Vauxhall VX220

Vauxhall VX220
Vauxhall had no history in small sports cars until the VX220 came along, now this Lotus Elise-based sports car has won plenty of praise. While VX sales have been fairly slow, it is regarded as one of the finest sports cars available. Secondhand, a VX220 is enormous fun and excellent value. But beware, as many have been abused on track days, and Lotus build means they’re much more fragile than most Vauxhall family cars.

The normally aspirated version used the Astra 2.2 L Ecotec L61 engine giving 147 hp (110 kW) in a car weighing 870 kg. The Turbo model, introduced in 2003, used the 2.0 L Ecotec LSJ engine, producing 200 hp (149 kW) but weighing 930 kg. A final version, the track-oriented VXR220, based on the turbo model, was tuned to give around 220 hp (164 kW) and used Lotus-style 16 in (406 mm) front wheels that allowed the fitment of special sports tyres to gain better road holding.

The car was hailed by the motoring press as a great drivers’ car and won several accolades, with the 2.2 NA (normally aspirated) version being the better handling of the two standard variants. Some journalists recommended that this version was better value for money than the Lotus.

Vauxhall VX220 Review

New price range £23,490 - £29,995
Used Price Range £4,937 - £14,612

Originally, the 2.2 Vauxhall unit was the only choice offering a more torquey alternative to the Elise powerplants. However, the 2.0 turbo unit is seriously useable making it a very fast car. Built and developed by Lotus so you know it is going handle well. This means it also offers a surprisingly compliant ride - it’s not the rock hard bone shaker you’d expect. Steering is beautifully responsive.

It’s a cosy environment. Getting in and out gracefully requires suppleness and practice but once aboard its comfortable in a supportive way - there’s even a passenger foot brace.
There is a small boot behind the engine which will hold holiday luggage if you’re prepared to travel light. Inside there’s a storage net behind the seats but no glovebox. Doesn’t even get a stereo as standard and electric windows and air-conditioning aren’t even options. It is possible to spec some serious race inspired extras if you plan track work.

Equipment
Standard Version (2.0 Turbo 2d, 2.2 16V 2d)
ABS
Alarm
Alloy wheels
Body coloured bumpers
Cloth seat trim
Driver’s airbag
Front fog lights
Lumbar support
PAS

Lightening Yellow (2.2 Lightning Yellow 2d)
Includes the same equipment as Standard plus
CD

VXR (2.0 VXR Turbo 2d)
Includes the same equipment as Standard plus
Leather seat trim
Sports seats

You won’t be cosseted but this is definitely a driver’s car with all controls within comfortable reach and a seat that supports you in all the right places while being firm enough to make you feel a part of the car. Crucially, the VX has ABS brakes and a driver’s airbag which the Elise does not. The passenger isn’t so lucky. An alarm, immobiliser and deadlocks should keep it safe but that roof isn’t very resilient. build and materials are generally very impressive. Vauxhall units are very reliable and since the VX weighs so little, engines get an easy life.

The VX doesn’t quite match the Elise for residual value but it is still pretty good and even the Turbo will get over 30mpg. Vauxhall dealers are rather cheaper and more abundant than Lotus counterparts. VX220 is quite a polluting model. With an average of 203 g/km CO2 across the line-up, its emissions are a touch high for a sports roadster. It’s worth noting that the line-up does not feature any diesel models, which typically produce less carbon dioxide than petrol engines with similar power outputs. The range is not very frugal, averaging 33 mpg.