Vauxhall Insignia VXR 5dr hatch road test
Based on Vauxhall’s European Car of the Year 2009, the high-performance Insignia VXR is available in hatch, saloon and Sports Tourer body styles and boasts 325 horsepower, adaptive 4WD chassis technology, a lowered ride height, huge alloy wheels, big Brembo brakes and Recaro seats. So what’s not to like?
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The VXR’s turbocharged 2,792cc V6 engine makes 325PS and 321lb/ft of torque, both at 5,250rpm. Coupled with a slick 6-speed manual and 4WD, this results in a claimed 0-60 time of 5.6 secs along with a 155mph restricted top speed. In 6th the VXR is geared for about 190mph and so at a gentle 70mph everything seems ridiculously understressed – it’d be relaxed if cruising at twice that speed… In addition, the VXR’s V6 is civilised, flexible, responsive and smooth, and it packs decent punch far below the 6,500rpm redline. A purposeful exhaust note from the twin tailpipes serves as icing on the cake.
Read the full Vauxhall Insignia VXR 5dr road test
At £31,810 otr this Insignia VXR is a little less expensive than some equivalent German-branded rivals. Satnav comes as standard, but throw in electric leather seats, climate control, parking sensors and a fancy sound system and you’ll soon be up to £34k or more. With combined mpg at 24.7 (expect less if you drive it as intended), CO2 at 268g/km (the top band M category, currently £405 annual road tax but set to rise appreciably) and group 18 insurance this model isn’t an obvious bargain. And there’ll be those who’d rather flaunt an Audi or BMW key fob in preference to that of a Vauxhall’s. However, assuming you’ve the means to run one, there’s really very little not to like.
RoadTestReports.co.uk provides road tests reports written by members of the Guild of Motoring Writers. These reports are complemented by car reviews submitted by the members of the public who drive the vehicles day in day out.
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