Vauxhall Insignia VXR (2009) UK CAR review

Vauxhall Insignia VXR (or Opel Insignia OPC in the Continent) is an interesting car, but it appeals to the sort of buyer thinking of snapping up an Audi S4 or hot 3-series. Car magazine has published a very nice review. Enjoy!

Verdict

"The hottest Insignia is a very different VXR, but it’s a great effort and stands a much better chance of stealing sales from the premium German opposition than does the fun but ecologically disastrous VXR8. It’s handsome, keenly priced, rides like a limo and is deceptively rapid. But there’s something missing.

Even discounting the inferior fuel consumption and emissions figures – hard to do on a car so obviously geared to company drivers – you’re still left wanting a bit more sonic enjoyment and better steering. There’s no dual-clutch or auto option either. With a little tweaking though, the VXR could yet be a really great sports saloon."

Statistics

How much?	£30,995
On sale in the UK:	Now
Engine:	2792cc 24v V6, 321bhp @ 5250rpm, 321lb ft @ 5250rpm
Transmission:	Six-speed manual, four-wheel drive
Performance:	5.6sec 0-60mph, 155mph, 25mpg, 268g/km CO2
How heavy / made of?	1825kg/steel
How big (length/width/height in mm)?	4830/1856/1498

Source: Car Magazine

...new car is coming next week

My car was finally sold on July 15th and following my market research for a new car (earlier post), I ordered a new one....which should be delivered by next week!

More details will be revealed soon...

New car selection...

I am about to change my car, providing that I will sell it at a reasonable price, and I am looking for a new car (I live in Europe).

I am after a car equipped with a petrol engine up to 1.8L, sporty characteristics as much as possible, practical (so not a 3-door car) and cheap to run (this means no Alfa Romeo or VW...). My budget is around €25,000.

Below I have listed the cars I have checked out and my findings:

Honda Insight (Elegance edition)

• Most affordable hybrid in the market
  
• Good fuel economy
• Cheap to run (considering servicing expenses etc)
• Warranty
• Residuals
  

But....

• Bad rear visibility
• I tried to get at the back...but I just could not fit (I am 1.87m tall)
• I liked the interior design in the photos....but in real life, due to the fact that it is based on Jazz, it felt too crowded with all the switches etc
  
• Tiny armrest that looks funny...
• Definitely not fun to drive, even with paddle shift
  

Peugeot 3008 1.6THP (Premium Pack edition)

• Nice interior design
• Quality seems improved compared with the past
• Roomy inside
• Compact in terms of size
• A lot of standard kit

But...

• Odd looks from the outside...
  
• Questionable reliability
• Not expensive in terms of servicing, but not cheap either (cost for 1st service around €150)
• Residuals
  

Opel Insignia 1.6 Turbo (Sport edition)

• Miles better that its predecessor
• Presence
• Germanic feel
  
• Sport seats feel good
• FlexRide...providing it does what it says on the tin
  
• Power output (180 hp)
• Value for money (costs around €24,000)
• Cheap to run (cost for 1st service around €70)

But...

• It's huge...so if you live in a big city, parking becomes a very challenging task and requires a lot of patience
• Piano black trim doesn't achieve the desired quality effect
• 18" wheels come as standard....meaning that tire replacement is costly
  

In any case, I would appreciate any suggestions, thought etc