Skip advert
Advertisement

Geneva 2012: Vauxhall Astra VXR: Geneva 2012: Vauxhall Astra VXR

Vauxhall's most powerful Astra ever has been unveiled at the Geneva motor show. Meet the 276bhp VXR, ready to tackle the new Ford Focus ST and Citroen DS4 Racing

Check out our A-to-Z list of stories from the 2012 Geneva Show

Vauxhall has used the Geneva motor show to unveil its all-new Astra VXR. And with 276bhp, it’s the most powerful Astra ever. Based on the curvy Astra GTC three-door, the new VXR gets its power from a turbocharged 2.0-litre direct-injection four-pot.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The VXR will remain front wheel drive, but with so much power, Vauxhall is using a new mechanical limited slip differential, in conjunction with HiPerStrut technology from the GTC. As with the cooking Astras, the FlexRide system features a sport button but also adds a new 'VXR' button. Pressing either will stiffen the ride and sharpen the throttle response to varying degrees.

The Astra will face stiff competition - also at Geneva 2012 is the all-new Ford Focus ST and Citroen's 256bhp DS4 Racing. We look forward to finding out how the new VXR stacks up.

Check out our A-to-Z list of stories from the 2012 Geneva Show

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport deal
News

VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport in Mk8.5 guise makes for a tempting prospect at the right price
3 Jul 2025
New Alpine A290 Rallye is an electric car we actually want, but there's a catch
Alpine A290 Rallye
News

New Alpine A290 Rallye is an electric car we actually want, but there's a catch

The A290 has proven to be one of the best performance EVs yet, and now Alpine's taking it one step further with a rally variant
3 Jul 2025
Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI
Cheap sports cars
Best cars

Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI

With the sun shining and fuel prices palatable, now is the time to indulge your used sports car desires
1 Jul 2025