Insignia VXR ready to return

GM yesterday announced production of the Holden Insignia VXR – a rebadged version of the discontinued Opel Insignia OPC – has commenced in Germany, ahead of the mid-size European sports sedan's Australian release in the second quarter of this year.

It will be one of four Opel-sourced models – three of which were briefly sold here as Opels before the German brand was axed in Australia – to go on sale Down Under by mid-year, as part of "Holden's ongoing commitment to sourcing the best vehicles from around the world".

To mark the occasion, Holden also released images of the latest Australian-bound Insignia – the replacement for which is also likely to become Holden's next-generation Commodore in 2017, in line with its plan to source almost 30 per cent of its range from Europe – on the Opel production line at Russelsheim.

The only problem is that all four models are already in production, as we reported earlier this week when we published first images of all four models in Melbourne with Holden badges and in local-spec, right-hand drive form.

Exact release timing is unclear, but Holden's public website says the rebadged Astra VXR hot hatch, Astra GTC coupe and new Cascada convertible will hit Holden showrooms in May, and the Insignia is confirmed to join them by June.

Previously priced from $59,990, the Malibu-sized Insignia VXR is powered by a Melbourne-made 2.8-litre turbocharged V6, which drives all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

Opel's range-topping Insignia could be followed on sale here by the Zafira people-mover, which was on the verge of being released as an Opel when the brand was wound down here in August 2013.

"Astra, Cascada and Insignia are renowned in Europe for their performance credentials and premium execution, making them the perfect addition to Holden's range as we continue to offer more choice for our customers," said Holden executive director of marketing Bill Mott, who previously led the short-lived Opel Australia operation.

"These stunning niche vehicles are sure to have a fantastic halo effect and attract new customers to the brand.

"We are determined to offer Australians the best possible products that we can source from GM's global operations and Opel's commitment to performance and quality aligns perfectly with our own heritage and brand."

Last week newly appointed Holden CEO Mark Bernhard and GM International boss Stefan Jacoby announced a plan to stage "24 major new model releases" by 2020, and Opel Group CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann this week said: "This is further proof of our engineers' development expertise and the attractiveness of our products. We are delighted that our successful flagship will be available in Australia."