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Vauxhall Insignia VXR 5dr hatch road test report

VXR 5dr hatch

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?

Road Test Reports Says 4 star rating
A front-facing image of the Vauxhall Insignia VXR 5dr hatch

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TOM SAYS

Performance Performance - 5 stars

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.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 5 stars

The VXR features new HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) front suspension, bespoke chassis settings, a 10mm lower ride height than the SRi model, stiffer springing, an electronic limited-slip diff, and, on my test car, optional 20-inch wheels shod with 255/35 Pirelli P Zero tyres. Despite all this racy kit, the VXR, unlike several other high-performance cars I could mention, has a ride quality I could easily live with, day in, day out. The suspension (as well as steering and throttle response) firms up with either the electronically-controlled Sport or VXR settings selected, but in default mode the ride is just fine. Steering, grip and braking are all exemplary, so 5-stars here too, no question.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 3 stars

As a brand, Vauxhall did not fare too well in the 2009 JD Power UK Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study, coming 26th out of the 29 brands listed. Obviously owners who took part in the survey judged their cars on matters such as long-term reliability and dealership performance – issues which I’m unable to comment on following one decent drive in a low-mileage, manufacturer-supplied demonstrator. But based on my experience my only slight criticism would be the slightly flimsy plastic armrest/oddments stowage structure between the front seats. For my tastes I’d also describe some details of this car to be a little over-branded and over-styled.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 5 stars

Scoring an impressive 94% in crash tests, the Insignia has the full 5-star EuroNCAP rating for adult occupant protection, with 4-stars for child protection. Standard safety equipment on all Insignias includes: ABS, ESP, traction control, belt-force limiters, Isofix child seat mountings, multi-stage front and side airbags for driver and front passenger plus head curtain airbags (front and outer rear seats) and adaptive brake lights. Optional equipment includes a 9-function adaptive forward lighting system and a front camera system. Security features include an alarm and immobiliser plus a 5-star theft protection rating from Thatcham.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 4 stars

With such overt sporting credentials it’s easy to forget that underneath it all is a common-or-garden Insignia – Vauxhall’s answer to the Mondeo, Laguna, Passat et al – and as such it’s a roomy family/executive car in both front and rear. For those wanting more space the Sports Tourer version might suit best with its 540-litre, extending to 1,530-litre rear loadspace, but this 5-dr hatch fares pretty well with a powered tailgate concealing a capacious 530-litre boot that extends to 1,465-litres. Perhaps more important for potential VXR owners are the front Recaro seats which are beautifully shaped and ultra supportive.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 2 stars

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.

Submitted: 01/12/2009 09:01:52

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