Holden heralds its first AWD turbo sports sedan

GM Holden has announced full details of the Insignia VXR it will release next month, including a $51,990 starting price and Holden-firsts including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Alert and Auto Emergency Braking.

That makes Holden's first all-wheel drive turbocharged performance sedan $8000 cheaper than the Opel Insignia OPC sold briefly in Australia from February 2013.

The Insignia is the second instalment of Holden's "new European product onslaught" following the relaunch of Opel's Astra VXR and GTC coupes as Holdens earlier this month.

It also previews a future in which the replacement for Holden's last homegrown Commodore will be replaced by an imported European model – most likely Opel's next-generation Insignia from Germany – in 2018.

While the three driver safety aids listed above are new to Holden and the MY15 Insignia VXR, Holden's second VXR model also offers a reversing camera, Adaptive Forward Lighting, Side Blind Spot Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Forward Collision Alert.

However, carried over are its 239kW/435Nm 2.8-litre turbo-petrol V6 that, matched with a six-speed automatic transmission, continues to propel the 1800kg-plus large sedan to 100km/h in 6.3 seconds and returns 10.9L/100km combined fuel consumption.

Prestige paint is the only option at $550, and the hottest Insignia now rolls on 20-inch alloy wheels as standard (previously a $1000 option).

Other key features include a reversing camera, Holden's MyLink infotainment system with 8.0-inch touch-screen, satellite-navigation, seven-speaker sound system, heated Recaro leather-appointed front sports seats, front/rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate-control, automatic headlights and wipers, FlexRide suspension, bi-xenon headlights with LED DRLs and keyless entry/start.

Exterior paint colour choices comprise Summit White (the only solid colour) and Carbon Flash Black, Arden Blue and Silver Lake metallics.

"Performance and great to drive have always been part of Holden's DNA, said Holden's Executive Director of Sales, Peter Keley.

"Add to this a German designed and engineered AWD performance sedan, loaded with equipment, and you have one very exciting vehicle.

"The Holden Insignia VXR is visually stunning with great road presence, exceptional build quality and breathtaking performance, all at an incredibly competitive price.

"This car is sure to make customers who are looking for a true performance mid-size sedan take a serious look at this latest Holden.

"It is further evidence that Holden is serious about our future product strategy. Insignia VXR is a very exciting taste of things to come."