7 replies to this topic

[NOBLE]

VX220 2.0L Turbo Review by Noble (based on my car, please make exception for the level of trim in other models. Both cars in this review were standard models and therefore unmodified).

Well here is my attempt at a non-bias car review (bit of fun really). As you all know I have driven a VX220 2.2L for 12 months and yesterday I traded it in for the Turbo Version of the same car.

At the first glance of the car you notice the few, subtle, differences in appearance. The front with its black lip type splitter, following the car round you come across the protruding air intakes and to the rear the adequately sized boot spoiler. I like what Vauxhall / Lotus have done here they have taken style and mixed it with the actual dynamic design of the car, it suits the build very well.
Opening the doors and boot the obvious main change is the engine but along with this I noticed the smaller luggage compartment and that the rear boot grills are raised rather than recessed. Inside you notice straight away the extra leather on the door and centre console, brushed steel gear lever surround and matching centre console brace with light. The ‘upgraded’ stereo appears to be a bonus but pretty useless (mainly down to the sound proofing of the car and the proximity of the speakers).
Turning the key and starting the car with a simple press of the button, you notice straight away in front of you the dash display is different. 160mph speed-o-meter, gear change light and fuel gauge (progression bar style) are the main difference. The clocks also have a different look and seem more involved than in the 2.2.
On tick over the car vibrates a little more when warm or cold but you notice less noise when idling which is always nice if your sitting in traffic. Setting off at low speed the car feels tight and very smooth, not as harsh as the ride in the 2.2. The gear change is just as precise but less noisy. Accelerating up the turbo starts to work its magic and throws you forward giving you that sense you are driving something with a bit of edge. There is an element of turbo lag but after a few miles you seem to just build it in to your style and soon forget about it. The acceleration in the 2.2 is progressive, with felt torque whilst the turbo feels very similar until all hell breaks loose with a whoosh from the turbo. The gear can be held much longer with less engine noise and the extra BHP lets you sit at higher speeds with lower revs.

Please note next paragraph is written after testing the car on a private road / track.

Driving at high speed is where the real change is felt. The turbo has the ability to cruse and accelerate at higher speed with a lot more confidence to both car and driver over the 2.2 version. For example, at 80mph in the 2.2 you feel well planted, but squeezing the accelerator to get to 100mph takes more time and you get the sense that the car stability is reduce by a large percentage. The turbo however seems more steady in fact at 100mph in the turbo could be compared to 80mph in the 2.2. The noise is certainly reduced at high speed allowing for a more comfortable ride.
In the corners the car feel the same in fact the extra weight in the turbo version is well hidden however you cant push the car in the same way as you can the 2.2. The rear becomes lighter quick under acceleration and the turbo can catch you out mid corner if not driven correctly. People say you can go into corners with more confidence in the 2.2 however this is merely down to the skill level of the driver. Both cars can be hard to catch when light but the turbo gets out of shape more easily.

In conclusion, If you’re a ‘track man’ you will never be left wanting with the 2.2 and the only difference you would feel would be in the straights as the turbos real you in with there extra power.
If like me you use the car for work everyday, extensive use in the country on a weekend, travel on the motorway and sit in traffic then the turbo would suit you well. The extra comfort combined with the rush of its straight-line speed is a real bonus over the standard car.

- Noble

[dw1]

Nice review. So have you noticed much difference in handling? Does the turbo understeer more?

[p4cks]

Conclusion: Turbo's are

[NOBLE]

Nice review. So have you noticed much difference in handling? Does the turbo understeer more?

I drove it all day yesterday in the heavy rain and the back only got light when I pushed it. I did not find that either car understeered a great deal but you can feel the diiference on the back end in the turbo. Both cars have 4 brand new tyres.

I still stand by what I say. I think the two best mods for either car are mintex pads and potenzas all round.

[JawZ]

Did you do any trackdays in the NA... if so, will be interesting with a comparison whenever yo have a go in the VXT as well

[walkes]

Conclusion: Non Turbo's drivers are

[L315H]

Great review... I want a turbo now

[Tolksee]

Sooooo, question is, would £1000 worth of Nitrons give the Tubby the decent handling of the standard suspension on the NA??