Vauxhall Astra VXR - Fast Fleet
The VXR's a remarkably capable cruiser
![](https://media.evo.co.uk/image/private/s--zhshH--n--/f_auto,t_content-image-mobile@1/v1556257868/evo/images/dir_418/car_photo_209093.jpg)
With a deadline looming and security alerts causing chaos at UK airports, the Astra was hijacked by David Vivian and Kenny P for a run over to Germany, where the Brabus Rocket was waiting for them (096).
‘It’s a surprisingly fine tool for this sort of trip,’ reckoned David of the VXR. ‘The seats and driving position are good enough to tackle 370 miles straight with only a couple of brief stops for coffee. And it still felt remarkably frisky even after a day spent with the Rocket.’ Not bad considering the Vauxhall’s 480bhp disadvantage!
Upon its return, the Astra was ready for a drop of the translucent brown stuff. As I couldn’t find an oil branded with (consonant please, Carol) ‘GM-LL-A-025’, I had to settle for a litre of a more generic 5W-30, which the handbook says is OK in ‘exceptional circumstances’ (Sunday afternoons when the nearest Vauxhall dealer is shut?). Wonder if the VXR can tell the difference…
Running Costs
Date acquired | February 2006 |
Total mileage | 18,090 |
Costs this month | £7.49 (oil) |
Mileage this month | 2902 |
MPG this month | 31,8mpg |