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.
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