Holden Insignia VXR brings more tech for under $52k
GM Holden revives Opel's mid-size all-wheel drive sports sedan with more kit for a lower priceThe Opel Insignia VXR that was sold briefly in Australia back in 2013 has made a return, badged as a Holden.
Now sporting new radar-based active safety systems and a revised interior (boasting a new 8.0-inch instrument cluster), the Holden version is also priced more affordably than before, now at $51,990 – which is $8000 less than the Opel version sold previously.
The Insignia VXR continues to be powered by a twin-scroll turbo V6, displacing 2.8 litres and driving through a six-speed automatic transmission to an all-wheel drive system incorporating an electronic 'eLSD' that locks the rear diff. Developing 239kW and 435Nm, the Port Melbourne-built V6 is a DOHC unit with direct injection and running on recommended 98 RON PULP, for 11.3L/100km economy in combined-cycle testing. Each scroll of the turbocharger is driven by a stream of exhaust gas from a corresponding bank of cylinders.
Riding on 20-inch alloy wheels, the Insignia VXR is underpinned by Opel's HiPerStrut front suspension and a multi-link rear-end. Its FlexRide chassis control provides three driving modes: Touring (or Standard), Sport and VXR, each mode providing improved dynamic control over the previous mode. The FlexRide system modulates suspension, all-wheel drive traction, steering, throttle and shifting.
New active safety features for this revised Insignia VXR – effectively Opel's mid-life refresh of the car, which was named European Car of the Year in 2009 – include: Lane Change Alert, Auto Emergency Braking (AEB) and Adaptive Cruise Control. In addition, the Insignia VXR is equipped with auto bi-xenon headlights with adaptive and static cornering lights, rear-cross traffic alert, side blind zone, Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure warning that will detect a vehicle approaching fast from the car's oblique rear – up to 70 metres away.
Standard features include MyLink with eight-inch colour touch screen, seven-speaker audio, satellit- navigation, DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth, USB input, Recaro front seats (eight-way adjustable with two-position memory for driver's), heated electric side mirrors, alloy sports pedals, leather upholstery, leather-bound wheel/gearknob, multi-function steering wheel, front/rear parking sensors, reversing camera, electric windows, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control and trip computer.
Holden is offering the Insignia VXR with capped priced servicing for $229, with servicing due every nine months or 15,000km. At the 75,000km mark the price rises to $289. Prestige paint is priced at $550 as an option for Carbon Flash Black, Arden Blue and Silver Lake. The only colour available at no extra cost is Summit White.
Holden aims with the Insignia VXR to target male buyers who are cashed-up, style-conscious and "tech-savvy" with the Insignia VXR. Primarily on the V6 twin-turbo sedan's list of competitors are the Subaru Liberty 3.6R and Volkswagen CC.
Holden's Director of Communications, Sean Poppitt, did say "it is going to be niche", when Holden was queried about about sales volumes for the 'new' VXR during the car's presentation to media for the relaunch. But the clear implication also is that Holden – through its 234-strong dealer network – can reach more customers for the Insignia VXR than Opel could manage with fewer than 20.
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