Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Vauxhall Insignia VXR estate: Test Drive Review
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Vauxhall Insignia VXR estate: Test Drive Review

Date: 04 January 2010   |   Author: Tristan Young

Category: Upper medium
P11D price: £31,860
Key rival: VW Passat

Realistically there is only one fleet application of this version of the Insignia and that's as a fully liveried police car.

Regular (if there is such a thing) user-chooser fleet drivers will be put off by the painfully high taxation and poor fuel economy. Yes, this is the hot version of the fleet staple Insignia, but other cars can do just as fast, with far better economy for similar money.

Don't believe me? Then check the BMW 330d estate, which at £32,000 is as fast, but comes in with a 22% BIK tax band and has a fuel figure of 44.8mpg. The VXR stands at 35% and 24.2mpg.

Even as an un-marked police car the Vauxhall Insignia VXR doesn't really work as it's too high profile - covert police cars tend to blend in. The Insignia VXR shouts 'look at me' the whole time thanks to its bigger front bumper, rear spoiler and huge distinctive alloys.

After the raucous introduction from the styling the driver involvement is a bit of a let-down. Steering feel doesn't tell you what's happening often enough for such a fast car and even in VXR mode the Vauxhall doesn't feel sporty like a 325PS car should.

The final nail in the coffin is a 26% residual value prediction from KwikCarcost, resulting in an 87.5ppm running cost.

Vauxhall Insignia 2.8T VXR estate manual
P11D price£31,860
Model price range£18,895-£31,860
Fuel consumption24.2mpg
CO2 (tax) 274g/km (35%)
BIK 20/40% per month£185/£371
Service interval20,000mls
Insurancegroup 18
Warranty3yrs/60,000mls
Boot space (min/max)540/1510 litres
Engine size/power2792cc/325PS
Top speed/0-62mph155mph/6.3secs
On sale September 2009
Score5/10
VerdictQuick, but not the fleet choice.
And a bit high profile as
an unmarked police car


Verdict


Quick, but not the fleet choice. And a bit high profile as an unmarked police car
5/10

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