2008 Vauxhall Astra VXR review from UK and Ireland

Nothing at all.

Having had to wait ages for my car to arrive (I ordered it in January), it finally turned up last week and I couldn't be happier with it.

Since ordering it I had been doing a lot of reading on the Internet (probably should have done this before placing the order), and was a bit worried that I was getting a chavmobile that was going to torque-steer me into the nearest ditch. It is however I'm please to report well built, fairly discreet (in black anyway), rapid & serious fun to drive.

The hyper-sensitive throttle & sharp brakes take a bit of getting used to especially in traffic, but other than that, it really is awesome.

Currently fuel economy is pretty poor but I've been informed that this should get a little better once it is properly run in, but am fairly realistic and know it's never gonna be a Prius!

The interior is a nice place to be, and there hasn't been one passenger so far who hasn't commented on how great the standard Recaro's are, and how good the interior design and finish is. It really does look and feel like a quality product, emphasised by a solid thunk when you shut the doors.

My only small downer is the lack of rear visibility and the thick B-pillars, but to be honest they are minor, and the way the car looks due to its small glass area more than makes up for the minor inconvenience in my opinion. Park one next to a Focus ST and you'll see what I mean!