Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer VXR 2.8 V6 Turbo Auto 5dr Car Review - March 2012

With a maximum power output of 321 bhp at 5250 rpm with torque figures of 321 lb-ft at 5250 rpm, this car is capable of a decent top speed of 155 mph. Considering the size and class of the Insignia this is more than impressive and the 2.8 litre turbo powered engine outperforms the others within the range.

The excellent engine performance is complemented by sharp and responsive handling. The model glides effortlessly through corners and offers decent levels of refinement.

Unfortunately, the additional power comes at a steep price and efficiency is sacrificed. The car achieves just 25.7 mpg on a combined cycle and carbon emissions of 259 g/km mean that this model is anything but environmentally friendly.

In terms of standard equipment, this model comes with a decent selection of in-car features. Power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, part-leather seats and an advanced stereo system with CD and MP3 compatibility are all fitted as standard.

On top of this, Bluetooth connectivity can be added for an additional £220 whilst the exterior can be upgraded to a metallic paint finish for an extra £495 and a built-in sat nav can be added for £850.

A generous boot space is one of the benefits of this model and an impressive 540 litre capacity is offered even when the seats are in place. With the seats folded down this expands to 1,530 litres – making it more than ample for the average family.

Reliability is expected to be strong and this means buyers shouldn’t have to face expensive maintenance costs. A five year, 100,000 mile warranty is offered on the car for extra assurance and a service is recommended every 20,000 miles.

In terms of safety, the car performed well in the NCAP crash tests, achieving the top rating (five stars) for overall safety. Occupant safety was also rated at five stars with child safety achieving four stars.

These high safety levels are partly thanks to an advanced safety kit which is fitted as standard. This offers driver, passenger and front side airbags all as standard features – giving customers the best value for money. An alarm and immobiliser are also fitted.

Priced at £36,730 this model is one of the most expensive in the range. There is a vast selection of in-car kit fitted as standard and a high level of performance to justify this price but, as a family car, the low economic value puts this model at a disadvantage.

Green credentials are low with high carbon emissions of 259 g/km leading to high road tax expenses. Insurance premiums are also fairly high under insurance group 36 and fuel economy of just 25.7 mpg on a combined cycle means refuelling will be expensive too.

Overall, the model offers good performance and practicality with a decent range of equipment, but certainly does not offer as much value for money as many of its rivals.