Vauxhall is ready to build a stripped out version of the Astra VXR, to rival the new Renault Megane R26.R.
Sources say Vauxhall’s engineering team are considering using lightweight materials like polycarbonate windows, losing the rear seats and binning sound deadening materials in order to create a faster, more focused hatch.
However if such a version did make production, like the Renault, it would be a special limited edition rather than a full-scale production model.
Join the debate
Add your comment
Re: Vauxhall Astra VXR takes it to Megane
As usual......Vauxhall copy other manufacture's
Im pretty sure no rear seats and poly windows is going to knock 20odd seconds off an already more powerful hot hatch
Re: Vauxhall Astra VXR takes it to Megane
I think the principles discussed above work for the Astra, especially the 3 door model, in terms of making it more aspirational. It certainly helps that the 3 door Astra is already a great looker, even in base trim, and not massively dissimilar to the VXR. However, I don't think the same principal applies to all modles - specifically the Meriva.
Re: Vauxhall Astra VXR takes it to Megane
Car makers have indulged in this kind of sports-derived marketing thinking pretty much since there have been car makers. You do wonder whether it actually holds any water as a strategy, especially bearing in mind the considerable spend involved. F1 is the best example - does the untold hundreds of millions that it costs to go racing with Bernie actually pay for itself as an investment by adding that much or more to the bottom line? Personally, I have my doubts. It is also difficult to imagine that the fact that a Meriva VXR exists actually does anything for overall Meriva sales. I know a couple of Meriva owners and they are not exactly petrolheads.