RE: Driven: Vauxhall Astra VXR
Discussion
It sounds like fun. Personally, I think it looks much better than the Focus, as well. Still can't get over the ugly taillights on the current Focus. Also, isn't the new Focus 5-door only? Another point in the Astra's favor.
Unfortunately, we don't get Vauxhall/Opel in the US (except for the Insignia, which is re-badged as the Buick Regal/GS), so our only option for hot hatches is the Focus, or the Golf R. I think out of those two, the Focus would be better for us- the Golf R is too expensive (you can get a 415bhp Mustang GT for the same price), plus, we currently own a Mk1 Focus and a MkIII Jetta VR6 turbo, and judging by our experiences with those, the Ford should cost way less in the long run.
Unfortunately, we don't get Vauxhall/Opel in the US (except for the Insignia, which is re-badged as the Buick Regal/GS), so our only option for hot hatches is the Focus, or the Golf R. I think out of those two, the Focus would be better for us- the Golf R is too expensive (you can get a 415bhp Mustang GT for the same price), plus, we currently own a Mk1 Focus and a MkIII Jetta VR6 turbo, and judging by our experiences with those, the Ford should cost way less in the long run.
bobberz said:
It sounds like fun. Personally, I think it looks much better than the Focus, as well. Still can't get over the ugly taillights on the current Focus. Also, isn't the new Focus 5-door only? Another point in the Astra's favor.
Unfortunately, we don't get Vauxhall/Opel in the US (except for the Insignia, which is re-badged as the Buick Regal/GS), so our only option for hot hatches is the Focus, or the Golf R. I think out of those two, the Focus would be better for us- the Golf R is too expensive (you can get a 415bhp Mustang GT for the same price), plus, we currently own a Mk1 Focus and a MkIII Jetta VR6 turbo, and judging by our experiences with those, the Ford should cost way less in the long run.
The old Astra was sold as the Saturn Astra - no idea if you'll get the new oneUnfortunately, we don't get Vauxhall/Opel in the US (except for the Insignia, which is re-badged as the Buick Regal/GS), so our only option for hot hatches is the Focus, or the Golf R. I think out of those two, the Focus would be better for us- the Golf R is too expensive (you can get a 415bhp Mustang GT for the same price), plus, we currently own a Mk1 Focus and a MkIII Jetta VR6 turbo, and judging by our experiences with those, the Ford should cost way less in the long run.
IanJ9375 said:
bobberz said:
It sounds like fun. Personally, I think it looks much better than the Focus, as well. Still can't get over the ugly taillights on the current Focus. Also, isn't the new Focus 5-door only? Another point in the Astra's favor.
Unfortunately, we don't get Vauxhall/Opel in the US (except for the Insignia, which is re-badged as the Buick Regal/GS), so our only option for hot hatches is the Focus, or the Golf R. I think out of those two, the Focus would be better for us- the Golf R is too expensive (you can get a 415bhp Mustang GT for the same price), plus, we currently own a Mk1 Focus and a MkIII Jetta VR6 turbo, and judging by our experiences with those, the Ford should cost way less in the long run.
The old Astra was sold as the Saturn Astra - no idea if you'll get the new oneUnfortunately, we don't get Vauxhall/Opel in the US (except for the Insignia, which is re-badged as the Buick Regal/GS), so our only option for hot hatches is the Focus, or the Golf R. I think out of those two, the Focus would be better for us- the Golf R is too expensive (you can get a 415bhp Mustang GT for the same price), plus, we currently own a Mk1 Focus and a MkIII Jetta VR6 turbo, and judging by our experiences with those, the Ford should cost way less in the long run.
bobberz said:
Yes, but we didn't get the VXR. Seeing as Saturn is defunct, I doubt we'll get the new one. It is too sporty to fit in with Buick, and doesn't fit in with Chevy's design language. Obviously it wouldn't fit in at Cadillac or GMC, either, so I'm not going to get my hopes up.
I saw on GM Inside News the guys screaming for Buick to get it?The Australians are getting a Holden version I believe
DanDC5 said:
Don't worry too much on the price, only a nutter pays full wack for a Vauxhall, the Corsa Nurburgring's were listed at £23k and were selling for between £18-19k. Give it a few months and these will be at £22-23k.
Still 22-23k too much :POk, still a lot for what is just a Astra.....
BoostMonkey said:
£27,150 is for the 5 door, it will be about £29,500 for the 3 door.
However on both of those you get no kit, and need to add £3k to get to a decent standard
Already comes with leather, xenons, bluetooth and plenty of other toys. Wouldn't agree that you need to add £3k to get to a decent standard.However on both of those you get no kit, and need to add £3k to get to a decent standard
IanJ9375 said:
I saw on GM Inside News the guys screaming for Buick to get it?
The Australians are getting a Holden version I believe
Actually Opel have set up shop in Australia so don't think Holden will need to be doing any rebadging.......The Australians are getting a Holden version I believe
http://www.opel-australia.com.au/flash.html
http://www.opel-australia.com.au/vehicles/opel-ran...
I like it. Looks good. For once I don't have to use the words "for a vauxhall" either! 
Does make me wonder where this power race thing will end though. 5 years time we'll have 400+ BHP hot hatches?! Which is all very nice, but unfortunately, its unlikely that you'll really be able to ring its neck on the road.
As for the RWD comments, yes it would be nice, but its not going to happen is it? Not ever. And if it does, it'll surely be reserved for properly bonkers stuff (like the old Mk2 Clio V6)
Does make me wonder where this power race thing will end though. 5 years time we'll have 400+ BHP hot hatches?! Which is all very nice, but unfortunately, its unlikely that you'll really be able to ring its neck on the road.
As for the RWD comments, yes it would be nice, but its not going to happen is it? Not ever. And if it does, it'll surely be reserved for properly bonkers stuff (like the old Mk2 Clio V6)
monkers said:
Spent all that money on making the front wheels handle the power, why not just shove it to the back wheels instead? Or shock, horror...4 x 4
Why bother sacrificing interior space, fuel consumption (and tax costs) along with weight when the front wheels can do the job perfectly fine?kambites said:
BoostMonkey said:
£27,150 is for the 5 door, it will be about £29,500 for the 3 door.
Haaannngg on. Since when have five-door hatches been cheaper than three-door hatches? Scirocco's more than Golfs..
good question though....
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