Tuesday 9th September 2014

Vauxhall VXR220: Spotted

Just 65 were made and only around 40 remain; grab the ultimate VX220 while you still can!

---

The Vauxhall VXR brand is an odd one. From four-cylinder hot hatches to supercharged V8 super saloons, it's a famously hit and miss performance arm. But it's one that endears itself to the enthusiast as well with truly silly stuff like the Meriva and Zafira.

Design is 15 years old, still looks ace

Then there's the VXR220, the VXR that nobody really knows about. Just 65 were made for a start so it would always remain rare. There's also the fact that the VX220 Turbo was already an excellent car. The step down from, say, Insignia VXR to the next fastest model is a significant one. But the VXR220 has just 20hp more than the regular Turbo; is it really that much better?

It was more than just power for the VXR though. The suspension was 10mm lower than the 220T, the Bilstein dampers were a fraction stiffer and those gorgeous five-spoke wheels were shod in Yokohama A048s. Ohlins dampers were an expensive option way before Renault thought it was a good idea. It's a track focused version of a car that was already famed for its handling and it's still being raved about today.

Only around two thirds of VXR220s have survived to their 10th birthdays. You can guess why. So a limited edition car made even rarer and supposedly in 'Immaculate Condition All Round'; must cost a fortune, right?

Rare, fast, exciting; what more do you need?

Nope, it appears that Vauxhall brand prejudice really doesn't know any bounds. This VXR220 is up for sale privately at £16,999. The inevitable Elise comparison throws up this 111R with similar miles at £16K. A great car undoubtedly, but missing the Vauxhall's performance and rarity. Some may argue the Vauxhall looks better as well. If they're both a little too accommodating, £17K offers up a nice selection of Caterhams...

It's a shame this VXR220 isn't standard, carrying a remap and tweaked suspension. But even modified it looks like too good an opportunity to miss. It really is a very special car, even if hardly anyone will know it.

---

VAUXHALL VXR220
Engine: 1,998cc 4-cyl turbo
Transmission: 5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 220@6,300rpm
Torque (lb ft): 210@4,800rpm
MPG: 28
CO2: NA
First registered: 2004
Recorded mileage: 53,500
Price new: £29,995
Yours for: £16,999

See the original advert here.

[Source: Car Enthusiast]

 

[Boydie88]

And if you want to go super rare, source one not in red. There is 1 Blue, 1 Yellow, 1 Black and 1 Moonland out of the 65 I think.

[soad]

Wasn't aware of the VXR model. Holds value well.

[steveb8189]

A question just occured to me.. why was it called a 220?

Was it because the original was a 2.2? Seems strange the special edition was the onyl one with 220hp

[kambites]

steveb8189 said:

A question just occured to me.. why was it called a 220?

Was it because the original was a 2.2? Seems strange the special edition was the onyl one with 220hp

Yes, it's called a VX220 because the original (naturally aspirated) engine was a 2.2.

[Shaw Tarse]

Glad it's not number 16!

[renaultgeek]

why would you buy a car with ohlins and then think you can do a better job? would you not be better off iwth the standard model if thats what you want to do?

Also, is that fake carbon fibre?

[Ekona]

It is fake carbon, yes. And it does look awful, yes! I don't think that 47 ever had the Ohlins though.

I had VXR no.20 for a couple of years, before selling it to a mate who then had it for another couple of years. Last time we saw it was last year at the Luton PHSS, and it was in a very sorry state

Mine was running around 260bhp/280ftlb, there was no such thing as an overtaking space too small

[ALBA MELV]

Shaw Tarse said:

Glad it's not number 16!

Is that the infamous one with various internet threads regarding its history?

[soad]

Remap isn't a bad thing, gives a tad more extra power.

[Steve Maund]

I had the only blue one, #65. I would give my right arm to get it back again. The only car that I have regretted selling.
The black one was written off a few years back iirc.

It will be a future classic.

Steve

[Ekona]

Steve, was it you then that I met at one very wet Rockingham trackday?

[Lordbenny]

Or get a Lightning Yellow ltd edition, normally aspirated one like my old one for £10,000... I miss it sometimes!

[sanctum]

Shame he's put A08Rs on it instead of A048s.
Different animal on proper rubber.

[Steve Maund]

Ekona said:

Steve, was it you then that I met at one very wet Rockingham trackday?

Could have been.

Steve

[igiveup]

Thier is a red one just round the corner from me, its the only Vauxhall I seem to have to look at with a grin.

[Dove House]

Number 19 is for sale, 6800 miles.

[mrdemon]

that's not modded, this is

spotted at the super car event on Sunday

[markiii]

that's Lees, serious bit of kit, supercharged, tillet seats e.t.c, it made my old vxr feel slow

[soad]

mrdemon said:

that's not modded, this is

spotted at the super car event on Sunday

Implies serious performance focus. Quite menacing too.

[DanielSan]

That looks seriously badass.