Vauxhall’s new Insignia VXR will hit UK showrooms in September priced from £30,995. Vauxhall Insignia VXR

The VXR version of the Insignia is powered by a turbocharged 325bhp V6 engine and will be available in hatch, saloon and sports tourer versions.

New features include a ‘HiPerStrut’ front suspension system, adaptive four-wheel drive with electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) and a 10 millimetre reduction in ride height over the Insignia SRi.

The HiPerStrut system is unique to the VXR. It increases grip and reduces torque-steer.

Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch lightweight forged alloys are a cost option) with bespoke tyres, revised bushing and damper settings on both axles, and Brembo brakes with colour-keyed callipers and vented/cross-drilled discs. Vauxhall Insignia VXR

Interior specifications include Recaro front seats, a new VXR steering wheel, VXR gearknob and unique mouldings are standard on all cars, along with different instrument graphics, VXR sill plates and a black headlining.

Andy Gilson, Vauxhall’s marketing director, said: “The Insignia VXR is not just about absolute power, but a combination of usable performance and chassis sophistication which is the match of premium rivals, such as Audi’s new S4.

“In essence, it’s an ultra-fast performance saloon that will appeal to buyers who appreciate subtle yet distinctive styling, but who need to know that there’s real substance below the car’s metal.”

Colour choices include Arden Blue, Power Red, Carbon Flash Black, Silver Lake, Olympic White and Technical Grey.

The new Insignia VXR joins the Corsa VXR, Astra VXR, and VXR8 Bathurst S.