#V6TECHNOCAT

Lacking the punch of the V8 local, the Holden Insignia VXR still has plenty of other tricks in its bag. Recaro seats, high quality tech, tricky suspension with some eurospeed flair and a boosted V6 turbo are just the start.
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[@williamj8349]

Great review - Currently using a 2.0 TDI Insignia and am picking this up tomorrow and really looking forward to the extra features/power

[@LOFLYT]

It's been quite a few years since this review, but I still look back on this drive with fond memories. I hope it treats you well and vice versa ✌️

[@tomcole020]

Best review I’ve seen of one of these, straight to the point and gave it a good boot about aswell 😂

[@LOFLYT]

Cheers mate. I think I drove it... Appropriately. 😁 I blame the car. It just keeps asking for it.

[@davejones179]

So good to see a no bs review. I am looking at a compromise car for dad duty without losing my soul. I am going to look at a low k demo this weekend based on this vid. Cheers mate.

[@LOFLYT]

Dave Jones thanks for watching. If you're doing dad stuff, make sure the back seat is adequate. Rear leg room is probably it's biggest weak spot. 👍

[@safekraka]

Cheers for the reply. (same guy diff YT acc) Yep agreed on the leg room. I have a 2 year old and a newborn so not an issue. Picking it up next week. 12.3k on the clock, dealer domo for $28k. Pretty happy with that.

[@bigalexxx]

​@@safekrakahey bud, how has ownership been with the insignia??

[@safekraka]

@@bigalexxx SOLD after a year. Looked great, good cruiser but had the worst gear box ever...do no use the paddles. Electronics started failing and round out after they have BCM issues.

[@harveym5716]

I'm thinking of buying one of these and and am currently cross shopping it against a Volvo S60 T6. The bang for buck on these is fantastic. I do worry about reliability though.

[@LOFLYT]

Have you driven both? I drove the new (2019) S60R and it was terribly disappointing. The front end has nothing. Which year are you considering?

[@harveym5716]

@@LOFLYT the previous shape...around 2014 r-design

[@harveym5716]

@@LOFLYT And I have yet to drive either of them

[@LOFLYT]

I haven't driven the older model, but if these are the types of vehicles you are looking at, wheel time should be fairly important. As for keeping them running, the Holden will be much cheaper to service and repair. I can't speak for how often that will be, but the V6 is pretty ubiquitous. You'll never struggle for engine parts at least.

[@harveym5716]

@@LOFLYT Agreed. I think that a remap would work wonders on the VXR too.

[@francoprincipe5995]

Hey mate. This is a really good review! I've just come into an opportunity to grab one.... I'm trying to learn about them. Reviews complain about economy. My Alfa 147 averages 12.3 ... Pretty much just driving in and out of City rush hours. So if I'm expecting to get a little less with this then I think it is a winner. I'm concerned about parts and reliability with all the tech in it.... Bit I'm leaning towards it. Thanks for the review!

[@LOFLYT]

Thanks! I really liked the VXR.Parts may be an issue. The only upside there is that the is a global citizen. There are plenty of Facebook communities that can help with issues. Check out both the Opel Insignia and the Buick Regal groups. (Noting the Regal never got the V6 turbo). There are plenty of parts on line but it depends on how handy you are with the tools. Then again, let's just cross our fingers and hope it's a reliable rig!

[@francoprincipe5995]

@@LOFLYTthanks for the response! I tend to be drawn to vehicles that a bit different. But of course the drawback is that you never really know how it will do in the long run. I'll check out the forums.

[@kTSWaynos]

I didnt want to give it back either when I had one to review

[@MrFredscrap]

I have a MY16 VXR, had it for almost 2 years now, got it at a 40% off RRP. Few things: 1. The "Flexride" suspension is not magnetic, it's not "Magneride", it's just an adjustable damper with an inbuilt electric motor to change stiffness, its made by Saches, it's got 3 settings: Soft/Medium/Hard, Medium is linked to "Sport Mode" and Hard is linked to "VXR mode". 2. The power delivery is odd, thats because of gimped tune out of the factory to protect the transmission, also 1st and 2nd gear are boost limited to about 7psi. 3. The power steering sometimes will groan like an early 00's Commdore, and it's actually caused by the same resonance as commodore, there isnt really a cure because unlike the Commodore, there wasnt an extra bracket fitted to hold down the PS hose. 4. The auto transmission is the same as installed in the Holden Cruze, but you're pushing 2x the torque, did a few Yarra ranges runs and the transmission temp shot up like a rocket, it'll be a problem at some point. Oh also... the front brake rotors, they're over $1000 AUD each, plus labour. Although it's the same shape and size as VE Commodore SS redline with the brembo package, so you can get aftermarket bits instead

[@LOFLYT]

Do you still have it? Interested in the longevity, and through life costs. Did anything break? Creaks it groans?

[@MrFredscrap]

@@LOFLYT yep, had it for 4 years now, had a shock/strut replaced under warranty. One of the ABS sensor cable plays up every now and then (which causes the cruise control etc to all turn off), this is a known issue that goes back to the Vectra days (also affects the Saab 9-5) Other than that no issues with the car.

[@MrFredscrap]

@@LOFLYT One more thing, holden lied and refused to update the GPS map for the insignia, so if you want updated maps you'll have to use carplay

[@spawnneverland5334]

Hi mate any haldex oil and filter changes?

[@MrFredscrap]

@@spawnneverland5334 doing haldex this year, just hit over 40,000 KMs Will be using the Ravenol AWD-H haldex fluid instead of OEM.

[@okm88]

This on alpine way or thunderbolts way, oh would that be fun! Minus logging trucks

[@LOFLYT]

+2gud4umenglez the VXR performs best on mountain passes and across big sweeping country roads (my personal favourite). windows down, no passengers if possible.

[@okm88]

LO FLYT sounds delightful. Which roads is your favourite out of all? Mine has to be thunderbolts way from the scone road turn off.

[@goran2009]

What about sound system? Is it Infinity brand or....

[@LOFLYT]

Hi Goran. I punish the stereo in all my test cars, as I love my music. I do recall the Insignia performed well though it's not a third party branded system. My baseline test track is Command by Starkey, though it's sounds just OK on youtube. I have the .FLAC quality track, and CD quality that I play through USB stick where possible, or bluetooth as a last resort. It pushes a thorough range of sounds from high hats, claps and heavy snappy bass.

[@goranfarkas9799]

Finally purchased my vxr, I love it but when driving out of my garage or slow speed manoeuvres i can feel some clicking noise / vibration trough my steering... time for fixing already...

[@mga71]

Me also, did you get yours fixed?

[@LOFLYT]

Goran Farkas I had a similar ticking noise when I tested the VXR Astra. It has the same suspension. Please let me know how you go. I'll ask a mechanic.

[@LOFLYT]

Have you had yours repaired Mark or has yours just started?

[@goranfarkas9799]

It has only started, ill buzz Holden in next couple of days to book check up. Hopefully they will know how to fix it right...

[@LOFLYT]

I talked to Holden about this on twitter. They indicated that it is a "characteristic of the hydraulic power steering system" and it "does not reflect any functionality or durability concern". They still recommended that you take a service manager for a drive to hear the noise too, just to be sure. But I would confirm that the dealer isn't going to charge you a "diagnosis fee" just to be sure. ;-)

[@allantotti]

Thanks for the review, your channel is way underrated. The Insignia VXR is very cheap now a days, I found 2 2015 models with less than 60k on the odometer below $25k. Thinking about replacing my 2011 Renault Megane RS, this might be the pick.

[@LOFLYT]

Thanks mate. I need to add more content, and I'm not that good at self promotion 😆 I'm glad you liked it though. These were really good cars, looked over based on 0-100 times. The picture is so much broader than that. Tight back seat space though, if that's important to you.

[@allantotti]

@@LOFLYT Indeed, I looked it up on the European side and they love this car. It has some weaknesses like breaks not lasting long and cam chains issues but not a long list of things. The only concern I have is parts in 10 years time... Even though it is an Opel, I wonder if there will be any interest from our defunct Holden to provide parts past what they are legally required to do. Rear seat space isn't important so all good.

[@MrFredscrap]

@@allantotti The timing chain is the same issue as rest of the GM HFV6 range, it was more or less addressed in the facelift Insignia VXR, by changing the part number for the chain (better metal I think) and they increased the oil level in the sump, there was also a gasket change to reduce blow-by

[@allantotti]

@@MrFredscrap Thanks for the reply, I'll cross that one off the list :)

[@MrFredscrap]

@@allantotti It's more of a cruiser than a Sports car. Oh also, all "Holden" insignia VXR's are facelift (2015 onwards) with no Timing chain problems.