For Searing pace and capable handling make the VXR8 great fun. And, with space for four and a big boot, it has big-car practicality, too.
Against With the car's insatiable thirst and weak residuals, the running costs aren't as reasonable as the purchase price. Plus, the interior is bland.
The VXR8 is a real monster and great fun with it. It has a lot of pace for the money, but will cost a lot to run. There are wiser ways to spend this much money.
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).