Vauxhall Insignia VXR news - Insignia VXR: more numbers - 2009

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At Goodwood this weekend, we saw the Vauxhall Insignia VXR for the first time. More importantly, we heard it. It sounds loud. It sounds excellent. It sounds fast.

And today, Vauxhall has released a whole bunch of new information on its fastest Insignia - including the price. We had hoped the VXR would weigh in under 30 grand, but it's just sneaked over the big three-oh: the saloon and hatch VXR start at £30,995, while the estate is just over £1,000 extra.

We now know exactly how much fastness you get for your cash: Vauxhall has confirmed that the Insignia VXR will hit 60mph in 5.6 seconds and run to a limited 155mph, courtesy of its 321bhp 2.8-litre V6.

That's level pegging with the BMW 335i and not far off the Audi S4 - truly quick, in other words. Handling should be tidy, too - the VXR gets four-wheel drive, lowered suspension and a stiffer rear anti-roll bar and springs.

Those smart wheels are the optional 20-inch forged rims, with 19-inch alloys fitted as standard. Look good, don't they?

The only real drawback seems to be the VXR's economy and emissions: it'll only manage 24.7mpg on the combined cycle, and emits 268g/km of CO2. Compare that to the Audi S4, which will return nearly 30mpg and 221g/km of CO2.

That said, the VXR is some four grand cheaper than the Audi. It'll reach showrooms in September: will you be having a poke around?