2015 Holden Insignia VXR Review: Sticky, Porky, But Nice…
What’s Hot: Technology plus, dynamic AWD performance, solid price
What’s Not: Small cabin, noisy, a bit porky, no spare wheel
X-FACTOR: Holden’s car to maintain 'showroom momentum' comes courtesy of a performance-plus German sports sedan.
Vehicle style: Mid-size sports sedan
Price: Holden Insignia VXR - $51,990
Engine/trans: 239kW/435Nm 2.8 turbo petrol V6 | 6spd auto
Fuel economy claimed: 11.3 L/100km | tested: 12.8 L/100km
OVERVIEW
Yes, rumours of its death are premature. Its bread-and-butter large car range may be headed to oblivion, but Holden isn't wasting time rejuvenating its product menu.
The first road sign that points to Holden’s refocused new direction is the Insignia.
Borrowing from its sister company Opel in Germany – paralleling a similar move made in 1978 when the German-born Commodore first hit Australia – the Insignia VXR is an impressive car designed to recapture interest in mid-priced, mid-sized but 'large power' family sedans.
Holden admits it’s a niche product.
It’s all-wheel drive, for a start. And a turbocharged V6 engine (a variant of the Commodore 3.6-litre V6) with tricky differentials and quick-change six-speed automatic are all spicy ingredients of great appeal in rev-happy Australia.