Skip advert
Advertisement

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.

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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,795 off RRP*Used from £11,800
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,700
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,541 off RRP*Used from £11,895
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 grant for new EVs sold
News
15 Jul 2025