As a result, both Vauxhall and Lotus have spent the past 12 months tuning and refining the VXR's suspension set-up to deliver the best in grip, feedback and steering feel, in the process creating a perfectly-honed driver's car.

Starting with New Astra's already much-lauded dynamics package, Vauxhall Astra VXR is fitted with a spring and damper system developed by Lotus' Gavan Kershaw - the man behind the VX220's chassis. This 'passive' set up is designed specifically for the UK, and consequently feels perfectly at home on a British B-road.

The requirement was for a 'fast road' package that the committed sports driver would enjoy but would not intimidate the less aggressive driver. As with all real performance cars, comfort took second place to driver enjoyment - although by tuning the car on UK roads the refinement and ride are remarkably composed compared to rivals. This isn't a car which will leave you with a headache at the end of a long drive.

Describing the changes made to the standard Astra's chassis, Gavan said "Imagine you could place a pole through the car to demonstrate the yaw point. The VXR pivots around the gearlever whereas the standard Astra SRi pivots around the front axle point. This gives Vauxhall Astra VXR a more immediate turn in response, much like some acclaimed 1980's hot-hatches - but without having the potentially dangerous snap oversteer which can catch drivers out."

Spring and damper rates are increased by 40 percent and 50 percent respectively, while rebound springs have been added to the damper units to improve on limit control. The front roll bar is now thicker, and the ride height is reduced a further 15mm over the SRi versions. New steering linkages also raise the roll centre at the front by 30mm.

With the suspension hardware sorted, the software which controls the power steering was also retuned - and again the 'mapping' is specifically tuned to match UK roads for effort, turning speed and overall feel.

Vauxhall's pioneering IDS-Plus chassis technology, an option costing just UKP 400, upgrades the passive set up with electronic Continuous Damping Control, which adjusts damper setting to react instantly to road conditions, eliminating unexpected pitching and body movements.

A specially tuned Electronic Stability Programme is also standard, but enthusiastic drivers who wish to do without the safety net of technology can switch the system off to explore the limits of the car's adhesion. However, as a final back up, the system will still intervene in exceptional circumstances where the sensors detect that the driver has lost control and an accident is likely - even when the ESP has been switched off.

Equally important for safety and performance driving, the Astra VXR uses the biggest brakes fitted to any Vauxhall other than the V8-engined Monaro. The front discs are a massive 321mm, while the rears use 278mm rotors. The system is equipped with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist for extra peace of mind.


Vauxhall Astra VXR - Stylish Design

- Astra style taken to the extreme
- Unique bodykit, colours and wheel designs
- Special VXR interior
 
First impressions count. And your performance car should excite you as much when it's standing still as it does when you are behind the wheel. Luckily, the VXR bites you straight away, then slowly sinks its teeth in.

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