“Vauxhall’s VXR-spec
  five-door family
  hatch is a genuine   161mph car that costs
  under £25K. So how
  well does it manage to
  juggle both roles?”

I JUST HAPPENED TO HAVE THE WINDOWS OPEN the morning they delivered MotorBar's road test Vectra VXR. As it turned into our road — still out of sight — we heard the deep note of its powerful tuboed six-cylinder engine. Seconds later it rolled to a stop outside. Sitting low, it looked decidedly purposeful. Not quite menacing — but definitely mean enough to be a 160+mph machine. The cosmetics — rich metallic blue paint, 19-inch 5-double spoke wheels wearing 235/ 35 rubber, VXR trademark Arden Blue brake callipers, discreet rear spoiler and distinctive trapezoidal-shaped tailpipes — transform Vauxhall's family-favourite hatchback body style into something closer to a Fast and Furious street-racer.

Yes — given the street-racer look, it's hard to believe it's 'just' a Vaux-hall Vectra. But then it has received a full 'VXR' make-over. And that means that the engine has been tweaked, the chassis fettled, the suspension lowered and sportier springs and dampers fitted, plus the brakes have been upgraded and are now seriously powerful.

The VXR also boasts a new evolution of Vauxhall's IDS2-Plus 'Inter-active Driving System' that integrates the ESP driving stability control system, traction control, Understeer Control Logic, the ABS braking system, Brake Assist and the Continuous Damping Control.

The new upgraded software allows more precise adjustment of the electronically adaptive dampers — this not only improves braking stability but also traction, roadholding and handling precision. While
the default chassis set-up allows focused handling allied to good suspension comfort, drivers favouring a sharper, stiffer response can simply press the 'Sport' switch on the dashboard to instantly enjoy firmer, sports-oriented dynamics.

Headline power figures are 276bhp and 262lb ft of torque. In sheer performance terms we're talking 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds — and the VXR will charge hard all the way to its 161mph maximum. To put this squarely into perspective, consider the price: £24,675. That's a real fistful of pace — not to mention driving amusement — for not really much money. Certainly when compared to the nearest German rival
(in performance terms) — the VXR is around £10K cheaper. That's
got to be worth looking at.

Here would be as good a place as any to mention the VXR's fuel con-sumption. Officially it returns 18.2, 27.2 and 38.2 respectively for town, combined and touring conditions. Overall our test car averaged 24mpg. Okay, we admit we gave it some Wellie! Emissions are 250g/km, putting it in Band G, which means owners will pay the maximum amount for one year's Road Tax.

While, for some, a Vauxhall badge on the bonnet doesn't rate too highly in the 'impress the neighbours' stakes, the VXR version is up-graded enough inside to lift it above the standard Vectra models:
the cabin looks fresh and is well put together. The specially-moulded and smart-looking Recaro sports seats come with leather-trimmed side bolsters and are terrifically accommodating and the highly-adjustable driving position is spot-on. Both front seats have extendable under-knee support and lumbar adjustment.

The chunky, thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped three-spoke VXR steering wheel not only sports remote audio/computer/telephone controls but it's satisfyingly grippy to hold. There's also generous height and reach adjustment. Other VXR 'themed' touches include a tailored red, black and white VXR instrument panel, VXR floor mats and smart VXR-logo kick plates.

The cabin is practical and airy, so while it's easy to be bemused by its performance (the VXR part) it's also worth stepping back and apprec-iating that there's another aspect to this car: the Vectra part. As such it provides a family-sized five-door hatch with matching luggage space: 500 litres. Drop the split/fold rear seats and the deep boot expands to a 1050-litre load bay.

However, to be truly comfortable rear passengers will need to be less than six feet tall although some degree of acceptable comfort can still be attained. Storage space is not so generous, restricted by small
and narrow door pockets and a small oddments storage bin under the sliding centre front armrest. The twin cup holders do have a sliding lid and they are also handy for holding items other than cups.

On the plus side, all four windows have auto one-shot up/down oper-ation, which is particularly welcome. Adjustments to the climate control temperature automatically flash up the selected temperature setting on the main display screen — always good, so the driver doesn't have to look down.

In addition, there are carbon-fibre effect inserts on the dashboard and the doors. Creature comforts include climate control, a multi-function trip computer, cruise control, DAB digital radio/CD player with integral 6-CD changer that's good for 356 watts per channel, heated door mirrors, power windows and mirrors, 18-inch five-spoke alloys and Xenon headlights. There's also six airbags, active head restraints and the IDS2-Plus chassis mentioned earlier.

Cruising motorways, the VXR quickly proves itself to be an effortlessly fast machine; it's quiet and refined and the ride — on the 'standard' setting — is accommodating as you waft along on a wave of torque that starts at 1,800rpm and stays there through the range to 4,500.

But it's away from motorways that the impressively-smooth, twin-scroll turbocharged 2.8-litre V6 Vectra VXR shows its real ability. And that's exactly the right place to hit that 'Sport' button. Do so and you'll feel a bit like the Rocketeer as engine response and steering sharpen up and Continuous Damping Control is activated in preparation for some serious action.

Press harder on the accelerator and make full use of the six-speed manual 'box. You'll find an eager partner — one who is as keen to tango on some twisty tarmac as you are. Be warned: this Vauxhall is capable of lunging from dawdling to 70mph very swiftly. Anywhere, anytime. The steering is quick, and you feel in touch with what the front wheels are doing. And for a front-wheel drive car with this much power, there is a surprising lack of torque steer.

Get the power down hard as you exit out and away from the bends and there's no writhe 'n' wriggle — just wieldy — as the VXR flows cleanly through. Thanks to the advanced electronic damping system, it holds the road amazingly well while maintaining its composure. And the brakes, too, are also deserving of praise; there's good feel through the pedal, and with massive 345mm front discs (and 292mm at the rear), applying pressure to the middle pedal will haul the VXR down from high speed with ease. This is a machine that keen drivers will really want to exploit.

What you're not, perhaps, expecting is how the VXR makes you feel during these bouts of spirited driving. It seems inadequate to say it makes you feel good. But it does. Even if you'd really prefer a BMW badge gracing your bonnet, while you're driving this VXR you com-pletely forget that it's a Vectra. And I never thought I'd say that…

To sum up, I could go over all the positive things I've already said about how the Vectra VXR goes, handles, steers and stops. But why bother? All you really need to know is a few numbers — £24,675!

Vauxhall Vectra VXR | £24,675 Maximum speed: 161mph | 0-60mph: 6.1 seconds Overall test MPG: 24mpg | Power: 276bhp | Torque: 262lb ft CO2 250g/km | VED Band G £300 | Insurance group 18 Visit Vauxhall's website