At 4.9m long, the VXR8 is a big car – 10cm longer than a 5-series or E-class – so it’s no surprise that there’s plenty of cabin space. So much so that with the driver’s seat set all the way back, a six-footer would struggle to drive the car and yet there’s still room behind for the same adult to sit comfortably.
The rear has a fixed bench with space for three and adequate support for all. This space, plus the cavernous 496-litre boot, should help justify the VXR8 as transport for the family man with the wallet for the fuel bills.
Other than the offset pedals, the driving position is excellent. The VXR-branded, half-leather seats are electrically adjustable in eight directions and the steering column for reach and rake. Equipment is generous; dual-zone climate, a CD changer, automatic wipers and lights and parking sensors are standard. The optional sat-nav is better than on other Vauxhalls, even if the graphics don’t match those of premium rivals.
The VXR8 is a major step forward in quality over the Monaro, and we could happily live with the VXR8’s cabin. But in material quality and construction rigour the Vauxhall still lags behind the equivalently priced, if slower, BMW 335i and Audi S4. Our biggest concern is the VXR8’s poor visibility. Thick A-pillars restrict the view at junctions, the spoiler interrupts the rear view and the tiny side mirrors create a huge blindspot.
The VXR8’s more practical body and improved civility should ensure the VXR8 a broader audience than the niche Monaro. Still, Vauxhall is only bringing 350 to the UK each year and has taken orders for over 100 already, so if you’re tempted you’ll need to move quickly. No surprises that fuel costs are going to be high; we averaged 17.1mpg, although cruising at 70mph in sixth returns a more affordable 31mpg. Servicing is every 10,000 miles at a sensible £295.
