The chassis has been fine-tuned by Lotus and includes tweaks to the electronic steering assistance and stability controls (which can now be turned off) as well as to springs and dampers. There's also a button on the steering wheel that gives the driver the choice of more aggressive mapping for the engine management, quicker throttle response and revised settings for the electronic damping system known as IDS Plus.

Insiders say the Vauxhall version of the wild Astra will differ from this Opel variant by having a central rear exhaust and a body-coloured version of Vauxhall's V-shaped motif on the front grille. Much work has been done in the wind tunnel, with special emphasis on cleaning up the airflow under the car; hence the deep front spoiler, extended sills and rear diffuser.

The VXR will come with 19in rims as standard, a six-speed gearbox, air-conditioning, different instrumentation and Recaro seats, all for an expected list price of just under ΂£20,000 when it goes on sale next summer. Looks like the new Golf GTI is going to have its work cut out to keep pace.