Opel's Astra is known as a Vauxhall in the UK and as a Saturn in the U.S., though the diminutive Corsa doesn't make it across the Atlantic to American buyers. Nevertheless, we can dream, as the pint-sized but potent hatchbacks sure look like a lot of fun.
The Astra VXR-S, or example, generates 280hp (209kW) and sprints to 60mph (96km/h) in just 5.2 seconds thanks to a tuned and optimized 2.0L turbocharged engine. The smaller Corsa VXR-S gets 220hp (164kW) from its 1.6L turbo four-cylinder, good for a 5.8 second sprint to 60mph. The larger Astra's top speed is 160mph (257km/h), while the Corsa maxes out at 150mph (241km/). Both cars get upgraded brakes, a 30mm lowering kit, a custom exhaust, lightweight wheels and a sporty exterior treatment in addition to the engine mods.
Stepping up to the more race-prepped VXR-R models finds a more aggressive 40mm lowering kit, a limited-slip differential, racing brakes with four-piston calipers and even more power under the hood. The Astra VXR-R generates 300hp (223kW) and shoots to 60mph in just 4.9 seconds, carrying on to a top speed of 170mph (273km/h). The tiny VXR-R nearly equals the performance of the Astra VXR-S, getting 230hp (171kW) from its 1.6L turbocharged mill and dashing to 60mph in 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 160mph.
Unfortunately, the cars are only available through the Vauxhall dealer network and Thorney Motorsport Performance Centers in the UK.
For more custom VXR action, check out the Triple Eight Engineering car released earlier this week.
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