November 2007
After the success of the Monaro coupe, Vauxhall's attempts to
grow its performance range flourished. VXR-badged Vectras and the like
have added a new layer of credibility to Vauxhall's otherwise regular
product offerings. Taking things a step further is the VXR8; like the
Monaro it's essentially an Australian import, only this time it's a
more practical four-door saloon.
Unlike a modestly styled Vectra, it's difficult to miss Vauxhall's
VXR8. For one thing it's a big car - Vauxhall historians should note
that it's a little longer than it's spiritual predecessor the Lotus
Carlton.
Like the Lotus Carlton and, more
recently, the Monaro, the VXR8 sets out to offer Mercedes, Audi and BMW
levels of high performance for a relative fraction of what the German
opposition charge. Boasting 417 horsepower from its 6.0-litre petrol V8
engine, it's fair to say that the VXR8 can walk the walk.
This be-spoilered, lowered, rear-wheel
drive and menacingly styled four-door saloon is a product of the
Australian high performance saloon scene. Thanks to the sprawling
nature of General Motors, Vauxhall and the Australian Holden company
are more than just distant cousins. Although called something different
down under, the switch to Vauxhall branding hasn't done the car any
harm image-wise.
In fact, the presence of the Griffin
badges appears to have elevated the car to mild cult status - along
with the previous Monaro - within enthusiast circles. That fact, along
with the car's affordable price tag (European rivals can cost upwards
of GBP60,000), its practical and sensible saloon layout plus generous
levels of standard equipment make the VXR8 something of a steal.
Menacing styling hides a surprisingly easy car to live with
Ratings
Overall Rating
Value for money
Costs
Space and Practicality
Controls and display
Comfort
Security
Safety
Likes
Affordable rear-drive high performance saloon to rival offerings from Germany
Supremely willing and wonderful sounding V8 engine
Well-equipped, comfortable and spacious cabin
Practical saloon body includes a capacious boot
Gripes
When driven as intended, fuel consumption can be eye watering
Manual gearshift requires a firm hand, especially from first to second
Despite the car's performance credentials, Vauxhall badge could be a deterrent for some buyers
Looks can be deceptive and the VXR8 is a big car, which means taking care in tight car parks
Our Verdict
Brutal and sometimes intimidating when pushed to
its limits yet no more fearsome than a Vauxhall Corsa around town, the
VXR8 is a car that could never be accused of being a one trick novelty.
Well equipped, handsome in a typically Australian no-nonsense fashion
and always entertaining, the big Vauxhall is a left-field but worthy
alternative to something with an RS or AMG badge. That is, if you're
willing to put performance above badge and brand image.
Costs
There's no way of hiding the fact
that the VXR8 is a costly car to run. Sure, regular servicing should be
straightforward, but fuel, insurance and tyres will factor heavily in
your table of outgoings. And the VXR8 will use a considerable amount of
fuel; anything powered by a 6.0-litre V8 petrol engine will, but get
ready for low teens mpg around town as it's very much the norm.
Space and Practicality
As you would expect, the VXR8 is a
pretty spacious vehicle. Cabin space is generous up front and rear seat
passengers also fare well. At the rear the car's boot is a good size,
and access is straightforward. Inside the car there are plenty of
storage options for mobile phones, maps and the like.
Controls and Display
It's standard stuff in the VXR8, which is
always good in a car capable of serious speeds - you don't want any
unnecessary distractions after all. The main dials and supplementary
controls in the centre console are clear and intuitive respectively.
There's no missing the VXR8's tailpipes and purposeful-looking boot spoiler
Comfort
Greeting you as you enter the cabin are the VXR8's generously
proportioned front seats. Wide and supportive, they do a fine job of
keeping you in place and making long motorway journeys comfortable.
Elsewhere, cabin space is pretty good and rear seat occupants also get
to experience supportive seats. The only downside is the car's road and
tyre noise, which can be a little intrusive at high speed or on poorly
surfaced roads.
Security
Although hardly an inconspicuous car
any thief targeting the VXR8 will have to live with its head-turning
qualities. Factor in the car's exclusivity and it's fair to think that
most opportunists will leave it well alone. Thankfully the car's
defences are more sophisticated, what with the usual central locking
plus alarm and immobiliser making an appearance.
Safety
Like all big, premium saloons, the
VXR8 is equipped with al the usual safety features. From airbags to ABS
and electronic stability control - a vital component considering the
car's performance - you can feel safe in the big Vauxhall.
Driver Appeal
The VXR8's powerful V8 motor,
traditional rear-wheel drive layout and no-fuss handling
characteristics make the big Vauxhall hugely entertaining to drive. A
real enthusiasts' car, the VXR8 demands concentration at high speed and
prefers wide sweeping turns to bumpy B-roads. The engine sounds great
whatever your speed, plus the steering and brakes both deliver positive
and direct responses to your inputs. At more run of the mill speeds the
car is easy to drive and is quite happy to assume the role of family
saloon, although as you'd expect the car's ride quite firm.
Family Appeal
It may surprise you but the VXR8 is a pretty
good family car. Granted it's no people carrier, but it can accommodate
adults and children with ease. It's also got a practical boot, which
should make it easy to stash both the weekly shopping and the pushchair
without any hassle.
The VXR8 can be either rapid and smooth or brutal and rewarding depending on your approach behind the wheel
First Car Appeal
The VXR8 is pretty much the last car a first time driver should be
thinking about. It's big, fast, rear-wheel drive and expensive to run.
Even if you could afford the substantial fuel and insurance costs - the
latter is likely to be particularly eye-watering - the car's brutish
performance potential is best left to buyers with more experience of
similar cars.
Quality and image
This car is really for the
enthusiast; Vauxhall's previous Monaro was little different in terms of
image - you either 'got' the V8 muscle car vibe or you didn't. Luckily,
those that did were rewarded with a cut-price alternative to the few
high performance German coupes out there. Now it's a case of the VXR8
beating the likes of BMW's M5 on price. It won't be able to topple it
when talk turns to image, though. The German and Italian competition
have it licked in this department - although you will pay a hefty price
for the privilege.
Accessibility
Being a conventional four-door
saloon, the VXR8 presents no problems for occupants. The front doors
open wide, the rears better than you think and the design of the boot
makes it easy to load and unload heavy objects.
Stereo and ICE
The regular system is pretty good,
boasting good sound quality and intuitive controls. The central display
is large and clear, plus there are secondary audio controls on the
steering wheel. Equally useful is the Bluetooth handsfree telephone
function. Sat-nav is a welcome option.
Colours and Trim
The VXR8 is something of an extrovert, which
makes recommending the bright red exterior colour option that bit
easier. However, if you don't want everyone to know what you're
driving, more subdued colours are available. The big Vauxhall's
interior is more conservative, also. Save for the bright stitching on
the leather seats the ambience is actually quite sombre.
The business end of the VXR8: a 6.0-litre V8 engine capable of delivering a monstrous performance punch
Parking
The VXR8 is a big car, but with the help of good-size mirrors plus the
parking sensors you shouldn't have a problem. The car's turning circle
is surprisingly good, and the steering is light at low speeds. Parking
head-on into kerbs requires a little skill so as not to damage the
car's front lip spoiler, though.
Spare Wheel
Full size spare included.
Range information
Petrol engine options - 6.0-litre V8
(417bhp). Transmission options: six-speed manual gearbox is standard, a
six-speed auto gearbox is a cost option. No specific trim level for
this car.
Alternatives
BMW M5 Better built and packing more technology but a lot more expensive
Mercedes-Benz E-Class High power E 63 AMG variant is hugely impressive but is another very expensive German alternative
Audi S6 V10-engined A6 is plush and rapid but lacks the character of its main rivals
Maserati Quattroporte Left-field Italian is a visual delight but is over double the price of the VXR8
