Vauxhall Insignia VXR (Hatchback)
by Tim Barnes-Clay, the man behind the wheel.
Date: 14 September 2010
PACKING 325 HORSEPOWER, a sophisticated four-wheel-drive chassis and a sub-six second 0-60 time, Vauxhall’s new Insignia VXR is a true monster of a motor.
Based on the successful 2009 European Car of the Year, and available in hatch, saloon and Sports Tourer body styles, the high-performance Insignia is Vauxhall’s first VXR model to adopt 4X4 technology, using a specially made chassis developed using the punishing Nürburgring circuit in Germany.
Highlights
Highlights are a ‘HiPerStrut’ front suspension system, Adaptive 4X4 with electronic Limited Slip Differential and a 10 millimetre reduction in ride height over the Insignia SRi.
The HiPerStrut system is unique to the VXR and serves two primary functions: firstly, to reduce torque-steer, but also to maintain negative camber during cornering, thereby improving ultimate grip levels in wet or dry conditions.
Complementing these features are standard 19-inch alloy wheels, but my test car came with ridiculously flash 20-inch lightweight forged alloys, which are a cost option.
The VXR also comes with bespoke tyres, revised damper settings on both axles, and Brembo brakes with colour-keyed callipers and vented/cross-drilled discs. It seriously does look the business!
Family Motor
‘The Insignia VXR hatchback is not just about absolute power though. It serves equally well as a family motor, with a massive boot for all the kids’ stuff and an equally big rear seat to accommodate three passengers. In essence, it’s an ultra-fast performance saloon that will appeal to buyers who appreciate subtle yet distinctive styling, but who need to know that there’s real substance below the car’s metal.
And the VXR has plenty of substance. At the heart of the Insignia VXR is Vauxhall’s advanced 2.8-litre V6 Turbo ECOTEC engine. Producing 325PS, the engine propels the car from 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds, achieving an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. It’s awesome!
Styling Cues
With a design inspired by the Vauxhall/Opel GTC concept car, many of the Insignia VXR’s styling cues will be familiar to those who saw this groundbreaking concept at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show.
A deeper bumper, incorporating bold, twin mesh grilles either side of the main grille, dominates the front of the car, and at the rear, a spoiler, as well as huge dual chrome exhausts make sure everybody knows this isn’t a ‘normal’ family hatch.
This sporting theme continues in the Insignia VXR’s cabin.
Wonderfully sporty, yet comfortable Recaro front seats are joined by a VXR branded steering wheel, gearknob and instrument graphics. VXR sill plates and a black headlining complete the look.
My Insignia VXR hatch came in Power Red and it suited the car’s character down to the ground. My only criticisms about the car are that it’s thirsty and the built in sat-nav is not user-friendly. In fact it was easier to read a map. Apart from those two blips, this car is an awesome set of wheels, and one you’d have fun in all day, along with the family – if you can afford to run it.
PROS ‘N’ CONS
PROS
- Power
- Image
- Unbelievable grip
- Fun
CONS
- Built in Sat-Nav
- Poor fuel consumption
FAST FACTS
- Max speed: 155 mph
- 0-60 mph 5.6seconds
- Combined mpg: 24.7
- Engine: 2.8 V6 Turbo
- Power: 325 PS
- Torque: 435Nm at 5250 rpm
- CO2: 268 g/km
- Price: Insignia VXR (with DVD Nav system) £31,810
