New Vauxhall Astra VXR Impresses
Published Date: 5th Mar 2013
The new 2013 Vauxhall Astra VXR is a 'beefier' version of the Astra GTC with an interior and exterior that will impress, the VXR will be available in Arden Blue, Carbon Black, Power Red or Summit White.
While the Vauxhall Astra VXR is based on the new GTC it benefits from of number of chassis modifications and improvements; It has hydraulic rather than electric steering and a mechanical limited slip diff. The car has been lowered by 1cm, has 30 per cent stiffer suspension, bespoke Brembo brakes and tougher bushes and the dampers developed by performance manufacturer, ZF Sachs. All these upgrades accommodate the significant boost in performance the new 2.0-litre turbocharged engine brings, the unit produces 280PS and 400Nm of torque which propels the vehicle from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. Vauxhall's aim is to make the VXR best in it's class for handing, grip and overall excitement. Despite the improved performance Vauxhall's Start/Stop system has reduced fuel consumption by 14 per cent (compared with the previous model) to 34.9mpg (combined) and emissions have been reduced to 189g/km.
2013 Astra VXR - Exterior
It will turn heads! The Vauxhall Astra VXR has been designed with finely chiseled lines to give it a stylish and sporty look that 'jumps out' at you, it gets a specially re-designed front and rear bumper which are beautifully sculpted, newly designed side skirts, a sleek roof spoiler and twin exhausts stylishly integrated into the rear bumper. It comes as standard with 19-inch wheels and if you want to make a real statement optional 20-inch forged alloy wheels are available. If you want to go the whole hog with your new VXR there's an option of the Aero Pack, which includes side-skirts which extend still further, a body-coloured logo bar on the front grille, a two-tier rear spoiler and you get the 20-inch forged alloy wheels.
2013 Astra VXR - Interior
The first thing that you'll notice is Vauxhall's all-new flat bottom steering wheel. The new steering wheel is smaller than a usual Astra wheel as you'd expect making it that bit sportier and helping to make the drive more responsive and precise. The steering wheel has a magnesium/steel trim covered and is covered in soft leather with detailed cross stitching, the wheel has a lovely soft, padded feel. The steering wheel is available with an optional heated outer rim, featuring the VXR badge and multi-function controls. Other features include a new unique sport gear lever and alloy plated pedals with rubber trim (for foot grip).
The dash has a Glossy piano-black and satin black finish with chronograph-styled dials, there is various VXR badging including branded floor mats, and door panels have detail stitching in Arden Blue or Cool Pearl. The VXR range has newly designed front sports seats, made with state-of-the-art lightweight material, the seats are 17mm lower than in the Astra GTC and 30mm lower than the standard new Vauxhall Astra Hatchback giving the real sense that you of driving a sports performance car. The interior definitely has an exclusive look and feel.
2013 Astra VXR - Options
New Astra VXRs get manually adjustable front seats as standard finished in Black Track cloth and Morrocana fabric. Optional packs are also available including the VXR Performance Seat Pack which brings fully-electrically adjustable and heated seats, an extendable front seat cushion plus lumbar/side-bolster adjustment.
For leather interior fans there is the VXR Full Leather Pack , comprising electrically adjustable front seats with a top-quality leather finish and VXR badging. Two leather options are available with either Arden Blue stitching or Cool Pearl stitching and door panels are matched with the same detail. The seats are perforated for better air circulation/comfort.