More power for Vauxhall estate

May 20 2009 Steve Hughes

More power for Vauxhall estate

VAUXHALL is planning to introduce its fastest-ever estate car in the guise of a 155mph version of the Insignia VXR Sports Tourer.

The car would be even faster but the company has decided to limit the top speed electronically in the interests of safety and political correctness.

It is the third Insignia body style to get the high-performance VXR treatment, following in the tyre tracks of the saloon and hatchback.

Due on sale in the autumn, it is not only the fastest estate car Vauxhall has produced but also the first to incorporate adaptive 4x4 and an electronic limited slip differential.This enables it to get the power on to the tarmac whilst maximising grip on the move.

It also sits slightly lower to the ground than the standard Sports Tourer.

Another feature is the HiPerStrut handling system, which reduces torque-steer and maintains negative camber during cornering, thereby improving wet and dry grip.

Power comes from a 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 engine that generates 325bhp to enable the car to reach 60mph from rest in just six seconds.

Outside the estate is fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes with colour-keyed callipers and vented/cross-drilled discs whilst inside there are front Recaro seats, a VXR steering wheel and gear knob plus special instrument graphics, VXR sill plates and black headlining.

Deeper bumpers, front mesh grilles and dual matt chrome exhausts are also included plus colour options of Arden Blue, Power Red, Carbon Flash Black, Silver Lake, Olympic White and Technical Grey.

Vauxhall says that where the Sports Tourer VXR really scores is in its combination of prodigious performance and practicality, with a luggage-carrying capacity of up to 1530 litres.

It is this combination that the company hopes will lure buyers away from traditional favourites such as the Audi S4 Avant and BMW 335i.

Prices will be announced in the summer but the current Insignia estate flagship model - the V6 4x4 Elite Nav - costs from £30,690.