It was a long time coming but the wait was worth it. While Volkswagen’s Golf was ruling the roost, engineers at Vauxhall were putting the finishing touches to a car equipped to wield a decisive horsepower advantage against Wolfsburg’s finest. With no less than 240bhp on tap, Vauxhall’s Astra VXR looks like the hottest hatch ticket it’s currently possible to buy.

Yes, we’ve seen V6 hatches that theoretically have more power but they’re heavier and, of course, much more expensive. What’s more, it’s a fair bet that none of them will be able to keep pace with the Astra VXR down a typically bumpy British country road.

Think instead of the Astra VXR as a car more in the mould of the old Honda Civic Type-R albeit with another 40bhp to call upon.

Performance really is searing, with 60mph being dispatched in around six seconds. This sort of power from a hatch costing £19,120 requires some mental readjustment. Even SEAT’s 225bhp Leon Cupra R was never quite this serious.

From the outside, the Astra VXR is distinguished by 18-inch alloys (19-inch optional), a body-coloured V-grille, ground-hugging side skirts, a rear spoiler and revised bumper assemblies, along with neat detail touches such as its Arden Blue front and rear brake callipers and VXR badges.

Inside, there are Recaro seats, revised instruments incorporating VXR logos, a three-spoke sports steering wheel, carbon-effect inserts on the doors and facia and an alloy gearknob, also with VXR detailing.

FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Vauxhall Astra VXR
PRICE: £19,120 - on the road
CO2 EMISSIONS: tba g/km
INSURANCE GROUP: 18 est
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 152mph / 0-60mph 6.2s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (average) 29.5mpg est
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags / ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4288/2035/1425mm