Vauxhall Astra

We can't wait to try out a production version of the Astra VXR, as we think it could become the hot hatch bargain of the decade. As well as offering masses of power, it promises to be well equipped and highly desirable. All Vauxhall needs to do is make sure the Astra chassis can handle the power - and that's the part engineers at Lotus are perfecting at the moment. With sensational performance, a dramatic three-door bodyshell and a price that's set to represent amazing value for money, you might want to think twice before adding your name to the Golf GTI waiting list...

It's been a long time coming, but Vauxhall's most exciting hot hatch ever is nearly ready for production. The scorching 240bhp Astra VXR goes on sale this summer - and Auto Express is the first magazine in the world to hit the road in the newcomer.

We were granted exclusive access to the Luton-based firm's multi-million-pound star - first seen at last year's Paris Motor Show - to take it out on British tarmac for the first time.

Buyers will have to wait until August to get their hands on the new sizzler that company bosses hope will give the Volkswagen Golf GTI a good clubbing - but with a claimed 0-60mph sprint time of around six seconds and a top speed in excess of 150mph, it promises to be well worth the delay. The VXR recalls the spirit of the 1989 Astra GTE 16v, which transformed the small Vauxhall's image from that of a worthy but dowdy family model to race-bred performance car overnight.

In its day, the GTE 16v was a hot hatch legend. With 156bhp available from its 2.0-litre engine, it had the ability to cover the 0-60mph sprint in 7.6 seconds and go on to a maximum speed of 132mph - figures that would look impressive even in today's market. Once again, Vauxhall is aiming to set trends that others must follow, offering a previously unseen power output from a four-cylinder engine in this sector.

And what a stunner it is! Few models we've tested have ever turned as many heads as the VXR, a car which proves that the company is serious about changing its image. Such is the macho stance of the newcomer that other motorists stopped in their tracks to get a look at it. And the good news for potential buyers is that the VXR will be virtually identical to the car we tried when it goes on sale.

The only visual differences between the production model and the prototype will be a single centre-exit exhaust in place of the show version's twin pipes, even more purposeful bumpers and a larger rear spoiler. The 19-inch 10-spoke alloys on our car will be an optional extra - the standard wheels will be less aggressive 18-inchers. Whichever option you choose, you'll get red VXR-branded brake calipers, similar to those fitted to the facelifted Monaro.

Inside, the Recaro seats are supple yet supportive. The bright red leather on the concept isn't likely to see production, as it will be replaced by black hide with embroidered VXR logos, but the design of the interior will otherwise be identical, all the way down to the piano black centre console, sporty drilled pedals and brushed trim strips.

The cabin is identifiably that of an Astra, but VXR logos inside the dials and red stitching around the leather steering wheel will remind buyers that the car is something special.

This is also the first time we have been behind the wheel of a three-door Astra, as the VXR is based around the new Sport Hatch, due for launch in the spring. The good news for customers is that access to the rear is easy, and there's plenty of legroom in the back for even the tallest of passengers.

Visibility isn't as good as in the five-door model, thanks to a narrow rear window aperture and wide C-pillars, but the Astra is easy to place on the road, and the view forwards is unimpeded. The driving position in the VXR is no different to a standard Astra's, which means you sit fairly high for a performance model. The controls are well placed, though, and apart from Vauxhall's often criticised electric indicator switches, the driving environment is comfortable and the switchgear easy to use.

While the company was keen to point out the prototype model we took for a spin was nowhere near production ready, even in concept form the VXR was an exciting machine on the track, with a stiff ride and sharp steering.

Final production models will have chassis settings developed by Lotus engineers, so expect a firm but not overly stiff ride and incredibly agile handling � � to rival that of the much vaunted Golf GTI. The brakes should also be among the best in class, with a Brembo package being set up by Vauxhall's tuners.

Where the VXR is expected to pull right out in front of rivals, though, is in terms of value for money. The firm has already said the hot model will cost less than £20,000 when it arrives here - but sources have more recently suggested it could be cheaper than £19,000. That would mean the VXR would undercut the base Golf GTI by nearly £1,000, yet it will get standard leather trim, 18-inch alloys and a host of other goodies that VW buyers would have to pay extra for.

And although not as cheap as the Honda Civic Type R, the VXR delivers almost 50bhp more power. That news is nearly as exciting as the car's styling - because if the production model drives half as dramatically as it looks, then Vauxhall will have an affordable performance car to be proud of.