Model tested: Vauxhall Insignia VXR Nav 2.8 V6 turbo
Price: £31,810
Date tested: November 2009
Road tester: Stuart Milne

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 85%
Vauxhall is well known for its sports saloons, but for many years it's been without a rocketship with handling to match. After a week with an Insignia VXR, it's clear that's changed.

1. Looks
The standard Insignia is quite a looker; the VXR has the bark to match its bite. The deeper bumpers with mesh intakes, dual matt chrome exhausts and 20-inch alloys really look the part.
9/10

2. Looks inside
Vauxhall has worked wonders with the Insignia's cabin; comfortable and supportive Recaro seats and VXR-logo'd steering wheel, gearknob and sill plates lift the VXR above the other models. A nice touch is the dash illumination which transforms from crisp white to fierce red when the VXR sport button is pressed.
8/10

3. Practicality
The hatch and saloon have best-in-class load-lugging abilities with 500 litres of boot space, and the Sports Tourer adds another 40 litres. The cabin is spacious too, making it a great alternative to a hot hatch.
8/10

4. Ride and Handling
The VXR packs Vauxhall's Adaptive 4x4 system, giving excellent grip levels with an electronic limited-slip differential and Vauxhall's torque steer-reducing Hiperstrut front suspension. Ride quality good too, even on the optional 20-inch alloys fitted to our test car.
9/10

5. Performance
The hatch and saloon reach 60mph in 5.6 seconds; the Sports Tourer takes 5.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph, but what impresses is how the 325bhp and 321lb/ft of torque are deployed.
9/10

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6. Running Costs
Vauxhall claims the VXR can average 33mpg, but drive it swiftly and you'll be into the 20s. Insurance will be steep and road tax costly, but Vauxhall's servicing costs are reasonable.
7/10

7. Reliability
The engine is a proven unit, and there have been few issues with the standard Insignia since its 2008 launch. Vauxhall says the VXR has undergone extensive testing at the Nurburgring.
9/10

8. Safety
The Insignia has a five-star EuroNCAP rating; standard kit includes driver, front passenger, curtain and side airbags and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
10/10

9. Equipment
Electric windows, remote central locking, electric mirrors and climate control are standard, along with a comprehensive audio/sat-nav system, bespoke exhaust system, Brembo brakes and all manner of performance parts.
8/10

10. X-Factor
The Insignia strikes a perfect balance between the hard-edged Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and the GT-like comfort of the Audi S4 with a competitive price tag. This used to be a part of the car market awash with options, but today the Insignia VXR stands alone.
8/10