• Vauxhall makes supercar performance affordable
• 200 hp from turbo engine
• Chassis mods to exploit extra power
• Specialist dealer network retained
• On sale 24 March

Vauxhall’s sensational new VX220 Turbo will promote the company to the supercar performance league when it goes on sale this spring.

That may be a bold claim from the Luton marque, however one glance at the performance figures viewed against a price of under £26,000 puts the new VX220 Turbo in a league of one.

A quick glance at some vital statistics confirms why the new VX220 Turbo promises to be something special: engine power output of 200 hp; 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds; 0 to
100 mph in under 13 seconds; a power to weight ratio of 4.9 kg/hp; a top speed of 151 mph. Pretenders to the roadster crown (we won’t name names), eat your heart out.

What is already one of the most capable chassis on the road has had further development to harness the extra engine power over the 2.2 litre 16v.

Some subtle exterior design changes give indications to the extra performance of the turbo model, while the interior of the new version is now plusher, upgraded through the use of higher quality materials and a revised list of options.

On the road price for the VX220 Turbo, when it goes on sale on 24 March, is £25,495.

The heart, quite literally, of the VX220 Turbo is the familiar transverse two-litre, sixteen valve, turbocharged engine being used to good effect in the new Astra GSi. In the VX220 Turbo however, it is installed just in front of the rear axle.

The engine is constructed of a cast iron block and aluminium head with twin overhead (DOHC) camshafts.

Maximum power from the turbo unit is 200 hp @ 5500 rpm, while engine torque is an impressive 250Nm from 1950 rpm all the way to 5500 rpm. Other differences between it and the normally aspirated 2.2 include the compression ratio (8.8:1 for the Turbo and 10:1 for the 2.2), and a reduced oil capacity, but increases in cooling capacity and battery power for the Turbo.

Installation of the turbo engine also required modifications to the exhaust system and incorporation of the turbo heat shield and undertray.

The uprated sound insulation used on the Turbo adds that little bit of extra refinement for driver and passenger: enough to ensure the engine doesn’t intrude, not so much as to stifle the sports note from the new exhaust system.

Given that the kerb weight of the VX220 Turbo is a miserly 930 kg (up from 875 kg for the 2.2 16v), drivers can expect sensational on the road performance. For instance, how many cars on the market for under £26,000 can boast a 0-60 mph sprint of 4.7 seconds, and a maximum speed of 151 mph?

Fuel consumption is almost identical to the 2.2 16v at 33.3 mpg on a combined urban/extra urban cycle. As an extra bonus this pocket-rocket also falls into the Euro 4 Emission Class and has lower emissions than the 2.2 16v, at 202 g/km CO₂ through its modified exhaust system.

Only minor changes have been made to the capable chassis of the VX220, to accommodate the extra power of the turbo engine. The basic principles stay the same: a super rigid lightweight aluminium chassis, double wishbone suspension, high performance brakes with ABS and unique Bridgestone tyres.

Changes have been made to the spring and damper rates, which have been increased at the front and rear by 7% and 11% respectively to improve body control and high speed stability. The new tuning provides improved passenger ‘isolation’ and comfort over road impacts.

Wheel and tyre sizes are the same as before, at 175/55 R17 for the front and 225/45 R17 at the rear. Bridgestone’s unique tyre, developed specially for the original VX220 also appears on the Turbo, although its rating is increased from ‘V’ to ‘W’. There is also a small increase in the recommended tyre pressure from 1.8 to 1.9 bar at the front and 1.9 to 2.1 bar at the rear.

Standard brakes remain at 288 mm diameter discs all round but with the Turbo there is the added option of lightweight ventilated and cross-drilled discs (also 288 mm).

Although the wheels are the same size, with the new Turbo a new striking design of alloy is featured.

Further exterior changes are subtle, and restricted to a small black ‘lip’ spoiler at the front, a body-coloured spoiler on the rear which also aids high speed aerodynamics. Most noticeable of all exterior changes are the wider air intakes on the side of the body to aid engine cooling.

Discreet ‘Turbo’ lettering appears at the rear and on the inner sill plates, while a full range of new colours is also introduced (see Equipment).

The interior décor of the VX220 – spartan, sporting and functional – gets a facelift for Turbo owners. While the new model retains a familiar minimalist feel, some additions give a ‘plusher’ look with greater use of leather and fabrics.

Drivers and passengers of the VX220 Turbo will also notice a reduction in the amount of cabin noise with the new model. While the new exhaust system gives the Turbo a pleasantly sporty note, extensive work has been carried out on the Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) characteristics from inside the car, resulting in a more cosseted ride for occupants.

Revised two-tone leather trim has been introduced for the seats, (optional) while a new finish on the main dash and leather door inserts is also featured. The main instrument cluster and fuel gauge get a new look and the main dash now features a ‘gearshift up’ light.

A wider range of options will be available when the car goes on sale, including a hard-top finished in body colour and a range of audio systems – some incorporating CD and satellite navigation – and leather interior trim.

A Touring Pack, which consists of full carpeting and additional noise insulation can be chosen, while the option of central door locking adds extra convenience (see Equipment).

The VX220 Turbo goes on sale in the UK at the end of March. As with the 2.2 16v, the new model will be sold through a network of specialist Vauxhall retailers across the UK (list attached).

Vauxhall is continuing with its association with Jonathan Palmer’s Palmersport, based at the Bedford Autodrome in north Bedfordshire. As part of their purchase, owners of both the 2.2 and Turbo model will be eligible for the free, one day Driver Training course.

For the 2003 season, the VX220 fleet at Palmersport will be changed to Turbo models with courses starting in March and continuing through until the end of October.

12.02.03