2012 Vauxhall Astra VXR Photos, engines & full specs

In 2012, Vauxhall introduced the most potent version of the Astra lineup based on the GTC version and re-ignited the battle for the crown in the hot-hatch segment.

The GTC was the three-door version of the compact-segment Astra lineup. But it didn’t have the same overall shape as its five-door sibling, just with fewer doors. It looked sportier even in its basic engine configuration. Then, the automaker added all the ingredients to transform this hatchback into a proper hot hatch that could compete against the best in the business when it made the VXR version. In some aspects, it was the king of the segment.

When GM’s design team made the VXR and the OPC versions of the Astra for England and Europe, respectively, these cars had to look far more aggressive than their siblings. As a result, the vehicle featured a body-colored slat on the grille instead of a chromed one. Moreover, the bumper was specific for the VXR, featuring a deeper apron that integrated a broad air intake adorned by a honeycomb mesh grille. On the sides, flanking it, were two scoops that channeled air toward the front rotors to cool them.

With an already sporty-looking profile carried over from the GTC, Vauxhall had to find other ways to make the car look even more aggressive. As a result, it installed a new set of side sills and fitted the car with 19-inch wheels wrapped in 245/40 ZR tires on both axles. As an option, customers could get the Astra VXR with a set of 20-inch forged alloys. Since it was a high-performance compact vehicle, the automaker opted to lower the ground clearance for the VXR compared to the rest of the range. Finally, at the back, above the tailgate, the automaker installed a two-tier rear wing, which was available as part of the Aero Pack.

Inside, Vauxhall created a race-inspired cabin. While the base version featured bolstered seats, customers could opt for leather-wrapped sports seats with integrated headrests and cutouts for racing harnesses. In addition, the automaker added aluminum pedals that enhanced the car’s sporty character. Inside the instrument cluster, the VXR featured piano-black rings around the satin-black dials, contrasting with the red TFT display for the onboard computer placed between the speedometer and the tachometer. On the center console, the gear stick sported a piano-black trim adorned by the VXR badge. Last but not least, the steering wheel was unique for the VXR with its 360 mm (14-inch) diameter, which was 10 mm (0.4-inch) smaller than the one installed in the rest of the Astra range.

But the most significant upgrade of the VXR compared to the rest of the Astra GTC range was under its skin. The Brembo brake system with 355 mm (13.9-inch) diameter discs up front ensured customers the car could stop on a dime. Under the hood was a highly-tuned two-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that sent its 280 PS (276 hp) to the front wheels via a limited-slip differential provided by a racing specialist. In addition, the suspension setup was tuned by a proper racing driver, making the VXR one of the best-balanced cars in the hot hatch segment.