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Vauxhall Astra VXR - Fast Fleet

The VXR's a remarkably capable cruiser

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!

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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 acquiredFebruary 2006
Total mileage18,090
Costs this month£7.49 (oil)
Mileage this month2902
MPG this month31,8mpg
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