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The Vauxhall Astra VXR is seriously cool. With meaty, flared arches, a centrally-mounted exhaust, huge 19-inch alloy wheels and a sharp-suited bodykit, the Astra looks 'fit-for-purpose' – which, presumably, is to scare other road-users senseless.

Also, the Astra boasts 240bhp, and at the time of its launch, was one of the most potent hot hatches available. But, inevitably, putting 240 horses through the front wheels means something's gotta give. And that is handling.

This car then, is not one for shrinking violets. Its heart-stopping acceleration and organ-rearranging ride make it a full-blooded roller-coaster thriller – guaranteed to leave you in a spin. And for this reason, I absolutely adore the Vauxhall Astra VXR.

But where Vauxhall has stopped, tuners have picked up the baton… Famed Vaux' tuners Thorney Motorsport – who achieved a phenomenal result with their hardened Corsa VXR-R – have tuned the Astra VXR to produce 300bhp and 300lb/ft of pulling power. They reckon they can get this hardcore Astra from 0-62mph in less than five seconds and on to a top speed of 170mph. Still want that Focus RS?

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