Vauxhall VXR8

If there's one thing the Monaro didn't lack it was character, and the VXR8 continues that fine tradition in style. However, the newcomer proves a much stronger all-rounder. Thanks to that mighty V8 engine, it sounds incredible and performs brilliantly. And, with better handling and superior practicality, it's more accomplished. There are downsides - running costs are high, cabin quality is only average, and the VXR8 lacks the finesse of European rivals. But if you're looking for an honest performance saloon that offers real 'bang-for-yer-buck', the VXR8 is it.

There's a rumble from Down Under and it's heading our way! The fastest and meanest Vauxhall saloon since the legendary Lotus Carlton is set to leave its Australian home for UK showrooms later this year.

This is the VXR8, Vauxhall's replacement for another Aussie-built bruiser, the Monaro coupé, which was launched in Britain in 2003.

Hoping to build on that model's popularity, the VXR8 is totally fresh from the ground up, swapping its predecessor's two-door shape for a more practical saloon body.

The newcomer is based on the Holden VE HSV Clubsport R8 and shares the forthcoming Chevrolet Camaro's platform. Power is provided by a huge 6.0-litre V8 engine from the Chevrolet Corvette, putting the car at the top of Vauxhall's VXR range. The VXR8 will be available from June, offering enough performance to worry BMW's M5 - at about half the price! The Luton manufacturer's entry is to cost £35,105.

With a deep lower air intake and projector headlights, the VXR8 has plenty of road presence. But it's the muscular tail that really stands out on the move, featuring bright LED lamps, a huge rear wing and aero-dynamic venturi tunnels.

Inside, there's plenty of space, in-cluding an amazing amount of legroom in the back, as well as a huge boot. The dashboard is suitably racy, featuring white-backed dials - complete with a shift-up light on the rev counter - and three centre console gauges. However, despite electrically adjustable leather-and-suede bucket seats and a chunky, flat-bottomed steering wheel, it doesn't feel as special as it perhaps could. There's too much dark plastic, and the quality doesn't quite come up to scratch, with flimsy materials in places.

However, fire up the engine, and the performance exceeds all expectations. We've already tried the 6.0-litre V8 in the Holden Commodore SS V (Issue 942). Instead of producing the 360bhp of that machine, though, here it pumps out 414bhp and a monstrous 550Nm of torque.

That's enough for a 0-60mph time of less than five seconds, and a top speed of around 170mph.

But it's the in-gear responses that really impress. The power delivery is seemingly endless, and with all that torque you hardly ever need drop a gear to overtake. Then there's the engine note - a thumping off-beat rumble that sounds very similar to a NASCAR race car. And the fun factor continues with the chassis. With a near-50/50 front/rear weight distribution and all-new multi-link rear suspension, the VXR8 is brilliantly balanced on the road.

Agility is impressive for such a large car, too. The ride is firm but compliant - and, combined with a long sixth gear, high-speed cruising is relaxed. The brakes are outstanding, stopping the VXR8 more quickly from 62mph than a Lamborghini Gallardo can manage.

Plus, of course, it feels every inch the aggressive Aussie V8 saloon. Switch off the ESP stability control, and you can spin the rear tyres with ease, while meaty steering and a heavy six-speed gearchange mean there's muscle needed for the controls. If you prefer an easier life, you can specify the optional £1,400 six-speed automatic gearbox, but it won't make much difference to the fuel economy, which is a pretty horrendous 15.2mpg on the combined cycle for the manual. And CO2 emissions are equally hefty at 365g/km.

Yet those figures are hardly likely to worry buyers. There's nothing else like the VXR8 on the road. And, at this price, we reckon Vauxhall will have no trouble finding customers for the 350 models which will be imported from Australia each year.

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