Vauxhall's VXR8 is an Aussie bruiser at heart

Introduction

General Motors owns a lot of car companies. In Britain, we have Vauxhall, while Holden is one of the most popular brands in Australia. Until recently there has been little crossover between the two names, especially given the differences in the car markets. However, Vauxhall decided it needed something special to top off the sporting VXR range and the VXR8 was deemed to fit the bill.

The VXR8 starts life as a Holden Commodore SS V-Series, complete with a massive 6.0-litre V8 engine that originally saw service in GM's Corvette range. In the VXR8, this lump of metal is rated at 412bhp and an equally impressive 405lb.ft of torque. Unlike most of Vauxhall's range, it's the rear wheels that have to deal with all that shove, so thankfully a limited slip differential is standard. Sounds like a sportscar, doesn't it? Well, it's actually a large four-door saloon with oodles of space for a family.

What are its rivals?

It's safe to say that there are no other cars on sale in the UK with a 6.0-litre V8 and four doors that can be had for the same price as the VXR8. Debatably, the new BMW M3 saloon, Lexus IS F and Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG are all rivals. In terms of straight line performance that certainly is true, but the Vauxhall isn't as well honed as any of these more polished machines. Nor does it have the badge appeal of utmost importance to so many buyers. However, it does cost substantially less.

How does it drive?

Knowing that the Australian market is characterised by cars that can transport their occupants over thousands of miles at a time in comfort, it's unsurprising that the VXR8's ride/handling balance comes down on the side of bump absorption. That's not to say that it's a land yacht, but the body control is not as resolved as the best sports saloons and there is more roll than you'd expect too. Of course, the upshot is the ability to traverse badly surfaced roads without upsetting its demeanour too much. Admittedly, it's no luxury car, but long distance cruising is a breeze.

The V8 engine delivers a shove in the back, as you'd hope, but the performance is dulled somewhat by the portly kerb weight. The brakes have no problem hauling down from speed though and there is a surprising amount of communication through the chassis and steering wheel. It's a lot of fun and with enough space encourages the occasional power slide.

What's impressive?

It is difficult to ignore the serious value for money offered by the VXR8. Few other cars come close to offering the same bang for your buck. Owners will never tire of the V8's bellow through the quad exhaust pipes, nor the slightly quizzical looks received from the general public. There's no doubt that the VXR8 is an individual car, though go for one of the more subdued hues if you're wary of unwanted attention.

Buyers of the VXR8 may be willing to put up with a few compromises in return for this ownership experience, but they will be pleasantly surprised at how practical the VXR8 is. Along with comfortable seating for five adults - with loads of legroom - the boot is cavernous. This Vauxhall is well specified as standard too, with the only options being an automatic gearbox and satnav.

What's not?

The VXR8 is far from perfect. Spend any time inside it and you'll begin to appreciate how Vauxhall can offer it for such a bargain price. Yes, it is well equipped, but the interior plastics and execution are several notches below what is on offer from the premium marques and just about acceptable for a car bearing the Vauxhall badge.

That, and the unresolved body control aside, our only real complaint is with the fuel consumption. The official combined consumption is 18.5mpg, which is bad enough, but what's worse it that you'll struggle to ever achieve that. How many people can actually afford to pay for that much fuel?

Should I buy one?

Be our guest! We honestly admire anyone that decides they'd like to own a car as individual as the Vauxhall VXR8. It will be a select crowd that sees past the VXR8's failings and instead embraces all that is unique about it. In fairness, fuel consumption aside, it isn't a massively exuberant purchase, but neither could it be called a sensible one.

Shane O' Donoghue

Specs