Item: Used Vauxhall VX220 Open 2000 - 2006
Author: Steve Huntingford

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Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

VX220

A superb sports car at affordable prices

Used Vauxhall VX220 Open 2000 - 2006

For such a specialised and focused sports car, the Vauxhall VX220 is amazingly easy on the wallet, thanks to enjoying the same labour rates as a Vauxhall Corsa. The only difficulty is that you will have to find a Vauxhall dealer that has a VX-trained mechanic or track down an independent specialist. Either way, you'll need to visit them every 10,000 miles.

Insurance is affordable for a car with such performance and the car's light weight means that fuel economy of 30mpg is easily attainable in daily driving, although the small fuel tank means you won't go far between visits to the petrol station.

The tyres on a VX are peculiar to that model because of their unusual sizes - the front ones are quite narrow for a performance car. So, when you're looking at a potential purchase, make sure its tyres have plenty of tread, or you could be facing a steep bill for a full set of replacements.

We'd recommend either model, but if your budget can stretch to the Turbo, do so. It has the same delightfully balanced chassis and handling as the 2.2-litre model, but considerably more power (197bhp v 145bhp), so it's that bit quicker.

That said, the 2.2-litre model is not far behind the Turbo - it still makes a brilliant choice, and it's easier to live with than its contemporary Lotus rival, the Elise.

Most VXs will have been specified with leather seats, which are worth having, and an upgraded CD stereo, which becomes redundant at speeds beyond 60mph due to wind noise.

A hard top is a desirable option and makes the VX more winter-proof, although it can squeak and creak. There was also a special edition Lightning model (finished in yellow with black wheels), but don't pay any extra for it.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Ride comfort shouldn’t be sacrificed at the altar of handling sharpness</li> <li>Plenty of power from a melodic engine</li> <li>Handling that doesn’t come at the expense of a back-breaking ride​​​​​</li> <li> Practicality is not essential but nice to have </li></ul>

Driving fun is right at the top of any sports car buyer's priority list, and every one of our award candidates has backroad entertainment coded into its DNA.

The Mazda MX-5 embodies sports-car spirit without wearing an exotic price tag, and has deservedly gained a strong following over the years. Much newer to the scene is the mid-engined Alpine A110. It may carry a name from the past, but this potent, mid-engined sports car was designed with the very latest lightweight thinking.&nbsp;

Rounding off our shortlist, though, is a name that'll be familiar to even those to whom sports cars hold little interest. The Porsche 911 was born an icon in 1964, and the latest generation bridges the gap between sports car and supercar. Yet, somehow, it manages to preserve a distinctly civilised character.

Check the tyres of any VX carefully to make sure the wear is even. If it's not, the car may have been crashed or the wheels bashed on kerbs. Also look for signs of track-day use, such as plenty of brake pad changes in the service file. There were some reports of collapsing suspension on early VX models, but this has not proved to be a common problem.

Look for damp in the cabin, because the hood leaks and water can leave a musty smell if it's not mopped up immediately. The seats can work loose on their mountings and rock very slightly, too, so make sure they are securely fixed.

The engines are tough customers, but ensure there is plenty of coolant in the water, because the radiator is up front and the engines can become very hot in slow traffic. On a test drive, try to leave the car running for long enough to check that the automatic cooling fan cuts in as it should.

The Vauxhall VX220 is too extreme to be a rival for the Mazda MX-5 or Toyota MR2, so its natural competitor is the car that shares its chassis, the Lotus Elise. Unlike most contemporary Elises, however, the VX comes with anti-lock brakes and a driver's airbag as standard.

It has a choice of two engines - a 145bhp 2.2- or 197bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged unit - and basically you're choosing from fast or very fast. The standard VX's performance is sensational, but the Turbo can take on the very best high-performance cars.

The VX's light weight means there's no turbo lag to worry about, either. Instead, there's just instant power coupled to brilliant handling.

Both versions of the car go round corners superbly, and the driver is rewarded with phenomenal sensitivity through the steering wheel and other controls. There's no power-assisted steering, but the VX doesn't need it, even at parking speeds. The five-speed gearbox used is precise and keeps the engines singing.

What's more of a surprise is that, despite its sporty feel, it also has a supple ride that takes care of comfort. The only word of caution is that getting in and out of a VX is an acquired skill.

Used Vauxhall VX220 Open 2000 - 2006 review

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