Vauxhall turns up heat on VX

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A 200bhp turbocharged version of the Vauxhall VX220, our Roadster of the Year 2003, is on its way.

It arrives in showrooms on March 24 and will cost from £25,495, £2500 more than its normally aspirated 2.2-litre stablemate.

With 55bhp extra on tap, the VX220 Turbo hits 60mph in just 4.7sec, 0.9sec quicker than the regular 2.2. It has a top speed of 151mph.

Most of the highly capable chassis is left unchanged, although Vauxhall says that slightly modified springs and dampers provide greater body control, more high-speed stability and improved passenger isolation from bumps.

The turbo’s combined fuel consumption of 33.3mpg is 1.1mpg worse than the standard 2.2’s, while CO2 emissions are 3g/km lower, at 205g/km. This means the Turbo is in a lower company car tax band than the 2.2, but anyone considering running one as a company car will pay more around £150 more a year due to its higher list price.

An insurance rating has yet to be set, but it will be higher than the standard car’s group 16 rating which attracts a typical bill of £826.

Turbo buyers will be able to opt for a range of creature comforts for the VX220. A Touring Pack includes more noise insulation and carpeting, while central locking and satellite-navigation can also be fitted.

Vauxhall was due to stop production of the VX220 this summer, but has now decided to continue building it until the summer of 2004.