Have a VXR 4years, it’s a track weapon! Journalists often take it for a short drive and think the 0-100km is not so special. Typically they jump into a WRX, ST etc and see no difference! This car is engineered for track work and high speed and facilitates high speed performance! The double A pillar facilitates a low angle window screen and very low front, while inconvenient for urban duty, really gives the car a high top speed. Remove the limiter and it will crack 270kmh in std form! The brakes at 355mm and two piece rotors with 4 spot calipers only need new pads and 600F brake fluid and you can out brake dedicated track cars! The engine is gen 3 ECOTEC , so what? GM performance got over 1200hp out of them in 2003 and held the 1/4mile record in the 6s for many years‼️negatives: if you want to modify it they have weak rods and start breaking at 350whp and being DI they need a new camshaft with larger fuel lobe for the increased fuel pressure. VXR would ride better and launch on 18s but that would lower the car 25mm unless you run 50series tyres as you need a 27” hi tyres to replace the 20s
It's the cast pistons that are weak and not the rods. Also its not 350 whp it's 350 fly that is reckoned to be the limit on std internals, however quite a few fail at standard power.
Just bought one of these in Australia, fantastic car, handles better than 15 year old porsches I've driven. It's only fault is the electronic handbrake. Can't wait to do a full on track day with it .
@@adyg8221 I bought one of these late last year, MY15 with 55,000km on it. It's averaging 9.0L/100km, pretty good for a 2.0L turbo hot hatch. Really fun car, incredibly good seats, interior comfort and build quality is top notch, stereo sounds good but the infotainment system is a bit dated. Works okay once you learn what buttons to push though. Handles as nicely as my old MY95 Mazda MX-5 but with about twice the power, it goes pretty hard when you're in the mood. Really good ride quality considering it's on 20" wheels and 245/35 tyres. Downsides: the brakes are toasted and it's going to cost about AU$1500 to do all four corners with parts from DBA (Disc Brakes Australia). The OEM Brembo front discs are AU$1400 a pair! And you can't just buy the rotors separately even though they're a 2-piece design. As for the availability of other parts, probably not great as these are a bit of an orphan here in Straya. But there's plenty of suppliers in the UK/Europe for all kinds of stuff if you don't mind paying the shipping costs. And the Fun Factor definitely makes up for it. :)
As an Australian, I briefly wondered about the "Halfords Hooligans" reference made twice in the first few minutes of the video, before figuring out that Halfords must be the equivalent of Australia's "Supercheap Auto" chain stores and recalling that many an Astra H VXR has ended up in someone's front garden or loungeroom, with photo evidence to prove it. I rather foolishly went and bought one of these late last year, a 2015 model badged as a Holden Astra VXR. Not a super smart purchase considering that it's basically an orphan here in Australia and I just had to drop 1300 dollarydoos on brake parts for all four corners (aftermarket DBA rotors, the original Brembo discs were the same price just for the fronts discs alone, lol). I absolutely love it though. It's heavy for a 2-door coupe which detracts from outright pace and fuel economy, but it also makes it feel really solid and planted and secure on the 20" tyres. This combines with the excellent interior build quality and the awesome seats to make passengers feel very safe and comfortable, even when you're pushing on a bit. It puts the power down incredibly well for a FWD, even at full noise on sometimes rough surfaces like our Aussie B-roads. It's going to cost me a lot over the time I own it, but I still feel like I'm getting decent value for the performance and comfort on offer. I also like the fact that it's not just another GTI or 86, even though that's also going to cost me in resale value. Don't care, very fun car, no regrets. :)
It looks different from all those normal Hot Hatches. It‘s wide,long and has a Coupe touch. Looks more sporty than a GTI,ST and other normal Compact cars. I own one OPC⚡️
@@mrcal9786 Mine is stage 1 tuned, turbo lag isnt noticable - having owned a previous gen mk5 astra h vxr for over five years, the GTC is more refined in every way, just an absolutely amazing car, and it's aged very well, still looking good among the cars of today.
One beautiful car... Even after all these years. The unfortunate thing is owning one in the corrupt South Africa will leave you bankrupt. Everything costs 3 times more, bit one good car this.
The H VXR was worse for gearbox problems, with this you want to change out the oil atleast once, and get a short shifter on it , makes a world of difference. With these cars you need be wary of the piston 4 engine failure, it's more common on tuned cars but as long as its taken care of (use V power ) and serviced it will be fine, also the back handle of the front seats is prone to breakage so always use the back and the side together to get people in the back, it's an amazing car if you get it, you won't regret it.
Depends on driver habits, first let the gearbox warm up properly before you load it up! If you track it change the oil every year and refill with 2.2 litres not 1.7!
Have a VXR 4years, it’s a track weapon! Journalists often take it for a short drive and think the 0-100km is not so special. Typically they jump into a WRX, ST etc and see no difference! This car is engineered for track work and high speed and facilitates high speed performance! The double A pillar facilitates a low angle window screen and very low front, while inconvenient for urban duty, really gives the car a high top speed. Remove the limiter and it will crack 270kmh in std form! The brakes at 355mm and two piece rotors with 4 spot calipers only need new pads and 600F brake fluid and you can out brake dedicated track cars! The engine is gen 3 ECOTEC , so what? GM performance got over 1200hp out of them in 2003 and held the 1/4mile record in the 6s for many years‼️negatives: if you want to modify it they have weak rods and start breaking at 350whp and being DI they need a new camshaft with larger fuel lobe for the increased fuel pressure. VXR would ride better and launch on 18s but that would lower the car 25mm unless you run 50series tyres as you need a 27” hi tyres to replace the 20s
It's the cast pistons that are weak and not the rods. Also its not 350 whp it's 350 fly that is reckoned to be the limit on std internals, however quite a few fail at standard power.
Best Review of VXR since Clarkson did it on Top Gear
Thanks!
Just bought one of these in Australia, fantastic car, handles better than 15 year old porsches I've driven. It's only fault is the electronic handbrake. Can't wait to do a full on track day with it .
Porsche ?? 😗 behave bro , otherwise I'm happy for you , I'm planning on buying one myself 😃
What are they like on fuel mate and find spare parts for here in Aussie
To be honest I had one of these and a 3.4 Boxster S I sold the Boxster as the VXR was quicker and more fun!
@@adyg8221 I bought one of these late last year, MY15 with 55,000km on it. It's averaging 9.0L/100km, pretty good for a 2.0L turbo hot hatch.
Really fun car, incredibly good seats, interior comfort and build quality is top notch, stereo sounds good but the infotainment system is a bit dated. Works okay once you learn what buttons to push though. Handles as nicely as my old MY95 Mazda MX-5 but with about twice the power, it goes pretty hard when you're in the mood. Really good ride quality considering it's on 20" wheels and 245/35 tyres.
Downsides: the brakes are toasted and it's going to cost about AU$1500 to do all four corners with parts from DBA (Disc Brakes Australia). The OEM Brembo front discs are AU$1400 a pair! And you can't just buy the rotors separately even though they're a 2-piece design. As for the availability of other parts, probably not great as these are a bit of an orphan here in Straya. But there's plenty of suppliers in the UK/Europe for all kinds of stuff if you don't mind paying the shipping costs. And the Fun Factor definitely makes up for it. :)
Great review, had mine a year now and absolutely love it :D
Excellent review, really enjoyed, hoping to pick one up this week 🤘
Thank you!
Very complete review. Congratulations
thank you!
As an Australian, I briefly wondered about the "Halfords Hooligans" reference made twice in the first few minutes of the video, before figuring out that Halfords must be the equivalent of Australia's "Supercheap Auto" chain stores and recalling that many an Astra H VXR has ended up in someone's front garden or loungeroom, with photo evidence to prove it.
I rather foolishly went and bought one of these late last year, a 2015 model badged as a Holden Astra VXR. Not a super smart purchase considering that it's basically an orphan here in Australia and I just had to drop 1300 dollarydoos on brake parts for all four corners (aftermarket DBA rotors, the original Brembo discs were the same price just for the fronts discs alone, lol).
I absolutely love it though. It's heavy for a 2-door coupe which detracts from outright pace and fuel economy, but it also makes it feel really solid and planted and secure on the 20" tyres. This combines with the excellent interior build quality and the awesome seats to make passengers feel very safe and comfortable, even when you're pushing on a bit. It puts the power down incredibly well for a FWD, even at full noise on sometimes rough surfaces like our Aussie B-roads. It's going to cost me a lot over the time I own it, but I still feel like I'm getting decent value for the performance and comfort on offer. I also like the fact that it's not just another GTI or 86, even though that's also going to cost me in resale value. Don't care, very fun car, no regrets. :)
It looks different from all those normal Hot Hatches. It‘s wide,long and has a Coupe touch. Looks more sporty than a GTI,ST and other normal Compact cars. I own one OPC⚡️
How is the performance..any turbo lag?
@@mrcal9786 Mine is stage 1 tuned, turbo lag isnt noticable - having owned a previous gen mk5 astra h vxr for over five years, the GTC is more refined in every way, just an absolutely amazing car, and it's aged very well, still looking good among the cars of today.
@@mrcal9786 under 3000 rpm you‘ve got a lag. If you are allways above 3000 you don‘t feel any lag. 😋
Great Review. We are the biggest Astra J VXR club in the 🌎. Join us at shows
Beautiful Opel!
One beautiful car... Even after all these years. The unfortunate thing is owning one in the corrupt South Africa will leave you bankrupt. Everything costs 3 times more, bit one good car this.
20" Wheels are forged is that correct ?
yes
The fearsome Nurburgring Nordschliefe racetrack 🤣
HAHAHA so many backhanded compliments 😂
Great review regardless!
I’ve just bought one recently and I’ve never been able to get over 27 mpg 🤦🏽♂️
22mpg town. 45mpg on motorway for me
@@UltimateWarrior206 Mine is 14 mpg in town. How do you have such low fuel consumption guys?
why did you buy this for mpg? 🤣🤣🤣
@@lodzkiegetto must use stop/ start and do you coast on downhills and get 0 instant fuel consumption ie middle info dash screen
@@lodzkiegetto
Since you've quoted the lowest mpg in this thread, maybe ask yourself the same question you've asked other's?
In 2 minds whether to get one keep seeing about bad gear boxes ?
The H VXR was worse for gearbox problems, with this you want to change out the oil atleast once, and get a short shifter on it , makes a world of difference. With these cars you need be wary of the piston 4 engine failure, it's more common on tuned cars but as long as its taken care of (use V power ) and serviced it will be fine, also the back handle of the front seats is prone to breakage so always use the back and the side together to get people in the back, it's an amazing car if you get it, you won't regret it.
Depends on driver habits, first let the gearbox warm up properly before you load it up! If you track it change the oil every year and refill with 2.2 litres not 1.7!
all talk...instead of all torque - road test was pointless, u m ay as well stayed home and read from your notes! - Just saying...