Inside Out On Monaro

The doors have been opened on the new Vauxhall Monaro. The Luton-based manufacturer has gone for an upmarket look on its new four-seater coupé, which hits UK showrooms in April.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Mat Watson

18th March 2004

Inside, the 6.7-litre V8-powered car is decked out in top-quality leather, while suede upholstery on the lower door panels and transmission tunnel add to the luxury feel. Fortunately for the British market, Vauxhall has dropped the garish colour-coded trim of the Australian model seen at the 2002 British Motor Show. Instead, it has opted for all black, set off with stylish satin chrome accents, plus alloy pedals and door kickplates.

The Griffin-badged Monaro will cost ΂£28,650 and comes with an impressive list of equipment fitted as standard. The front seats are electrically adjustable, while the driver's chair features a memory function. What's more, it gets dual-zone climate control, automatic headlamps and a CD autochanger with 10 speakers, too.

Other features include rear parking sensors, speed-sensitive windscreen wipers and cruise control. The Monaro also boasts front and side airbags, anti-submarining seats and belt pre-tensioners. When the 328bhp car goes on sale, a more vocal performance exhaust will be available as a ΂£1,500 option. But buyers seeking even more power should wait for the 380bhp version, which will arrive in the summer. This car will be unveiled at May's British Motor Show and cost ΂£35,595.

Meanwhile, Vauxhall is to set up a series of drive-in VXR tuning centres, where owners can get performance upgrades while they wait. All work will be carried out by specialist technicians, and it will be warranty approved.