Tuesday 31st May 2016

Vauxhall Insignia VXR: Spotted

Space, pace and rarity? Yes, a Vauxhall may well fit the bill

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The Vauxhall Insignia VXR has somewhat disappeared off the radar recently, despite still being available brand new should you be brave enough. A mainstream performance saloon was always going to be a niche choice, but the way the VXR has practically vanished from the performance car scene is odd. If ever you needed proof of how influential a badge can be...

Yep, it's big alright

Because while the Insignia VXR is not the greatest sports saloon to ever grace the earth, it’s very far from the worst either. It had some clever suspension technology, comfortably over 300hp, all-wheel drive and Brembo brakes. It was – and is – a bit heavier than you would really like, but all reports point to a pretty decent car. It’s a very rare one too, which makes it interesting.

Particularly if it’s an estate. The Insignia Sports Tourer VXR must have been sold in tiny numbers, yet because it’s a proper estate it’s arguably easier to make a case for over the German rivals. Because while outright dynamics are probably more of a concern for saloons, as estates that slips down the list of priorities in place of things like practicality. And, while the gap isn’t as large as you might expect, the Insignia does have a bigger boot than a 3 Series Touring and an A4 Avant.

Now instinct when looking for a big, fast estate is to head for Volvo, but the pickings are slimmer than you might expect. There are just 10 petrol V60s on PH (four being Polestars), four V70s and the V50 is probably too small. There is a Passat R36 (yes, really) also available on PH, but other than that rivals are hard to come by. Some might argue that’s because the demand isn’t there, but this has to be more interesting than a crossover.

Some comment about German interior plastics

What performance Vauxhalls nearly always do better than their rivals is depreciate, and that remains true. In just five years and 40,000 miles, this VXR has halved in value, meaning it’s now available for £14,995. It’s super subtle in black, there’s a full service history and it’s got the manual gearbox too. Yes, it will cost a lot to tax and fuel, but so will many similar cars. Plus an S4 with comparable mileage could cost £10K more – that buys a lot of fuel.

Vauxhalls always come in for a tough time on PH, so it will be interesting to see the response to this. Those with image issues will still dismiss it, but this Sports Tourer appears to offer an awful lot for very little money. There must be some tuning possibilities with that turbo V6 as well. If any of the small group of owners is on here, it would be great to hear how you’re getting on.

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VAUXHALL INSIGNIA VXR SPORTS TOURER
Engine: 2,792cc, V6 turbocharged
Transmission: six-speed manual, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 324@5,250rpm
Torque (lb ft): 321@5,250rpm
MPG: 25
CO2: 255g/km
First registered: 2011
Recorded mileage: 40,000
Price new: £33,365
Yours for: £14,995

See the original advert here

[X5TUU]

I like ... I am biased having had Corsa and Astra VXRs previously though

Decent steer for £15k as well and is very much in sleeper-guise rather than in Arden Blue or Red or White like many Insignia VXRs seem to be