Vauxhall VXR8

Our verdict

Of course the Vauxhall VXR8 doesn’t have the finesse of an M5, but look at the price.

Comfort

The suspension does a good job of soaking up our lumpy streets - maybe that says something about Australia's. The seats are comfy but hold you well when you've got the red mist, and the rear is roomy too. One of the great things about the huge V8 is how long-legged and relaxed it is when you're not caning it.

Performance

Both the manual and the auto can crack five seconds from 0-60, and there's deep-chested muscle from anywhere on the dial. But the manual shift is a bit slow and we'd like more V8 noise. Both of which can be rectified by accessories.

Cool

The VXR8 is a car for people who know their stuff. In a left-field and determinedly petrol-headed way, yes, this car is cool.

Quality

The VXR8's basic build standard is high and the mechanicals well-proven. Much as the interior is nicely clad in leather and there isn't a whole lot wrong with the instruments and switchgear. But lower down on the dash and handbrake some of the plastics are horrid.

Handling

First thing - the steering is too light and lacks feel, and the steering is the first thing you experience. Beyond that, it's a well-balanced rear-driver with enough grip to handle its vast power, and enough composure to let you do what you want when the grip is gone.

Practicality

This is a four-door saloon with a huge boot, so you aren't making accommodation sacrifices to get the supercar poke. The fuel tank is big, so you can go a reasonable distance between (horribly expensive) refills.

Running costs

On the one hand, the demands for servicing are low, and actually the V8 isn't thirsty if you drive it on the considerable low-rev torque and change up early. But then, look at the insurance, look at the fuel bills if you cane it, look at the tyre costs if you go to oversteery track days. Bottom line: given the performance, it's cheap to run, but given it's a £35 grand saloon, it's expensive.