most of the same boxes. In the meantime, back in some semblance of reallity, the aforementioned Insignia should suffice...
Title: Re: Insignia Flex ride...
Post by: TheBoy on 02 January 2015, 17:12:35
I thought you decided Insignias were unsuited to your work commitments?
Title: Re: Insignia Flex ride...
Post by: TheBoy on 02 January 2015, 17:13:25
Ah, just seen, its an estate!
Title: Re: Insignia Flex ride...
Post by: 05omegav6 on 02 January 2015, 17:15:10
Ah, just seen, its an estate!
Yeah, not be making that mistake again :-[
Title: Re: Insignia Flex ride...
Post by: TheBoy on 02 January 2015, 17:16:19
Your preferred colour as well I see....
Title: Re: Insignia Flex ride...
Post by: TheBoy on 02 January 2015, 17:17:07
Ah, just seen, its an estate!
Yeah, not be making that mistake again :-[
Have you properly tried it this time?
Title: Re: Insignia Flex ride...
Post by: 05omegav6 on 02 January 2015, 17:43:48
Ah, just seen, its an estate!
Yeah, not be making that mistake again :-[
Have you properly tried it this time?
Yes Dad... I drove it and everything :D

Joking aside, I borrowed one when they first came out and compared it back to back with the Omega and the Vectra C estate. Boot is a smidge smaller than the Omega, and identical to the Vectra less a little bit at the top due to the different shape. The Omega is clearly out of the equation and the only Vectra C available to me (ie currently plated, so age irrelevant...) has sooo much baggage attached that it needs a trailer, so that's out too and I'll retire before I voluntarily drive a VAG product again :-X