Monday 18th April 2005

Vauxhall prices Astra VXR

£19k for two-litre, 240bhp turbo-powered hot hatch

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Pay £19k now for delivery in Sept

Vauxhall has released a price for the fastest Astra, the VXR. The 240bhp car will sell for £18,995, and is now available to order.

From its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, it offers 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 152mph. It sits on a Lotus-tuned chassis with 321mm vented front discs to keep it in check.

Options include air conditioning, Recaro seats, 18-inch wheels, ESP and side curtain airbags as standard. Other cues include 18-inch wheels, body-coloured V-grille, side skirts, rear spoiler and revised bumper assemblies, and blue front and rear brake callipers. Nineteen inch wheels are a £500 option.

Inside, there are Recaro seats, new instruments incorporating VXR logos, a three-spoke sports steering wheel, carbon-effect inserts on the doors and facia and a new alloy gearknob, also with VXR detailing. Four colours will be available at launch – Flame Red, Arden Blue, Star Silver and Black Sapphire.

Customers will get the first cars in September.

[britten_mark]

Blimey, the first Vauxhall I have actually fancied owning in nearly 10 years.