2011 Vauxhall Antara

Vauxhall Antara is immediately recognisable by its updated front grille and distinctive new Griffin logo, enhanced by fog lights finished with chrome bezels on SE models. New 19-inch alloy wheels (standard on SE) give the Vauxhall Antara a more aggressive look, while modified rear lights give the back of the vehicle a more robust appearance.

In addition, the revised Euro-5 compliant engine line-up offers increased performance as well as significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions. The latest entry to the engine range is a newly-developed 2.2 CDTI turbodiesel, producing either 163PS or 184PS. The engine variants come with variable camshaft phasing, optimising torque and performance as well as reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

The 163PS variant is available in front-wheel drive with a six-speed manual transmission only or all-wheel drive mated to either a manual or six-speed auto gearbox. The 184PS also offers a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, and comes with all-wheel drive as standard. All transmissions have been revised to improve efficiency.

The new Vauxhall Antara’s cabin features a revised centre console with extra storage and new materials, in addition to improved instrument graphics and interior lighting. Vauxhall has improved safety and comfort features in the Antara including a standard electric parking brake, a Hill Assist System as well as a “shift-up” indicator that optimises fuel economy.

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2011 Vauxhall VXR8

Vauxhall VXR8 is now based on HSV E3 GTS model, launched in Australia, the previous VXR8 representing the old version of the lower-spec ClubSport R8.

A new, ‘Shockwave’ grille, LED daytime running lights and sleek new wing-vents mark the new car out from the front, while the rear features a new ‘Superflow’ rear spoiler, LED tail lamps and twin exhaust tips that mimic the shape of the front grille. As you can see from these first official press shots of our Hazard Yellow car, the new Vauxhall VXR8 will never blend into the scenery!

Complementing the new Vauxhall VXR8′s MRC is Launch Control, which is engaged when drivers select the ESC’s (Electronic Stability Control) Competition Mode. The system dictates the level of torque delivered to the rear wheels for maximum acceleration, according to surface conditions. All the driver has to do is floor the throttle and let the car do the rest. Extensive testing has proved that LC results in acceleration runs no more than 0.1 second apart.

Of course, no Vauxhall VXR8 would be complete without a large-capacity V8, and this latest version doesn’t disappoint. The fourth generation 6.2-litre LS3 unit produces 431PS and a massive 550Nm of torque, enough to propel the VXR8 from 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds and on to a governed top speed of 155mph. As before, drive is delivered to the rear axle via either a six-speed manual or auto transmission, working through a mechanical limited slip differential.

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2011 Vauxhall Corsa VXR Blue Edition

Corsa VXR Blue Limited Edition features new styling details, additional kit as standard and a head-turning paintjob. At £19,425 (including 20% VAT), this limited edition model features Arden Blue metallic paint, 18-inch alloys, dark-tinted glass, bespoke interior air vents and Recaro seats – that equates to a £445 saving compared with the cost of speccing a ‘standard’ Corsa VXR with this kit.

Powered by the lightweight 1.6 Turbo, producing 192PS, this VXR boasts a 0-60mph time of just 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 140mph. An overboost feature increases maximum torque to 260+Nm when the power is needed.

Like other models in the new-look Corsa range, the VXR and VXR Blue sport new ‘Eagle-Eye’ headlamps and a signature bar across the grille, coloured in blue. But in addition, the VXR gets a more aggressive front end, with deep in-set fog lamps, a wider and more prominent grille and a low, sculpted front spoiler to boost its sporting appeal. Inside, blue detailing can be found throughout, including the stitching on the leather steering-wheel, the interior air-vent colour and the trim on the Recaro seats.

The Corsa VXR Blue comes with lowered sports suspension, uprated brakes and switchable Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), guaranteeing enthusiastic drivers a fine mix of dynamic security and adjustability.

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2012 Vauxhall Astra GTC

The 2012 Vauxhall Astra GTC can be ordered with a choice of four engines – one diesel and three petrols. With 165PS, the 2.0 CDTi is an upgraded version of the diesel that’s fitted to some models in the Insignia and Astra ranges. All engines have a diesel particulate filter, six-speed transmission and Start/Stop as standard, maximising economy and performance. Delivering 380Nm of torque (including overboost function) the 2.0 CDTi engine provides excellent mid-range acceleration for the GTC, combined with a 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 130mph.

Start/Stop and a six-speed gearbox are also standard on both versions of the 1.4-litre Turbo petrol engine. With either 120PS or 140PS, the 1.4T achieves a combined 47.9mpg and 139g/km of C02 emissions, yet each still delivers crisp performance with maximum torque of 200Nm delivered between 1850-4200rpm.

The most powerful engine in the range is the 1.6-litre Turbo, which produces 180PS and allows the GTC to hit a top speed of 132mph.

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