The New Vauxhall Astra VXR

If you’re desperate for a lovely hot hatch in the form of a Vauxhall Astra VXR, it might be worth waiting just a little bit longer (either for a new or used one). The reason for that is there’s a new model coming our way, due in 2010. Naturally, it’ll offer improvements over the last, but in what sort of form?

If you’ve never driven (or even seen) the VXR then you won’t know that it is one of the most powerful hatchbacks available, with around 230BHP going to the front wheels. On top of that you’ve got decent suspension and a lovely bodykit. The new version naturally adds more of the same, with aggressive lines and uprated suspension for an even better drive.

The car will go on sale against some tough competition, such as the new Ford Focus ST and the Golf GTI – so Vauxhall better have something pretty impressive up its’ collective sleeves. The styling, for those who have seen the previous version, is not too different. It retains the coupe-like lines that made it desirable in the first place.

The exterior includes the same ground-hugging body kit but there are also new air intakes at the front, a diffuser at the rear and the same central exhaust. It looks like there are more lines in there, but simultaneously a sleeker car. Can’t complain there then. 19 inch alloys should keep all but the fussiest boy racers happy, whilst roof spoiler and a range of colours (including white no doubt, unless it is back out of fashion by then) should give a wide appeal.

The big change perhaps, and something that other car manufacturers will take note of for their performance cars, comes in the engine. Rather than the previous version’s 2.0 litre turbocharged unit, this one has a 1.8 litre turbocharged powerplant. This will still have the necessary 240(ish)BHP and a 150MPH top speed, but will be greener and more fuel efficient.

Whether there will be a diesel remains to be seen – frankly I still think that if you’re after a diesel hot hatch you are a bit mad, especially as the price is still going up out of line with petrol. You’ll soon be seeing those extra miles dwindle pound for pound. It also isn’t the fuel of choice for those seeking a performance car like this.

The chassis will be the decent Delta platform (apparently what the new Lacetti replacement and the Saab 9-1 will be based on) that features lightweight materials and a multilink rear suspension layout. For those who are concerned it will be losing character, don’t worry, the VXR will have electronically controlled dampers and no doubt top boffins will be working on a way to lower the amount of torque steer that the mad Astra produces to make all that power more usable.

Am I excited about this? Well, a little bit yes. If just because I might be able to contain myself and my wallet just a little longer in order to purchase a last of the line model at my local dealership. The current VXR is a cracking hot motor; it’s just a bit unruly. A little bit like me really – or so says my girlfriend after we went to look at one!