Posted on 20/02/2009 by WillT

Introduction

Well, if you've found this site and you're reading this guide, I guess you're considering a VX220 ! You will have discovered that there's not a whole lot of information concerning these cars on the net.

This short guide is intended to give readers an overview of the VX220/Opel Speedster, what it is like to drive and own. Please look at the forums on this site and use the search facility for any further information you require.

VX220/Opel Speedster model intro.

The model was introduced in 2000 by GM. It was designed to be a showcase for designers and technicians to deliver a road car that did justice to Vauxhall's long motor sport history, to try to change Vauxhall's 'rep-mobile' image. It is a mid-engined, rear wheel drive 2 seater.

The car is called the Opel Speedster in Europe, but has the less sexy name VX220 in Britain. It is a multinational GM car, as it was styled by an Australian, designed in Russelsheim, Germany and engineered in the UK. The car is assembled by Lotus alongside their Elise at Hethel in Norfolk.

The range was extended in 2003 to include a VX220 turbo, but this car is covered by another buyers guide. It is a brilliant but quite different driving experience!

Is it a Lotus?

Depends on your interpretation. The VX is built by Lotus using many major Lotus parts such as the chassis (from the Elise) and the L850 ECOTEC engine was also designed by Lotus. The car is even known as the "Lotus type 116" within Lotus but it benefited from enormous development input from GM, and the car proudly and rightly wears its GM badges of either the griffin (Vauxhall) or the 'Blaze' (Opel).

The VX220 is not just a re-badged Elise - considering the VX220 shares only 114 parts with the Elise S2, it does offer a very similar driving experience, but this is more due to the developers of the car rather than the parts shared. Gavan Kershaw of Lotus developed the ride and handling of the VX, as he did with the Elise and Exige.

Both cars offer incredible handling, braking and feedback, but the VX has a less frenetic drive train and a more neutral steering default than the Elise. EVO magazine suggested that the Elise is Mike Tyson, while the VX220 is ?..Lennox Lewis ? just as hard hitting and effective, but more composed and cooler?! This is a good analogy.

How does it drive?

To anyone unfamiliar with the handling of super cars or the VX's sister, the Lotus Elise, driving the VX is a revelation. You may have read about 'feedback' and wondered what it REALLY means, well a mile in a VX and you will know.

The steering and chassis constantly chatters the effect of every nuance of forces affecting the car: grip, road surface, steering inputs, throttle control...everything. In fact at speed this torrent of information can be interpreted as twitchiness' until you learn to process the feedback properly. While many cars (such as the excellent BMW M3) make 150 mph feel like 60, the VX makes 60 FEEL emphatically like 60 MPH. You are always truly aware of your speed and it makes for extremely rewarding driving. You get out what you put in. It isn't a 'get in and go' car: it drives so differently to even a great FWD car that it will take time to learn it. Its a truly joyful experience though, learning what the VX wants to teach for the who want to learn.

Performance is excellent, approximately Scooby WRX-level acceleration from the na, and the torquey engine makes putting the power down very easy.

The VX220 turbo is a much more powerful car with acceleration to match the likes of the M3 and junior supercars. Its responses have been smoothed out to allow for the higher speeds this car is capable of and many think it is a better all-rounder and easier to live with than the edgier NA. try them both, they?re both brilliant cars.

Elise or VX220 or VX220-T or S2000 or AudiTT or Z3 or Civic type R or Seat Leon Cupra or Focus RS or a Scooby or........... HELP !?

These are typically the cars that appear on potential VX purchaser's shortlist it seems, and we get lots of potential buyers asking this community to choose for them ! Not surprisingly we're biased ! But here?s a dispassionate view:

The VX220 is as beautiful, fast and head turning as ANY car on the typical shortlist, but it is a VERY different ownership proposition. The Audi TT for example has a build integrity and ease of use that makes the VX and Elise seem like Kit cars. The S2000 has a charismatic engine and standard kit that the VX220 can only look up to and most people will be faster point to point in a great FWD hatch like the Focus or CTR than the VX220 until they learn it, but in the opinion of THIS owner (and pretty much all professional road testers) the VX220 (and Elise) is in a different league as communicating driving machines than ANY of its shortlist competitors. These cars are all about driving feedback, not making a statement nor practicality, nor ease of ownership despite looking great. If driving is truly your first priority, and you want a mid engined RWD car you have a pleasurable but tough choice between the VX and Elise variants, which all offer subtly different but fantastic experiences.

"You SHOULDN'T buy a VX220 because....?"

...it simply may not suit you. Its beauty and badge disguise a very uncompromising drivers car. The VX's talents do not compensate for its inconveniences enough for most testers. You should be true to yourself in assessing if the VX really suits you - there are lots of great drivers car out there and most are easier to use than the VX.

Vauxhall state in their brochure that the VX220 is an everyday car. Well it is, but only if convenience isn't your first priority ! Getting in the car is like climbing into a Laundromat tumbledryer, and getting out is not an activity you want a potential girlfriend/boyfriend to see you perform if you want to look cool !

The VX is not a quiet car, with wind, engine and suspension noise present at all speeds. Over 80mph the VX is a very noisy, sensation-filled place to be!

The ride is firm; firmer than a Honda Civic type R, but MUCH less "jiggly" and therefore less annoying to THIS driver. Maybe 80% of the folks who have driven my VX220 think is too harsh and uncompromising for them. This is NOT an MGTF or MR2, fine , practical, comfortable cars though they are. The lack of refinement isn't an 'error' in the car's design; these cars are designed to communicate to the driver. Sound deadening, power steering and soft damping all disguise feedback so are junked in the VX.

Many other sports cars feel like floatation tanks after driving a VX220 such is the communication ! Only cars like Caterhams and similar racers offer an even more focused drive.

Anyone who is used to a mainstream car may find themselves disappointed by the VXs assembly quality too. It's excellent for a low volume, hand built sports car, but its is NOT a Honda. Fuses can blow, trim can rattle, soft tops can leak. There are occasional 'bad' cars too, though these fortunately are rare.

To anyone considering 'upgrading' from a FWD car, beware - the VX can bite, and must be learned before being driven hard. FWD understeers as a default attitude while the VX220 is resolutely NEUTRAL. This means the car goes where you point it and will not bale you out by understeering if you overcook it.

For folks who like an even edgier drive the Elise S1 has a more neutral-to-oversteer default.

The engine, while fantastically usable is not really that sporty in nature, and many VX drivers mod their engines to rev harder and sound better.

Finally, the car, as stated earlier, is a Vauxhall. To many folks the badge is simply not prestigious enough. Your choice.

"You SHOULD buy a VX220 because..."

If your priority is driving pleasure, and you can live with the inconveniences, the VX220 might just be the best affordable car in the world. It offers a real flavour of Caterham or Supercar handling with a good dose of performance in a manageable package. It teaches even good drivers something on every drive, and rewards skilled drivers without punishing the less skilled too harshly.

It represents fantastic value new AND used (though na VX220s are only being built to special order as I type) and the car is still a very rare sight on UK roads (only a 1000 sold!) If you don't mind a lack of creature comforts, the VX is something of a mini GT , well able to crush continents with is torquey engine, wonderful driving position and splendid high speed ride. Only the paltry fuel range annoys (typically under 200 miles)

It has an airbag and ABS - which many consider to be essential safety aids on a road car. Its also pretty cheap to run with so many proven Vauxhall components and relatively cheap servicing.

It is VERY beautiful if you like the styling (horrible if you don't !)

Quote: "The first time you see a VX220 in daylight you forget to breathe...for seconds...it has super car presence" - John Barker, EVO magazine.
This car attracts a LOT of attention because of the love it/hate it styling. I love it !

For me and many others this is simply the best affordable drivers car you can buy. If its for you ENJOY !

VX220 Myths

Before we start lets dispel a few VX220 urban myths ? we can discuss buying a VX properly afterwards !

1. "VX220s are available dirt cheap used as they're Vauxhalls."
WRONG ! Vectras are cheap used because of oversupply, not the badge. The VX is retaining 51% of its value after 3 years as opposed to 54% for the Elise (source= Auto Express). Not a bad investment, but if you want to lose no cash, buy an Enzo !

2. "The VX220 is a softer Elise".
WRONG !. You will be disappointed if you expect a halfway house between an MR2 and an Elise. The VX is every bit as focused as an Elise when driving hard but it IS a bit easier to pootle around in owing to the torquier, less thrashy engine and generally smoother ride.

3. "You can import an Opel Speedster for half the price of a VX220"
WRONG ! try it !.....a better deal can usually be negotiated with a UK dealer.

Purchasing Guide

So, you've tested the cars and you REALLY want an na VX220 right? Where do you start?

First with your budget :

£15,000
The least you can expect to pay for a very early VX220 without leather, CD player or foglights is around £15k. The very first cars had only a 1 year warranty, and assembly was a bit variable. Still, get a good one and it will be very sound indeed. There really isn't much BIG to go wrong with VX220s !

£20,000-£22,000
If you're fast, £20-£22k will get you a brand new , pre-built VX220, as Vauxhall decided to sell on its stock of na VX220s to concentrate on VX-turbos. At the time of writing (May 2003) , the official Vauxhall stock has run out, but several cars remain in the dealer network. If you're not fussy about colour and spec, call around.

New Vx220s will be discount-free, special order only now from May 2003, and at £23,999 base they kinda look bad value against a discounted turbo, but hey, only you know if its value to you !

What to look for when buying a used VX220

1. Modifications

Many or most VXs have some easy , reversable modifications. The standard exhaust is pretty restrictive and sounds a bit dull, so lost of folks have a zorst and filter fitted. Most smart owners will also have the original bits, remember to ask for these when buying if so !

Vauxhall dealers seem to be pretty cool concerning warranty work with mods fitted, and seem to cover everything except those bits directly affected by the mods, but this is NOT guaranteed!

These simple mods don't really affect price much, but more pervasive developments, including suspension and engine work have the effect of limiting the target market for the car. Only you know if a modded VX is for you.

2. Stonechips

The VX220 disease. the bluff nose and painted plastic construction of the VX mean it is highly susceptible to stone chipping. It may be worth looking for used car that has Armourfend or Vauxhall's own helicopter tape stonechip protection fitted. Armourfend costs around ?400 to fully fit, but only the most vulnerable areas can be covered for much less.

Chipsaway and a blow over respray are other options. Don't let Stonechips sway you against an otherwise excellent VX though - all properly driven VX220s have Stonechips.

3. Service History

Essential - as long as the car has a FVSH and a wad of receipts for other consumables (brake pads , tyres etc) don'tworry if the car has had several owners in short space of time. Like the Elise, the VX is a car that people can sometimes fall in love with on a test drive, but find it too passionate for marriage !

4. Mechanicals

Nearly bulletproof if properly maintained it seems. A 50,000 mile VX owner reports a smoother, more economical engine and a slicker gearbox after that mileage with no tangible degradation in power, feel or reliability. The chassis is almost as bulletproof but for a recent scare with corrosion in the passenger footwell (just lift the carpets to check no powdery residue) and ball joints that need freshening after 30,000 hard miles. These cars can take hard use if looked after.

5. Interior

The VX interior is very prone to scuffs - the door cards seem to be made of ACTUAL cardboard, and the sill covers of exactly the right material to scrape rubber of the soles of shoes as they drag in over the sill. The centre console can get scraped by the seatblet buckles, and the door card inset near the window winders can wear. Some window winders have failed, but most haven't. Check all switches & stuff for proper smooth operation.

6. "TADTS"

There are a few 'they all do that sir' issues with the VX. Consider these 'character' rather than a reason to reject a used car because most VXs have at least some of these symptoms:

• Windscreen Wiper fouls on the bonnet when you lift it, scraping away some paint.
• Leaky soft top (though using a waterproofer like Fabsil makes a huge difference, and the modified VX-Turbo roofseal can be retro-fitted to VERY leaky roofs)
• Rattles and creaks - the VX is a firmly suspended car with little soundproofing. Potholes sound like someone is hitting the undertray with a sledghammer, and whirrs, creaks and the odd rattle are quite normal
• No, the passenger seat isn't supposed to be adjustable !
• Doors can get rattly over bumps - easily remedied by adjusting the door pins to get better tension.
• The heater isn't as hot as some.
• The cabin air intake has no filter and throws dust, gravel and wildlife liberally over the cabin when the fan's on. A sock or other elasticated mesh placed over the pipe makes a huge improvement.

None of these TADTS issues really affect the driving pleasure of this fabulous car though for most owners, but for some they have ruined the VX experience.

7. Dealer or Private?

Where there seems to be little differential between NetworkQ and private used prices it would appear to be sensible to get the extra protection of a NetworkQ warranty to augment the balance of the 3 year Vauxhall warranty. However, as discussed the VX is a very tough bit of kit, and buying a loved private example should hold no fears if you are confident in assessing properly.

Car Supermarkets have VXs occasionally at seemingly bargain prices, but you should know that Vauxhall put rejected customer cars through auction and it is typically these that end up in the non networkQ dealers. If properly sorted this may not be a bad thing, but be extra vigilant, and don't commit to anything before seeing and examining these cars.

Note also that even offical VX220 franchises may have little experience of selling and supporting these cars. less than a 1000 have been sold in the UK and most of these have been sold by around 20 of the 75 dealers. Check out the dealer remarks topic in this forum and find a recommended one near to you.

Summary

There are almost no bad performance cars available within your budget, so you will not lose out by choosing one of them that meets your personal requirements best.

BUT, if you decide intelligently that you want what the VX220 offers, choose carefully and maintain lovingly the VX220 can be just about the best affordable sportscar in the world. Good Luck !

Stats

Engine - 2.2lite 16v four - 150 ps/147 bhp - 150 lb/ft torque

Performance - 0-60 in 5.6 seconds, 50-70 in 7.1 in 5th max speed 136

VX220 Turbo Road Test by Thorney

I reckon Dr Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde got a bit of bad press. I mean having a personality which on the one hand be light and gentle and then with ingestion of a drink turn into a rabid monster when the circumstance allows sounds pretty good to me.

In comparison to motorbikes there are quite a few Jeckyl and Hyde vehicles but the Yamaha YZR-R1 does stick out. When it first came out it tempted born again bikers back on to the road in droves but the problem came when they finished running the bike in. Under 4000 revs the R1 is as gentle as a pussy cat, you could ride it all day and wonder what all the fuss was about, but grab a hand full of throttle and it went mad. As a result the R1 flicked riders into hedges quicker than a bull on a trainee matador night.

I've now driven the car equivalent, and am still grinning.

Due to the VX220 club finally getting sorted Vauxhall have kindly lent me one of their press cars, a Coral Blue fully loaded VX220 Turbo with strict instruction not to bend it. I've got it for 3 weeks and next week it gets taken to Castle Coombe to be tested alongside a modified and standard VX220. In the meantime I've just spent 622 miles in its company during the course of one day and my first phone call this morning was to re-confirm my order.

There are lots of shiny press pictures elsewhere on the site but here are some real life shots (i.e I'm trying to gloss over the fact they were taken in a dingy car park). I'll do some better ones at the week-end.

Now I'm biased, I admit it. I ordered this car way back in October as I'd always wanted a VX220 but felt it needed a bit more power, so I always loved the look, but what a car looks like is always personal. Its not that I don't like the Elise but the little details - fins round the lights and front spoiler, the way the rear just ends (its like they ran out of money in the design kitty) means it pales looks wise compared to the more aggressive lines of the VX.

The First Day

My ,my, what a first day. 60 mile blat round my local A roads, a three hour M40, M25, A12, A140 trip to the Lotus Factory (see events page), a 3 hour trip back into and all round London in rush hour then a trip to Kettering and back on A roads there and back. 622 miles and I ended the day knackered.

On first start up you're reminded that you do need a sports exhaust, aurally its disappointing. You can faintly hear turbo whistle when charging hard which is nice, but it ain't no TVR. The Elise is no different and it does sounds heaps better than the Rover lump they use. First impressions are very good, driving position is spot on, the cabin feels very well screwed together and it's reasonably quiet on the motorway. Part of the reason for this is the touring pack option, the extra carpeting and sound insulation are remarkably effective and really make the car feel very substantial - a must option in my opinion if you're ordering.

The ?600 stereo option on this car worked quite well despite the fact one of the rear speakers had blown (probably due to some German journo playing Kraftwerk too loud). ?600 is a bit toppy though but it does mean you get the 2 other speakers so its worth considering.

What first surprised me was how smooth the gearbox and revvy the engine was. When I test drove Burnham Garages demonstrator both felt very tight, obviously 3000 miles the press car had on it made a huge difference, if you're going to test drive one, wait until its run in first. This one simply flew. Low down torque was so impressive you could drive round in 3rd and never need to change gear, it was a much more relaxing car to drive than either the Elise or the standard VX. However the real fun came at 3000 rpm when all the horses are let loose, the car gains its Mr Hyde personality with a vengeance.

Its actually quite hard to keep up with the engine, the revs fly round so fast. However the really scary thing is that because the car feels so solid (partly due to it's increased weight but more due to it's build) you don't feel you're driving as fast as you are. With the standard VX and Elise you are always aware of the speed due to the noise and effect in the cabin, with the VXT you are in some ways cushioned from its effect with the result that significant licence losing speeds flash up like a strobe light -it's real World fast not just fun fast. It reminded me of an Impreza P1, but a P1 with rwd, and no roof.

Acid test was a run up and down the A43. Now this road is great fun as it's sweeping dual carriageway with lots of varied roundabouts. The sad thing is it sits in Northants and Northants feds aren't exactly shy in targeting speeding, so it meant relatively careful cruising mixed in with manic roundabout surfing. The VXT's strong torque meant that I was using 3rd on the roundabouts rather than 2nd and letting the sheer grunt drag you round, 2nd was more fun obviously but 3rd was very impressive and certainly more 'real World' in usage. Then it was relaxed cruising at 3500rpm until the next roundabout.

It was fairly easy to get the car to under steer (as is standard Elise) but it wasn't overbearing in nature, the trick was to use the car to its strong points and feed the power in quite aggressively through the bend rather than try to carry it into the bend, mid corner speeds would match the standard VX220 but exit speeds significantly higher. Over steer was readily available especially under power, and great fun. Steering is heavier than the Elise which I preferred as it added to the feeling of involvement but it's a personal thing.

I ended the day walking away from the car wanting to get back in, which is pretty impressive after 8 hours of driving and over 600 miles. Over the next few days I intend to go over the details of the car and finish off my back to back test with an Elise so keep an eye on this page for updates. I might even clean it and take some better pictures.

Road Test Part II

Well its now been a week and another 400 miles, are the cracks beginning to show? Well sorry to annoy any Elise owners but the short answer is no, the car is great fun. With the perfect weather we've had over the week-end and the previous week I've had the opportunity to put a load of miles on the car all how the car should be enjoyed - roof off.

Here are a few more pictures of the car (yep, I even cleaned it).

The cars performance on the road continues to impress more and more with each drive, it really is a lot more than a second car for summer and week-end use only and you really could easily use it as an only car (although trips to the dump might be difficult).

Performance.
Great fun and very useable, the car can motorway cruise with ease and be driven lazily on the torque. When the road and occasion allows it, open it up and use all the power, it's addictive. Yes there is some lag, its very very small and to be honest makes my RS4 feel very 1980's turbo in comparison. The NA purists will scoff but the forced induction certainly adds to the character of the car by almost giving it more of a bite in its delivery, I like it but I'm sure there are those who will not.

I can confirm the car will hit 150mph (obviously obtained on a private road blah, blah) and yes 150 DOES feel very fast in a car of this type.

Handling.
On very slow, tight corners it will under steer more than the Elise S2 but unlike the Elise the car has the sheer grunt to pull the car out of it at the apex and instantly turn it into over steer. It was quite fun (in the dry) to drive it like an AWD car - very point and squirt, it wasn't efficient but it was bloody good fun. However I get the impression that in the wet this car will need more care than the NA one, its not that the power is less controllable, there's just more of it, pretty much all of the time.

On all other corners there didn't feel to be any more/less under steer than the S2 or NA VX - they all feel pretty planted. The steering feels quite heavy at slow speeds but IMO is perfectly weighted at speed - where it counts the most.

Ride
This is a revelation really, the bumps are smoothed out nicely, there is a complete absence of crashy suspension noise compared to NA (which is due to the touring pack sound insulation) - it really feels a very solid car. Compared to the S2 is feels like twice the car, part of which is obviously reflected in the higher weight. I'm suspicious that the ride quality will lessen the sharpness on the track - Castle Coombe this week will confirm that I think.

Brakes
Not managed to get fade yet and its not through lack of effort, again CC will see how ell they cope on a track but the crossed drilled option looks good value so far.

Build Quality.
This one is a press car and as such it is pretty much hand built (which is demonstrated in a range of quirky details - multiple holes in the door to fit the trim for example) but if production vehicles can match this (and according to Lotus they surpass press car builds normally) then the customer cars will be fine. If you're expecting a re-badged Elise then you're in for a pleasant surprise, the rumours that the VX220 has different post production quality control are true, Vauxhall sub it out to the RAC inspection group and this is reflected in the finished article.

Equipment
This car had the £600 4 speaker Blaupunct, the speakers work OK, the sound via the CD pretty good but radio was crap, couldn't hold a station for more than 5 seconds. It's quite frustrating to be listening to Capital then all of a sudden it flips over to 2-Ten FM then back again. Could all be a case of rtfm on my part of course.

Leather seats and centre section add to the feel of quality, the roof is well made and easy to put on and take off and the hard top substantial but a pain to use frequently. The Turbo kick plates look nice but protect bugger all as they're too small. Central locking was useful but I can't help thinking its not exactly in keeping with the car?

Niggly Bits

• Careful when you use the petrol filler, care needs to be taken not to scratch the paintwork.
• The side storage bins are useful but put anti-slip mat in them otherwise each enthusiastic launch will propel your phone under the drivers seat.
• The petrol guageis vague at best.
• The window heater vents seem to fill the cabin with dust.
• The rear view mirror is vastly oversized, you get a lovely view of the headrests.
• Rear visibility is limited so despite the cars size it's not the easiest thing to park.

Road Test Conclusion

The VXT really is a jack of all trades, comfortable and useable in general conditions but light the touch paper and the expanse of power and torque brings it alive, I've no doubt it is by far a more complete road car than the S2, it simply has more of everything.

However, I suspect that road handling as good as this must affect the track performance, a suspicion I'll be testing at Castle Coombe this week - I'll keep you posted.

Thorney.

Castle Coombe Report

Well this was an Audi day but we managed to get a few VX's there. In attendance was Minime with his modded lightning yellow, PaulB with his standard Rabiata red, Julian in his Silver one and me in the Vauxhall loaned VXT. Frogman turned up for a watch (but woudn't let him out which was a shame) and local dealer tuned up as well (can't remember names I'm afraid, drop me an email and I'll add them - sorry)

As well as the normal reasons of the sheer enjoyment of it the purpose of this day was different for all of us. Minime wanted to get his first track outing to see whether it was as good as he hoped followoing al his mods, it was PaulB's first tracktime in his VX after spending most of his time in a modded TT, Julian was there for the laugh and I was there to see how the VXT would handle a track in stock form, ie, was it quick enough?

Castle Coombe isn't really suited to the VX but its as good a track as any to test out a car and it really was a great day. There is only really one corner that could cause any worry and thats Quarry, basically if you're braking on the crest that leads to it you WILL lock the wheels and WILL go into the tyres, so simple tip is either to brake before or after the crest - simple.

I'll cut to the chase - the VX Turbo IS MOST CERTAINLY FAST ENOUGH. I went out with a group that contained a 993 Porsche, a 996 Porsche and a Boxster S - a nice little group which had the mix of outright power (996) and sublime handling/decent power (Boxster S). All three drivers had previous track experience.

Off the mark the VXT was quicker, mid range was quicker, top end was about the same (as 996). My possible concern with the VXT was whether it would get out dragged by the fast cars. I've spent too many track days (in my Caterham) sitting behind Porsches through the bends then watching them disappear on the straights - very frustrating. I am very happy to report that whilst I couldn't gain any meaningful time on the 996 on the straight I didn't lose any either, this meant that I was in his mirrors until he decided to let me past rather than spend half a lap catching him up again after the straights. Even against the Boxster S the VXT could handle a higher corner, entry, mid and exit speed so it was possible to use this to accelerate past on a the straights - wasn't much in it but it was enough and actually made for some good little 'fights' between us - he was a good driver.

There are two major braking areas at Coombe; the entry to Tower and entry to Camp (and perhaps into Quarry, but that's more of a feathering type deal). I had the optional cross drilled disks on and they are recommended. The day was run in 15 min sessions (which is reasonably hard on a car compared to open pit, where you can go on and off track as you please). The entry to Tower is harshest and the ABS would kick in too early which meant you had to brake that little bit earlier to take that into account. An ABS disable switch would be a godsend as would better pads, they were fading towards the end of the 15 minutes (understandable) and did lack the bite you'd hope for on a track.

The handling was pretty much as expected. I'm of the opinion that Lotus/Vauxhall have the road suspension set up nigh on perfect, the car handles corners and bumps offered by our crap roads with complete assurance. However this inevitably meant the car HAD to be too soft for the track - and it is. Under steer was always first to kick in but I was quite surprised how late it did, the two chicanes at Coombe were the most fun, I expected major under steer but got the exact opposite, I was deliberately late apexing at both of them to limit it but the car felt very pointy - quite a laugh.

The sweeping bends of Camp were equally planted and over steer was more in evidence which surprised me.(and sure as hell surprised Minime who provided the highlight of the day with a full 3 x 360 degree spin in front of everyone) - well done mate, max style points.

The main problem with any over steer was when accelerating through the corner, ideally you'd like the car balanced on the edge of over steer to maximise the power but under steer kicked in in these circumstance leading to wasted spinning of the wheels - very controllable (ie boring) and certainly an area the Elise would pick up time. Mind you it wasn't all boring, with a fair bit of encouragement in combination with the relatively high power/weight of the car over steer was never too far away, you could spin the rear wheels in third - this thing is very very enjoyable to drive. I obviously went too far especially on the exit of Quarry where one spin was a full 3 x 360 degree job and the other when I managed to over steer myself on to the grass which had the inevitable effect. No damage done, although a sideways moment through Camp caused some clenched cheeks especially as I'd just seen Minime spin there with such effect.

One final area I thought might be a concern was heat. Well that was fine, 86 degrees all day (it was cold) but bearing in mind I was driving very hard I was expecting an uplift, the cooling vents on the side do their job (and look pretty cool IMO). Sorry I haven't got many pictures but I was having too much fun driving:

VX220 Turbo Summary - Track Work.

Well, I'm impressed. I thought I was kidding myself that a car existed out there with Carterham like handling and 911 type power but I was wrong. The VXT doesn't completely offer the whole package but its 90% of the way there. It certainly has enough power (although that won't stop me modding it with a chip and exhaust), it almost has the brakes and only needs an ABS off switch and harder pads (cross drilled disks mind) to make them complete. The handling is 75% there; it is too soft but heavy changes would compromise the car on the road which is the same for the S2 190. Out of the box it makes for the perfect road/track car out there - which is pretty impressive for ?25k.

For me? Well upgraded suspension is the way forward (I do a lot of track days so compromised road performance is less of an issue and as long as the suspension is adjustable I'll be happy). I've specced the crossed drilled brakes so harder pads are likely and it certainly needs a sports exhaust. More power? Well it doesn't need it, it really is that quick, combined with harder suspension not much will keep with it I reckon, however that never stopped me in the past and 240bhp in this thing would be a complete laugh - sign me up, I'll have it.