Vauxhall VXR220

Engine: In-line 4-cyl, 1998cc, turbo
Max power: 217bhp @ 6300rpm
Max torque: 210lb ft @ 4800rpm
0 - 60mph: 4.2sec (claimed)
Top Speed: 153mph (claimed)
Price: �29,995

The VX220 has been setting pulses racing since it was launched back in 2000, it�s fast, stylish and tremendous fun� and now there�s a new addition to the line-up.
Released under the banner of Vauxhall�s new performance brand, VXR, the latest VX is faster, sleeker and even more insanely grin-inducing than the standard version, in fact, the VXR220 is set to be one of the best drives on the road.
Based on the VX220 everyone already knows and loves, VXR220 features the 2.0 litre turbo engine with a power upgrade to 220 bhp, thanks to a free-flow air filter, a hybrid turbo and a reprogrammed ECU.
Translating this wickedly entertaining power on to the tarmac is a set of five-spoke Speedline alloys, finished in satin black and shod with Yokohama A048R tyres. Featuring a dynamic mix of 195/45R16s at the front and 225/35R17s at the back, the VXR220 sticks to the road perfectly, making the most of its nimble agility.
This all works together to ensure the most engaging driving VX yet. Performance figures back this up with a spectacular sprint time to 60 mph from standstill in a breathtakingly fast 4.2 seconds and a top speed in excess of 150 mph.
But VXR isn�t just about going fast, it�s about enjoying the ride� which is why the VXR220 has uprated and lowered springs, and uprated dampers. And because going fast brings the importance of stopping to the front of the mind, the VXR220 is kept under control by vented and cross-drilled brakes � 288 mm all round � with uprated brake pad material.
And VXR220 looks the part as well. With its swoopingly stylish body panels and modern, clean lines, the top-of-the-range VRX220 emanates purpose and dynamism. Available in Calypso Red only with matt black detailing on the rear spoiler, wing mirrors, windscreen surround, Vauxhall V-grille and fuel filler cap, it looks simply fearsome.
Inside, things just continue to get better with super sport seats upholstered with Alcantara and carbon fibre-effect leather trim. Meanwhile, the matt black theme continues from the outside in with matt black handbrake sleeve, gearlever gate, passenger footrest, pedals and window winders.
With looks this good and performance this impressive, customers could well begin thinking that they�ll be needing to break open their piggy banks to buy one but with a cost of just �29,995, VXR220 is a whole lot more accessible than anyone could have imagined.
On sale from 25 May there�s simply no excuse not to buy one. It�ll be worth it for the grin-per-mile factor alone.