Mmmmmm VXR me up...

GF and I were looking at new cars recently. Was looking at the 150bhp CDTi 6 speed Astra SRi. Enough umph, and lots of good economy... Plus he styling pack with skirts, lower front lip, rear lip, 18"s etc..

However, popped to the local VX dealer where he brother works, and whats ouside, but one of these little puppies. 236bhp, 236lf ft, 19"s, big ass comfy Recaros, sat nav, 152mph yadder etc...

So, its there, why not pop out in it. Why not indeed. Takes about 1 second to come "on boost" when given some beans, and the traction control light popped up when in 1st n 2nd. Works out the same price as the CDTi version mentioned above. Road presence is huuuuuggggeeee. Every car driver just stared, jaw on the floor. Pictures realy do not do it justice.

Ordering it in April, wooooooooooooooooooo.....

Problem is, 3 wicked cars, but only 2 drivers, one is gonna have to go, and it could be my 2.0 Corsa Boooooooo

[Viney]

I do like them. They said that in various reviews, that the power delivery is a bit harsh, and that the new Golf GTi was a better car overall.

Still like them though. Lucky bugger...also, aint you just brought a house???

*Not jealous*

Good to see the GM boys getting back to creating some half decent hot hatches. Seems crazy that the once "supercar" Ferrari 308 was hovering at the 240Bhp mark only twenty odd years back, ah good old Magnum.
The Astra VXR is a decent car, but in terms of handling and pure feedback it's not quite up with the current Golf GTi never mind the blue ovals muscular and surprisingly deft Focus ST. That said the Astra has some serious mid range thrust, a real firecracker motor, shame it's not rwd. My only advice would be to try the Megane 225, especially the wicked Cup edition, before you commit to the Astra. I still reckon for looks though the Astra VXR beats any current hot hatch. Enjoy your drive. Oh yeah what colour did you plump for?

[Skip]

Definitely has the most road presence of any of the latest "hyper hatches" - you will most certainly build up big forearms holding onto all the torque steer! lol

Personally I would get a second hand Mitsi Evo (having had an early one in the past) - but you pays your money, you takes your choice!

We've looked at the GTi, but tbh, it just looks so bland and boring and like any other Golf on the road. Just got fancy alloys.

When comparing the VXR to the 2nd of the range Astra though, theres an awful lot of difference.

Seats are SO much better.
Get funky VXR dials, different dials from std.
Big ass bodykit, skirts, front airdam, rear bumper
center exit exhaust
19" alloys
236bhp, he he he he......
Better suspension shocks

Power delivery, tbh, wasn't as quick as i was expecting, but quicker than the other top models (Leon Cupra R, Golf GTi, Focus ST, Megan 225 etc). Handling, well, Vauxhalls have always been known for shoddy "out of the box" handling. Same as the Corsa, Nova, Astra GSi Mk3 etc. Put an aftermarket kit and its a belter of a car. Megane just doesn't feel quick, mid range punch is poo, plus is french, I don't like french cars

Missis has a 2.0 turbo corsa, a harsh power delivery will be ok It liked to torque steer a bit, but thats part of the fun. Don't drive it hard and its like any other car, but when you plant it, you get to have some fun

Oh, going to go for the Blue one hopefully. Yeah, just bought a new house too

Her companie is paying for it all, so can't even touch it though, but maybe, in 3-4 years time, I can buy it for myself, then get to play with it But for a standard car, its pretty cool.

[timwilky]

Well as Mondao man what can I say. It is just a Vauxhall with a livelier power plant.

At my office we all have to have our toys. With me it is bikes. one guy just got himself a Ferrari Mondial in lurrrvly condition and another a Dodge Charger. one guy who has just left had a couple of big Healeys, and yet another with an Interceptor

When it comes to toys get something with a bit of personality

Originally Posted by timwilky

Well as Mondao man what can I say. It is just a Vauxhall with a livelier power plant.

At my office we all have to have our toys. With me it is bikes. one guy just got himself a Ferrari Mondial in lurrrvly condition and another a Dodge Charger.

When it comes to toys get something with a bit of personality

Pah, a typical FORD owner (Fix Or Repair Daily) Back bumper snapped in half yet? he he (banter...)

Nahh, seriously dude, look at my site, im a VX man.....

http://public.fotki.com/Daimob/my_car_and_donnas_car/

Would be in this colour. Not with these wheels, these are the standard 18"s.

Originally Posted by Daimo

That looks like one ugly car! The Astra does nothing for me what ever guise it is in but if it floats your boat then good for you.....

Originally Posted by timwilky

and yet another with an Interceptor

Now you're talking, four wheel drive with ABS in 1967, cracking car.
Shame it cost twice as much as an E-type.

For the record I think the Astra looks pretty good, although 230 odd horses going through the front wheels is going to test any chassis.

Not sure about the grey interior in the piccy (though those Recaros do look good) hard to tell from a photo anyway.

[fizzwheel]

Looks much nicer in the blue. I like it