Vauxhall Insignia VXR Sports Tourer (2009) first pictures

By Ben Pulman

First Official Pictures

20 May 2009 10:30

This is the third and final iteration of Vauxhall’s hot Insignia range, the VXR Sports Tourer, with a turbocharged 2.8-litre V6.

Definitely. The turbocharged 2.8-litre V6 produces 321bhp, enough for a six-second 0-60mph time (0.2sec behind the saloon and hatch) and a 155mph limited top speed.

Beyond the extra grunt, the Insignia VXR features Vauxhall’s Adaptive 4x4 system, an electronic limited slip differential and the company’s new HiPerStrut suspension, which is similar in set-up to the RevoKnuckle system on the Focus RS. The ride height has been lowered 10mm compared to the standard Sports Tourer, and there are new bushes and dampers. Multi-spoke 19-inch alloys are standard (with 20in rims as an option), and they hide vented and drilled Brembo brakes.

Other tweaks include rectangular exhausts and a body kit that takes its cues from the GTC concept, while inside there are Recaro front seats, and a gearstick, steering wheel and dials unique to the VXR.

But you also get the regular Sports Tourer’s practical parts too. There’s a 540-litre boot, or 1530 is you fold the rear seats, while the electric tailgate opens to different heights in case you’re in a tight space.

The VXR Insignia goes on sale in the autumn, and while Vauxhall hasn’t announced prices, expect the Sports Tourer to cost around £31,500

By Ben Pulman