Vauxhall VXR8

There’s nothing subtle about the Vauxhall VXR8 – it’s a conventional saloon, but its size and collection of spoilers and sills ensure this is no shrinking violet. It has finesse, too, having already beaten the Jaguar S-Type R and
Chrysler 300C SRT-8 on our recent test.

Granted, the styling is far from sleek or sophisticated, but the VX has a charismatic engine. While the low-tech V8 doesn’t feature the latest valve timing and cannot rev nearly as high as rivals, its 6.0-litre capacity packs a proper punch – and sounds glorious.

It helped the 1,831kg VXR8 return acceleration times to match the Audi and Porsche, blasting from 0-60mph in only five seconds. However, the big powerplant wasn’t as responsive, and its long gearing made the car feel rather lazy.

The six-speed manual gearbox was clunky and the brakes juddered badly on rough roads.

Compared with the more honed opposition, the VXR8 comes across as an underdeveloped machine. The steering is more vague, there is lots of body movement and travel in the suspension, and the chassis isn’t especially stiff, with steering kickback an issue. The Australian Vauxhall serves up plenty of guts and determination, but it’s short on talent in this company.

In its favour, space and comfort are strong points. All the seats are generously proportioned, although the driver’s is mounted a bit high, with visibility hampered by the intrusive A-pillars and rear wing. The design and layout are better executed than you might expect, and standard kit is easily the most generous here – making the £35,105 VXR8 seem even better value.