Vauxhall Monaro

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 coupé keeps pulling hard even at licence threatening speeds, while a throaty eight-cylinder soundtrack plays from the exhaust.

Despite its huge capacity, the engine doesn't provide the bulk of its performance until fairly high up the rev range. This means that you have to work the gearbox harder than you would expect in a car of this type. That's a shame, as the vague six-speed manual isn't one of its strong points. Also the sixth ratio is too tall - the engine only pulls 1,600rpm at 70mph - which means that overtaking manoeuvres require you to select a lower cog. On the plus side, motorway cruising is a relaxed affair, while 20mpg economy is not just possible, but highly likely.

Clearly the Monaro's main selling point is its whopping V8, but there is more to it than simply straight-line speed. The coupé has surprisingly nimble handling which belies both its bulk and Vauxhall Omega underpinnings. Meanwhile, excellent weight distribution and high levels of grip from the tyres supply confidence in corners. The only letdown is the dull steering, which lacks feedback. Other minor niggles include the brakes, which although strong, offer little initial bite, despite the fact that UK versions are fitted with tougher police specification pads. The suspension also becomes a little bouncy on fast bumpy roads, although for long distances the more supple ride is a bonus.

While the Monaro may not feel as sharp as a BMW 330Ci, it's just as much fun when it comes to driving on B-roads. And, for the brave, even more enjoyment is a mere flick of the traction control switch away.

Despite its relatively low ΂£28,650 price tag, the Monaro has luxury items such as parking sensors and a 10-speaker stereo system fitted as standard. What's more, the electrically adjustable front sports seats are both supportive and comfortable. There's even enough room in the rear cabin for two adults, although taller people may feel a little cramped due to the low roofline. Thankfully, the interior has received an overhaul since the car was shown at the British Motor Show in 2002. There is a new, higher quality dashboard, with stylish satin chrome accents, while the garish, colour-coded trim has been replaced by classy black leather and suede inserts.

The only real drawback is with the fuel consumption and C02 emissions that you would associate with big V8 ownership - but this isn't the type of vehicle which will appeal to those who are considering a diesel Vectra as their next company car.