Skip advert
Advertisement

Vauxhall Astra VXR - Fast Fleet

Ian Eveleigh is gutted that the Vauxhall Astra VXR's going back soon, just when the weather's starting to turn...

Vauxhall Astra VXR

Ah, spring… Sunshine, a touch of warmth in the air – and drier roads. Just what the Astra needed. Although it’s by no means slow in the wet, the VXR’s inability to convey clearly through its steering exactly how well the front tyres are biting meant much of the winter was spent tip-toeing around corners.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s a different story in the dry, though, and with the more friendly near-the-limit behaviour from the Michelin Pilot Exalto tyres that we fitted a few months back (evo 101) I’ve been enjoying digging into the VXR’s talents more than ever.

Shame, then, that KE55’s days with us are numbered. Best I use the lighter evenings to make the most of it while it’s still here.

Running Costs

Date acquiredFebruary 2006
Total mileage34,951
Costs this month£0
Mileage this month1,971
MPG this month28.8mpg
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

VW Golf GTI Edition 50 v Toyota GR Yaris Aero v Honda Civic Type R: hot hatch stars go head-to-head
Golf GTI v GR Yaris Aero v Civic Type R
Group tests

VW Golf GTI Edition 50 v Toyota GR Yaris Aero v Honda Civic Type R: hot hatch stars go head-to-head

Volkswagen and Toyota have just released the best versions yet of the GR Yaris and Mk8 Golf GTI. Does either have what it takes to overcome the brilli…
2 Aug 2026
A week in a Porsche 911 GT3: why the world’s best sports car isn’t quite perfect
Porsche 911 GT3 Touring
Long term tests

A week in a Porsche 911 GT3: why the world’s best sports car isn’t quite perfect

A week in the Porsche 911 GT3 reveals why even the world’s best sports car can’t get it all right
3 Aug 2026
I put budget tyres to the test in the wet, and the results were terrifying
Cheap tyres
Opinion

I put budget tyres to the test in the wet, and the results were terrifying

Skimping on tyres may save you a few pounds, but at what cost, ponders Barker
30 Jul 2026