Vauxhall VXR8 GTS 6.2i V8 4dr Car Review - March 2012

The performance credentials are the same in this model as they are in the VXR8 Clubsport model. A maximum power output of 425 bhp at 6000 rpm and torque figures of 405 lb-ft at 4600 rpm means this car has great performance credentials. The torque figures give the car strong grip on the road and the combined power helps to propel the car along at an impressive top speed of 155 mph. On top of this, acceleration is fairly rapid with the car reaching 0-62 mph in just 4.9 seconds.

Handling is very sharp and responsive, making the drive a lot of fun. Moreover, the model delivers a smooth and refined ride.

A stylish car which offers high levels of comfort, the interior design of this car is well organised and attractive. The model comes with a great range of in-car features as standard fittings, meaning there is little room for improvement.

Standard equipment includes: central locking, stability control, power steering, electric front windows, electric door mirrors, climate control, cruise control, an advanced stereo system with CD and MP3 compatibility, a built-in sat nav and Bluetooth connectivity. A metallic paint finish is available at no additional cost and rear parking sensors are also fitted as standard.

Buyers also get a full leather interior as standard and this means comfort levels are enhanced.

A high build quality makes this car both practical and reliable for its class. The boot space is a reasonable 496 litres which is larger than some rivals of this car. Interior comfort levels are high thanks to the varied selection of standard features and this makes the drive luxurious and extravagant.

For those who want additional assurances over the reliability of their car, this model comes with a 100,000 miles warranty. A service interval of 20,000 miles is recommended meaning that maintenance costs should be fairly manageable.

In terms of safety, the car comes with a number of standard features designed to make it a stable and secure drive. Stability control and cruise control are both standard equipment and help to ensure drivers stay on track at all times. On top of this the car also comes with driver, passenger and front side airbags all fitted as standard to protect passengers and occupants of the car.

To protect the car from theft the model also comes with an alarm and immobiliser fitted as standard features.

At £49,550 this car isn’t badly priced considering its class, but high running costs and poor efficiency mean that it will be less than cheap for the average motorist.

The car runs on super unleaded fuel and with efficiency of just 20.9 mpg this means the refuelling will be both expensive and frequent. On top of this, poor green credentials mean that a number of other motoring costs will be higher. Road tax, for example, falls under the highest band (M) due to steep carbon emissions of 320 g/km.

Insurance premiums will also be high falling under the highest insurance group (50). Of course, these costs are to be expected for a car of this class but it does mean that other sports cars may outperform or undercut this model on such areas.

This model is also £4,550 more expensive than the Clubsport model and there are only minor changes in terms of trim level and fittings. With no change in performance this means that the higher purchase price may be deemed unjustified. However, those with the money to spend on this type of vehicle are likely to prioritise appearance and performance over economy and therefore this model could still be popular.