Verdict
The Vauxhall VXR8 is a fast and fearsome, V8-powered performance saloon that's a real alternative to the German rivals that dominate this rarified end of the market.

Expert rating: 3.6

Pros
• Power to spare
• Exclusive
• Spacious and practical

Cons
• High price tag
• High running costs
• Loses value quickly

1. Exterior: 4/5
The VXR8 looks like a typical modern muscle car - brash and brutal, with its Shockwave grille, air intakes and LED running lights at the front, plus twin exhausts and lairy spoiler at the back. The range of extrovert colours only reinforces things.

2. Interior: 3/5
With full leather trim and eight-way electrically adjustable bucket seats up front, the cabin is luxurious. The Enhanced Driver Interface supplies data on G-forces, power, torque, the degree of drift and the forces acting on the shock absorbers; it's more entertaining than most TV programmes.

3. Practicality: 4/5
The VXR8 is a proper four-door, five-seat performance car, with plenty of head and leg room at the back, enough to accommodate three adults in the rear - but whoever's in the middle will have to straddle the transmission tunnel, which you won't want to do for a long journey. There's also plenty of room up front, with occupants also enjoying plenty of shoulder room. The cavernous boot continues the theme of spaciousness, with lots of room for luggage, even when the car is four-up.

4. Ride and handling: 4/5
The VXR8 is an absolute hoot to drive, not only because of the power, but because the dynamics allow that power to be deployed to maximum effect. A taut chassis means that body control is superb and the ride is surprisingly compliant, thanks to Vauxhall's Magnetic Ride Control (MRC). There are two settings - Performance and Track - and even the latter works perfectly well on most roads. The steering is also direct and accurate, so it goes exactly where you point it, without any unnecessary drama.

5. Performance: 5/5
The 6.2-litre LS3 V8 produces 425bhp and 406lb/ft of torque, giving 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph. The VXR8 really comes alive the more you rev it, especially above 4,000rpm or so. The engine can be mated to one of two six-speed transmissions - manual or auto. While the auto isn't bad, it's a bit slow on the uptake.

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6. Running costs: 1/5
The official fuel consumption is just 13.5mpg (13.7mpg for the auto), but in the real world single figures are likely. The CO2 emissions figure of 320g/km (324g/km for the auto) means very costly road tax, while depreciation will be hefty too.

7. Reliability: 3/5
The VXR8 is a rebadged Holden. Both Holden and Vauxhall have a reasonable reputation for reliability, but as with any performance car there's the potential for big bills if the car is thrashed. There's nothing to suggest inherent problems with the VXR8's reliability though.

8. Safety: 4/5
There's a full suite of safety equipment including electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability programme (ESP), brake assist and traction control. There are six airbags, Isofix points at the rear plus seatbelt pre-tensioners.

9. Equipment: 4/5
Standard toys include a launch control function, rear parking camera, tyre pressure monitor, aux-in/USB inputs, iPod support and Bluetooth with phone book display plus touch-screen dialling.

10. Why buy? 4/5
If you're looking to make a statement and want something other than a BMW M3 or Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, the VXR8 is for you. Fast and focused, it's a muscle car that will stand out, with only 25 a year being imported.