Standard FlexRide adaptive damping features two modes besides the Normal setting. These can be summoned through two buttons, one marked ‘Sport’ and the other ‘VXR’ – the latter changing the binnacle lighting to red to further emphasise its sportier driving dynamics. The Sport mode stiffens the dampers whilst the VXR mode further hardens the suspension and also sharpens the throttle response. As the car is tuned for performance from the outset, these additional settings proved subtle enough to be overlooked.
Still, the 400Nm doesn’t readily announce its arrival. Though the VXR is quick off the line and climbs through the rev range rapidly, it didn’t always feel as though there were 276 wild broncos on tap waiting to be unleashed… There is no turbo lag to be felt and the car pulls strongly from very low revs.
Once you’re committed and travelling down straights at breakneck speed, it’s reassuring to feel the large Brembo brakes scrubbing off momentum before you plunge into a corner. They are remarkably effective and offer a progressive feel even though the pedal isn’t as hard as you might expect.
In all, it’s a very capable and drivable car, but in the quest towards adding an ethereal quality to the driving experience engineers have tuned the exhaust note to recreate the fast and furious noise of its predecessor. It sounds artificial – more hairdryer than jet-like – when standing on the right pedal, but if you lay off, it’s possible to bypass that sound altogether.
Economy and Environment
Vauxhall claims fairly decent figures for fuel economy (34.9mpg in the combined cycle) and the car spews out 189g/km of CO2, but in our experience economy was dismal. We barely managed 20mpg, largely due to our hoon-like, rather than conservative, driving style. This, we feel, gives a more accurate view of the car’s real world efficiency. It’s probably the way most owners will be driving given the opportunity. Though there are larger, thirstier engines that will see you visiting the petrol station far more often, this clearly isn’t the car for environmentalists.
Equipment and Value
The VXR comes well equipped with side bolstered sports seats, a small diameter flat-bottomed steering wheel and a host of other unique elements to add to its sporting character. The most visually appealing from the cockpit are the new performance instruments – particularly the speedometer.
Various option packs are available for those wanting power adjustable leather or more performance-oriented seats, better forward visibility at night or to enhance the car’s exterior appearance. Dual zone climate control, rear parking sensors, satellite navigation and an uprated Infinity sound system are also on offer. If you’re inclined to tick options boxes be prepared to spend north of £30K, which gets to be expensive.
Safety
Though the new VXR is a welcome change from its unruly forebear, you’ll be pleased to know that it comes fitted with numerous safety features should you mistakenly catapult it off the road. Beside the limited slip diff, the VXR also includes traction and stability control as well as ABS and six airbags.
Verdict
The new Astra VXR is leaps and bounds better than its predecessor. It’s a model of evolutionary improvement, where designers and engineers have clearly worked in perfect unison and achieved the target set out in the brief.
If you’re in the market for a hot hatch, the Astra VXR is strongly recommended. It’s still got a spot on the power podium and there is now some serious, controlled, fun to be had whilst sat in its comfortable and grippy 18-way adjustable seats. Just be prepared to write that check.
Key specs
Model tested: Vauxhall Astra VXR 2.0i Turbo
Engine: 2.0-liter 16V turbocharged four-cylinder
Power: 276bhp
Torque: 400Nm
Acceleration: 0-60 in 5.9 seconds
Top speed: 155mph
Economy: 34.9mpg (claimed)
Emissions: 292g/km CO2
Price: £26,995
