Vauxhall's grrrowling Astra VXR is a real 'hot hatch'

by Steven Mostyn - Nov 4 2011, 13:37

If you’re on the lookout for a sporty runaround capable of turning heads without breaking the bank, chances are Vauxhall might not be the first manufacturer on your list.

But, take a moment before looking elsewhere, because the new Astra VXR certainly tries its damnedest to satisfy the requirement where ‘hot hatch’ is concerned.

Beyond the immediacy of its striking good looks—which were influenced by former British Touring Car Champion Jo Winkelhock—the compact Astra VXR delivers up a whopping 276bhp courtesy of the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine crammed beneath its hood.

“We have designed a great package that will convince even the most enthusiastic drivers,” said Winkelhock regarding the VXR, which has been tuned on the infamous Nurburgring racing circuit.

Other points of interest for those keen on tire shredding include a 0-60mph time of less than six seconds, a top speed of 155mph (approx. 250kph), 400Nm of torque, 20-inch alloy wheels, and twin exhausts. Grrr.

The Astra VXR also boasts a specially developed mechanical limited-slip differential, FlexRide adaptive dampers, and the same traction-enhancing HiPerStrut technology system used in Vauxhall’s existing Astra GTC.

The growling Astra VXR will be available for pre-order from April 2012 and is expected to cost somewhere in the region of £25,000 GBP.

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