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Vauxhall Monaro

The Monaro is a landmark model for Vauxhall in more ways than one. Not only is it the first vehicle in the firm's 100-year history to feature a V8, but when the 380bhp version arrives in summer, it will also be the most powerful car ever to wear the griffin badge.

By Mat Watson

March 2004

The Monaro is a landmark model for Vauxhall in more ways than one. Not only is it the first vehicle in the firm's 100-year history to feature a V8, but when the 380bhp version arrives in summer, it will also be the most powerful car ever to wear the griffin badge. However, for those who can't wait until then, the slightly tamer 328bhp version is on sale from April - and we grabbed the keys before it started its journey to the UK.

Made in Australia by Holden, Vauxhall's sister company under GM, mechanically the Monaro is a traditional front-engined, rear-wheel-drive, two-door muscle car. Visually, it is rather discreet for a motor packing a Corvette-based 5.7-litre V8. Sure, there are the obligatory side skirts, deep bumpers and 18-inch alloys, but overall it looks rather classy and hides its muscle well.

However fire up the engine and hit the throttle and there is no doubt what the Monaro is all about. According to Vauxhall, it can dash from 0-60mph in about six seconds and carries on to a top speed of more than 160mph. And although the acceleration isn't as neck-snappingly brutal as you might expect, mainly due to the car's hefty 1,658kg weight, the coup

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FIRST OPINION

    With V8 performance and a very competitive price, the Monaro is a proper muscle car. Not only can four adults be seated in comfort, but it is fun to drive. There are a few minor niggles, but overall it's a great package. There's nothing quite like it currently available, and with only 500 to be sold annually, promises to remain fairly exclusive.
 

AT A GLANCE

    On sale from April for £28,650
    High-power 380bhp version available in summer for £35,595
     
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