Vauxhall Astra VXR (05-10) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 28 August 2009
This is the high performance version of the Astra - a car that competes alongside the likes of the Ford Focus ST and venerable Volkswagen Golf GTI. It certainly has the right performance credentials thanks to a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that produces 240bhp. The styling is suitably hot hatch-esque too with a bulging bodykit, a central exhaust and large alloy wheels. But while it looks good, the VXR isn't that enjoyable to drive. The ride is simply too firm, the power delivery is anything but smooth and the steering lacks feel. While it is undoubtedly hard-edged, other hot hatches offer more enjoyment and refinement.
3 out of 5

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3 out of 5

Summary

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£23,360

Used price range:

£5,899 - £14,633

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Tremendous pace, keen handling, purposeful styling

Performance delivery lacks polish, drab interior, uncomfortably stiff ride, lacks feelgood factor

This is the high performance version of the Astra - a car that competes alongside the likes of the Ford Focus ST and venerable Volkswagen Golf GTI. It certainly has the right performance credentials thanks to a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that produces 240bhp. The styling is suitably hot hatch-esque too with a bulging bodykit, a central exhaust and large alloy wheels. But while it looks good, the VXR isn't that enjoyable to drive. The ride is simply too firm, the power delivery is anything but smooth and the steering lacks feel. While it is undoubtedly hard-edged, other hot hatches offer more enjoyment and refinement.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    3.5 out of 5

    "The 2.0-litre four cylinder engine is turbocharged to produce 240bhp and it certainly performs..."

  • Handling

    3.5 out of 5

    "There is a limit to how much power can be fed through the front wheels of a car - too much and the..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    2.5 out of 5

    "The Astra VXR has been designed to be sporty - good for fast corners but bad news for comfort. The..."

  • Practicality

    2.5 out of 5

    "On paper the boot seems only average with 312 litres but worse is the fact that the boot lip is so..."

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5

    "As the hot hatch Astra, the VXR comes well kitted out as standard. Equipment includes air..."

  • Behind the wheel

    3.5 out of 5

    "Thanks to a decent driving position and Recaro sports seats, the VXR feels racy from behind the..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    3 out of 5

    "Like most performance hatchbacks, the VXR isn't a cheap car to run. Claimed average fuel economy is..."

  • Green credentials

    2.5 out of 5

    "The VXR is a polluting model - although it's about average when judged by hot hatch standards. The..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    4 out of 5

    "The five-door Astra earned a five-star Euro NCAP rating and the VXR is similarly strong. Every car..."

  • Reliability

    4 out of 5

    "The previous Astra three-door was (on the whole) reliable, but suffered from a string of niggling..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    3 out of 5

    "An all new Astra VXR is on the horizon and due to go on sale in 2010. This means you should be able..."

  • Buying used

    4 out of 5

    "If you're after a quick and 'old-school' hot hatch, then the VXR can represent a good value buy."

  • Selling

    3 out of 5

    "The VXR badge is growing in stature, although it still doesn't have the classy image of Volkswagen's..."

Gallery

  • Interior Vauxhall Astra VXR (05-10)
  • Exterior Vauxhall Astra VXR (05-10)
  • Exterior Vauxhall Astra VXR (05-10)
  • Exterior Vauxhall Astra VXR (05-10)

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Owners' reviews