First look at the Vauxhall Astra VXR

The most powerful production Astra ever made goes on sale next year and while Vauxhall is still being tight-lipped on the pricing and exact on-sale date, they have released some pictures and let slip a few details about what to expect under the hood.

Powered by a 2.0-litre, turbocharged direct injection 276bhp petrol engine with 295 lb-ft of torque, this bad boy will be a hot hatch to be reckoned with. Based on the new Astra GTC coupe, but with a bespoke modified chassis, the VXR will also benefit from a limited slip diff, Brembo brakes and the GTC’s HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) so that some mean handling is added to the engine’s potency. There will be two modes, Sport and VXR, to offer the driver two different settings for damper, throttle and steering control.

Just to make damn sure it was up to scratch, most of the chassis sign-off was done on the challenging Northern Loop of the Nurburgring, overseen by Le Mans 24-Hour winner, “Smokin’ Jo” Winkelhock (awesome name - we may take on “Smokin’” nicknames here at TotallyMotor...).

The VXR looks more sculpted and defined than the run-of-the-mill Astra and other visual clues that this car is a little different include new side skirts, a roof spoiler and twin exhaust pipes in a trapeze shape. Inside, the cabin gets performance seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and an upgraded instrument panel.

Vauxhall expects the UK to be the VXR’s biggest market so as soon as we have the price and an on-sale date, we’ll make sure you’re the first to know about it...

www.vauxhall.co.uk/vxr














By Georgia Lewis

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