The missus unexpectedley announced that we were expecting munchkin number 2 in about 7 months time, so rather than try and squeeze 2 baby seats in the back and multiple pushchairs into the boot I opted to do the more sensible thing and part-X it for something a bit bigger.

Spec on these things is reasonable anyway, but I managed to get hold of one with virtually every single optional extra which really makes the car.

Optional Extra's included

19" Anthracite Alloys
CD70 Sat Nav System
AFL Xenon Headlights
Full Leather Recaro's
Park Distance Sensors

I've also given the performance a bit of a boost with a TMS Stage 1 Bluefin. Power is upped from 276ps 280lbs/ft Torque to an impressive 300bhp and 400lbs/ft Torque.

 

Are they AWD (I can't remember)?

Must go well? That's a lot of torque for a petrol!

 

Congratulations on your forthcoming arrival
Your idea of a sensible family car is like mine!
Chris

 

The Vectra VXR's were only FWD, it's the new Insignia VXR that has the adaptive 4WD. The chassis handels the power suprisingly well though I have to say. After driving the STI I expected nothing but wheel spin through first, second and most of third, but on a dry day you can get most of the power down towards the top of 2nd gear and 3rd is very quick indeed - the twin scroll turbo brings power in at around 1800rpm so the pick up is pretty quick and pulls like a train right through the rev range.

It is alot of Torque for a petrol but you have to bear in mind it's a 2.8ltr V6 Turbo - so a big engine with a bolted on turbo

Cheers fella - appreciated.

Was all a bit unexpected to be honest. I thought I had until at least next year to enjoy the STI but there you go. I know I could have kept it for another few months, but I was able to do a straight swap with the garage I brought it from so decided it was the best thing all round.

 

Very nice, and must feel very quick with all that torque, and make for a great over taking car. I'm Really tempted with an insignia VXR at the moment, but Im just waiting for the prices to plumet as they do on second hand vauxhalls.

 

Looks great, i hope you have a better experience with the dealerships that just about everyone else i know - Vauxhall dealers seem to treat customers like the are the enemy

 

Cracking thread in General re VXRs recently ...

TX.

 

Indeed our local one was SO bad that I was tempted to burn it down.

Told they'd pay for us to rent a car (they had no courtesy cars) when our engine died (in warranty) - then refused to pay for it. Damaged to the car - tried to get away with it. Wouldn't even give us a lift home - my wife was 8 months pregnant. On top of that they were extremely rude.

Never ever use Ward Vauxhall - ever.

 

Yeah not exactly renound for holding their value are they. Will more than likely make that very same move in 3 years or so time.

I know people who have had some seriously poor experiences with VX dealers, but to be fair to the ones in Essex they seem OK. County motor Works, and Tony Le Voi at Lakeside are the 2 I tend to use and both seem reasonable. Having said that I've had **** poor service from Ford and Subaru dealers both of which were in Essex - so guess it's just luck of the draw.

Indeed - some reasonable banter involved in that one

 

I looked at an Insignia VXR and was really impressed with the quality inside. Wasn't impressed with the drive though, it didn't feel like it had 325 bhp at all. Vxl are knocking around 5K off new so they are cheap.

 

If you want any extras for it try LMF vauxhall