For The VXR8 has the pace and space to worry a BMW M5. The interior can comfortably seat five, the spec is relatively generous, the boot is enormous and the engine makes a terrific noise.
Against Refinement is poor, and the fit and finish can't match BMW's. Running costs will be sky-high, and you should watch out for dealer support; only selected Vauxhall workshops can service VXR8s.
What Car? says
A charming Aussie saloon that's a cult alternative. It offers serious performance for the money, but just be prepared to sink a bit of your 'saving' into fuel bills and maintenance.
View the whole Vauxhall VXR8 Saloon range
Cheaper
-
Saloon 6.2 V8 4dr
£35,275 -
Saloon 6.2 V8 Bathurst 4dr
£37,995
More expensive
-
Saloon 6.2 V8 4dr
£35,275 -
Saloon 6.2 V8 Bathurst 4dr
£37,995
Buyer's notes
Target Price team says:
Essentially a rebadged version of the Australian HSV Clubsport model, the VXR8 is a curious blend of family-car space with brutish V8 performance and running costs to match.
The Clubsport is itself based on a Holden Commodore, so there’s plenty of space inside and an enormous boot. The interior finish is remarkably normal for a supposed super-saloon, though, and some of the fit and finish is patchy.
The VXR8’s engine has more than enough power, and its chassis is friendly enough to let you make use of it, but the transmissions are heavy (manual) or slow (automatic). Ultimately, it’s their shortcomings that will allow a BMW M5 to sprint ahead of a VXR8 over a twisty B-road.
There’s only one trim level to choose from, although among the options you can specify are parking sensors (useful, given the VXR8’s length) and sat-nav (comparatively expensive for a system that’s outwitted by cheaper aftermarket kits).
Reader test team says:
Vauxhall VXR8 Saloon 6.0 V8 4dr
I bought my VXR8 new in July 2007 and after…
VXR8 rivals
VXR8 used rivals
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