Power is fed to the front wheels through a specially-developed six-speed manual gearbox. The close-ratio transmission has been specifically tuned to suit the characteristics of the turbocharged engine, and has a light yet positive action, while the unique VXR gearknob is trimmed in leather and alloy to further heighten the pleasure of each shift.

What's more, Vauxhall Astra VXR sounds as good as it goes. As well as ensuring they got the best performance out of VXR, Vauxhall's engineers tuned the exhaust for sound optimisation, meaning the engine sounds sporty - a real rarity for a turbocharged car.

For those who want an even louder soundtrack to their driving adventures, a range of optional VXR sports exhausts will also be available.


Vauxhall Astra VXR - Safety and Quality

- ESP and curtain airbags as standard
- High-class materials and build standards
 
Having a carefully developed chassis, tremendous brakes, electronic safety systems and dynamics which make sure the driver feels in control are major contributors to avoiding an accident in the first instance, but Astra VXR has been designed to provide the best in safety should the unthinkable happen. After all, it's based on the New Astra - a car that scored the maximum five stars for occupant protection in stringent Euro NCAP crash testing.

As a result, it comes equipped with twin front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags and overhead curtain airbags as standard, as well as seatbelt pre-tensioners and sensors that automatically switch on the hazard warning flashers and release the central locking in the event of an airbag deployment.

Yet despite the impressive safety package, Vauxhall Astra VXR has been designed with real world running costs in mind, and this contributes to its lower than average 17E insurance grouping. Sensors measure collision impact forces, and the occupant restraint systems and airbags are activated depending on the nature and severity of the incident. This means that in a low-speed shunt, they're unlikely to need repair.

Similarly, the body has been designed to allow ease of repair after minor accidents. The front end panels, for example, are in three sections so that each can be individually replaced or straightened, cutting the cost of repair significantly. The light lenses are also lifted away from the normal 'impact zone', reducing the likelihood of them picking up damage in low speed car park knocks or similar.

All of this shows the attention to detail in Vauxhall Astra VXR's design, and it's no more evident than in the cabin. Not only is the car generously equipped, but it's also trimmed in top quality fabrics. The dashboard plastics and switches exude an air of quality normally found in much more expensive cars, adding further to the VXR's amazing value for money appeal.


Vauxhall Astra VXR - Value for money

- Exceptionally low list price
- High standard equipment
- Long service intervals, group 17E insurance.
 
A genuine performance car needn't break the bank - as the Astra VXR proves. Costing only UKP 18,995 on the road, no other hot hatchback can offer as much performance per pound.

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