Introducing the most powerful hatchback in its class…the 276 bhp Vauxhall Astra VXR.

In standard form it might not look as mean as its pumped-up predecessor, but that all changes with fitment of the optional £1000 ‘Aero Pack’, which adds a biplane rear spoiler, even more muscular side skirts and whopping 20-inch alloy wheels.

Upon turning the key you’re greeted by a bassy soundtrack from the stainless steel twin exhausts, leaving you under no illusion that this car means business. The sporty theme continues through to the steering which is weighty, even at lower speeds.

Although always flexible, the 2.0 litre turbocharged motor delivers its gut-punch between 2500 and 5000 rpm. If you stomp on the throttle and hang on to each gear, you’ll hit 62 mph in 5.9 seconds and blast on to a 155 mph top speed. Yet despite the performance gains, the VXR now manages a claimed combined 34.9 mpg and emits 189g/km of CO2.

This new VXR is vastly better to drive than the old model, thanks to a new sophisticated HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut) suspension set-up, which has been designed to improve the car’s manners and make the hot Astra easier to drive quickly. Of course, 276 bhp is a lot of power to feed through the front wheels, so perhaps unsurprisingly hard acceleration on a wet road causes the wheels to scrabble a bit as the car searches for grip, and the VXR still has a slight tendency to wiggle the steering wheel under full straight-line acceleration. However, compared to the old car it’s very mild and doesn’t hamper control or stability. Although perhaps lacking the subtle feedback of a sports car, the steering is accurate and responsive, giving the driver confidence to explore the car’s very high grip levels and mesmerizing cornering ability – aided by the Motorsport-derived mechanical limited slip differential.

The VXR’s cabin is very similar to that of a regular Astra, using the same well laid out dash and quality switchgear. A lot of optional extras are available, which does hike the price – but standard kit includes air-conditioning, 19-inch alloys, DAB radio bluetooth, electric windows and adaptive FlexRide suspension. Unique design features include VXR panel graphics, sports pedals and other trim emblazoned with the VXR logo, such as the gear knob, square-bottomed steering wheel and big leather bucket seats, which provide good comfort and support, albeit slightly hampering over-the-shoulder rear vision.

Coupe curves somehow fail to impinge on the cabin space, with plenty of leg and headroom available. Luggage compartment and storage areas are also generous, with a 380 litre ‘seats-up’ boot capacity exceeding that of both Volkswagen Scirocco and Renault Meganne coupe, by 68 and 36 litres respectively.

VERDICT
Vauxhall has pulled out all the stops with its most powerful Astra, and it shows. True to the breed the new VXR is loud and proud; but without the unruliness and harshness of its predecessor. Instead it manages to blend exhilarating performance and sublime handling with practicality, refinement and everyday usability.

TECH SPEC
Vauxhall Astra VXR
OTR Price: £26,995
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo petrol
Max Power: 276bhp at 5500rpm
Max Torque: 295lb ft at 2450-5000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
0-62 mph: 5.9 seconds
Max Speed: 155 mph
Combined MPG: 34.9 (claimed)
CO2 emissions : (g/km) 189