30 Aug 2013

New Vauxhall Insignia VXR SuperSport

This is the magnificently named, new for 2013, Vauxhall Insignia VXR SuperSport.  It's a 325bhp, 4 wheel drive estate for £31k.
Vauxhall Insignia VXR SuperSport

Actually the SuperSport is available as a hatchback or estate but the Sport Tourer version is the only one that seems true to the genre - that genre being super fast estates.  Do keep up please.

The VXR SuperSport has been around for a while but the 2013 version gets a host of revisions including revised suspension hardware and software, something called noise vibration harshness has been fine-tuned, some external detailing and lots of interior upgrades.

Inside the VXR SuperSport you'll find a new instrument panel, 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth internet connection and DAB as standard - hurrah!

I recently drove the Astra VXR and the lack of touchscreen meant for slightly complicated controls.  A touchscreen should resolve this in the Insignia.

The Insignia VXR SuperSport has a turbocharged 2.8 litre V6 petrol engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.  It'll do 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds.

The VXR SuperSport has all the right ingredients for a proper fast wagon, and it only costs £31,049.  The hatchback is £29,749.  Vauxhall hasn't trumpeted it but this is £1,000 cheaper than the old model.

I have yet to drive an Insignia Estate but if it's anything like the Astra VXR it will be a fantastically well bolted together car that's an involving drive - and fast.  In fact the only things I don't like about it are the name (Insignia is just too conservative) and all the chrome up front.  The Astra's body-coloured front grille looks much better.

I do love the name SuperSport though.  Sounds great.
Vauxhall Insignia VXR SuperSport

Vauxhall Insignia VXR SuperSport

Article by Matt Hubbard