Vauxhall Insignia VXR: Time for a resurgence

Car manufacturers appear to be mining a rich vein of super saloon form at the moment. Prevalent and increasingly sophisticated use of superchargers, turbochargers and good old-fashioned high capacity engines means there's no shortage of high performance options for the D-segment driver.

Granted, Vauxhall's (Opel to us in the Middle East) five-door VXR variant of the Insignia model may not be a saloon in the truest sense of the word, but its 320bhp turbocharged V6 engine and permanent all-wheel drive will soon have you forgetting about such trifling details.

Style and substance

With a 0-100kph acceleration of six seconds, it's best to focus on what's ahead, rather than the hatch behind, as the Insignia VXR is so refined that you may not notice the speed until there's something in your path.

Its flexibility is also one of its chief attributes. Super saloons are popular not simply because of their on road performance — there's no shortage of two-seater sports coupés to choose from if that's the main objective — but because they combine on road performance with practicality and refinement.

So, like its less performance-focused stable mates, the Insignia VXR boasts a spacious and luxurious interior. Inside, the performance edge is evident from the typically sturdy VXR steering wheel and racy Recaro seats, but occupants don't need to sacrifice comfort for the speed. Leather bound seats are part of a specification befitting a range-topping model, including climate control, cruise control and plenty of electronics, but no parking sensors.

Head and legroom are as generous as in the rest of the range, and the sloping roofline and angular window shape succeed in making the rear slightly claustrophobic. At the back, the huge hatch has a different approach to that taken by BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen and Mitsubishi — the manufacturers of the Insignia VXR's chief rivals — but it results in a very pleasing shape and a cavernous and useable boot. Sticklers for tradition can opt for a saloon variant while those in need of even more space should look towards the estate.

More refined than many of its rivals the Insignia VXR's ride quality is truly excellent with standard suspension settings selected, but even when firmed up using the Sport or VXR buttons on the dashboard, the chassis retains an impressive degree of absorbance, while remaining glued to the surface.

The Insignia VXR achieves a confidence-inspiring level of traction through its all-wheel-drive. An electronic limited slip differential metres out the power in the most efficient manner while a clever front suspension system ensures the front wheels retain the perfect angle of attack on the road, regardless of the steering wheel position. The result is hugely impressive road holding that makes the most of the engine's punch.

When cruising at high speed the Insignia VXR feels especially well planted and the isolating degree of refinement makes acceleration feel less abrupt while distorting the sensation of speed. The adjustable damper ratings and suspension lowered by 10mm limit body roll allowing the car to corner superbly and change direction with an urgency that belies its size. The steering also tightens up well in VXR mode, however, while it could be more communicative, it is quite responsive.

The same can be said of the throttle, too. The V6 doesn't need the turbo to be spooled up to respond sharply, but when it is fully ready, power delivery is very sharp. Save for the heavy fuel consumption and a tendency to scrub along the surface under hard lock at low speed, there appears to be little penalty to pay for the hugely impressive transmission and drivetrain. Even the turning circle remains impressively tight.

The icing on the cake comes in the form of the unusually discreet styling. Vauxhall is clearly aware that the Insignia VXR's appeal is different to that of the attention-grabbing Corsa and Astra variants and the in-your-face VXR8 (or Chevy CSV CR8 in the Middle East). As such, the model is visually distinct but less outwardly aggressive. Even on the massive optional 20in rims the styling retains a degree of composure absent from other VXR models. As indicated by the focused performance of the all-wheel drive system as opposed to the lairy delivery of other front-wheel drive VXR models, this is a much more mature offering.

Specs