- Powerful, responsive Z20LEH turbocharged engine
- Impressive dynamics
- Supportive Recaro front seats
- Torque steer
- Poor ride quality
- Interior quality falls short of Volkswagen Mk.5 Golf GTi
- Limited rear visibility
Overview
Released in October 2006, the HSV AH VXR was a three-door, hot hatch. Manufactured by Opel in Antwerp, Belgium, the front-wheel drive HSV VXR was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that was mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
Z20LEH engine
The Astra VXR’s 2.0-litre Z20LEH petrol engine had a cast iron block, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, Mahle forged pistons, a BorgWarner K04 turbocharger which provided peak boost pressure of 1.2 bar, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, sequential multi-point port fuel injection and a compression ratio of 8.8:1.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VXR | 2.0-litre turbo petrol I4 | 6sp man. | 177 kW at 5600 rpm | 320 Nm at 2400 rpm |
Dimensions and suspension
The VXR was 4290 mm long, 1753 mm wide, 1435 mm tall and had a 2614 mm long wheelbase; kerb weight was 1333 kg. Furthermore, the VXR had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the HSV VXR included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints, anti-submarining seats and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Brakes
The HSV VXR had 321 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs and 278 mm by 10 mm solid rear discs.
Features
Standard VXR features included 19-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels, a seven speaker sound system with a six-disc CD player and MP3-compatibility, air conditioning, leather seats, Recaro front seats, cruise control, front and rear fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats with lumbar adjustment, tinted windows, a cargo cover, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.
The VXR was also fitted with a ‘Sport’ button which, when engaged, stiffened the shock absorbers, made the steering wheel more sensitive to changes in direction and provided greater throttle response.
2008 VXR Nürburging edition
In July 2008, a limited-run Nürburging edition was released. The VXT Nürburgring was distinguished by its lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 tyres (compared to 235/35 for the standard VXR), imitation carbon-fibre interior highlights and chequered flag graphics.
Related links
- Holden Special Vehicles: HSV AH VXR
- HSV Press: VXR Arrives In Australia (October 2006)
- Wikipedia.org: Opel Astra OPC
