Vauxhall Insignia VXR

Who would have thought that a VXR-badged Vauxhall would be one of the most restrained contenders in our performance car shoot-out?

Traditionally, the Luton firm’s hot models have all the subtlety and sophistication of a sledgehammer. But the Insignia VXR has changed all that. With its sleek looks, powerful 321bhp turbocharged V6 engine, four-wheel-drive chassis and hi-tech adaptive damping, the Insignia is one of the company’s most engaging models ever. A set of 19-inch alloys, a ‘tiger tooth’ grille and a burble from the twin tailpipes are the only external clues to its potential, while inside you get a pair of deep Recaro seats and a thick-rimmed sports steering wheel.

However, hit the VXR button on the centre console and the Insignia suddenly reveals its sporting side. Steering and throttle responses are sharpened, the dampers get firmer, and, as a final flourish, the backlighting of the dash dials turns from mild white to aggressive red. On the move, the VXR is devastatingly quick, lapping our Anglesey test circuit only half a second slower than the 420bhp V8-engined VXR8 that starred in 2007. The all-wheel-drive set-up generates bags of grip, there’s plenty of front-end bite from the well weighted steering, and the Brembo brakes deliver strong stopping power. Crucially, though, the Insignia doesn’t generate the feedback and involvement on the limit that you expect from the best driving machines. As a result of its supple ride and excellent refinement, our testers felt just a little isolated from the action underneath them.

But on the road, where speeds are lower, the VXR is an immensely capable, quick and exciting executive express. When it came to choosing a car for our five-hour drive home, the Vauxhall became one of the most popular cars in the pitlane.

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