Superchips has tuned the Vauxhall Astra VXR hot hatchback. The standard VXR is already the most powerful front-wheel-drive hot hatch you can currently buy, its 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine yielding 276bhp and 295lb ft of torque, enough for a 155mph top speed and 5.9sec 0-60 time.
A Stage 1 ECU remap, activated via a Bluefin handset (which allows the owner to apply the power upgrade as well as remove it if needed) costs £455 including VAT. It lifts the Astra’s outputs to 299bhp (delivered 400rpm lower in the rev range than the standard car’s 5500rpm peak) and 340lb ft. There are no official performance figures, but a 5.5sec dash to 60mph seems plausible.
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A Stage 2 remap is also available. It’s priced the same as the Stage 1 boost, but requires the fitment of Thorney Motorsport’s sports exhaust system. It lifts power and torque to 308bhp (at 5698rpm) and 350lb ft (at 2935rpm).
Both remaps are covered by a guarantee and a 12-month, 30,000-mile warranty.
Despite the extra power all needing to go through the Astra’s front wheels, its standard Drexler mechanical limited-slip differential should ensure such exuberant outputs are kept largely in check. Though with the standard VXR happy to exhibit torque steer on bumpier roads, a more powerful Superchips equipped car is likely to follow suit.
Vauxhall Astra VXR vs Ford Focus ST on track video:
