By Rosie Ogden
VAUXHALL’S sensational new VX220 Turbo will promote the company to the supercar performance league when it goes on sale tomorrow.
That may be a bold claim from the Luton marque, however one glance at the performance figures, viewed against a price of under £26,000 puts the new VX220 Turbo in a league of one.
The vital statistics confirm why the new VX220 Turbo promises to be something special: power output of 200 hp; 0 to 60 mph in under five seconds; 0 to 100 mph in under 13 seconds; a power to weight ratio of 4.9 kg/hp and a top speed of 151mph.
What is already one of the most capable chassis on the road has had further development to harness the extra engine power over the 2.2 litre 16v.
Some subtle exterior design changes give indications to the extra performance of the turbo model, while the interior of the new version is now plusher, upgraded through the use of higher quality materials and a revised list of options.
On the road price in the UK for the VX220 Turbo, when it goes on sale tomorrow, is £25,495.
The heart of the VX220 Turbo is the familiar transverse two-litre, sixteen valve, turbocharged engine being used to good effect in the new Astra GSi. In the VX220 Turbo however, it is installed just in front of the rear axle.
The engine is constructed of a cast iron block and aluminium head with twin overhead (DOHC) camshafts.
Maximum power from the turbo unit is 200 hp at 5,500 rpm, while engine torque is an impressive 250Nm from 1,950 rpm all the way to 5,500 rpm. Other differences between it and the normally aspirated 2.2 include the compression ratio (8.8:1 for the Turbo and 10:1 for the 2.2), and a reduced oil capacity, but increases in cooling capacity and battery power for the Turbo.
Fuel consumption is almost identical to the 2.2 16v at 33.3 mpg on a combined urban/extra urban cycle. As an extra bonus this pocket-rocket also falls into the Euro 4 Emission Class and has lower emissions than the 2.2 16v.
Only minor changes have been made to the chassis of the VX220, to accommodate the extra power of the turbo engine. The basic principles stay the same: a super rigid lightweight aluminium chassis, double wishbone suspension and high performance brakes.
Changes have been made to the spring and damper rates, to improve body control and high speed stability.
Standard brakes remain at 288 mm diameter discs all round but with the Turbo there is the added option of lightweight ventilated and cross-drilled discs.
Exterior changes are subtle, and restricted to a small black ‘lip’ spoiler at the front and a body-coloured spoiler on the rear which aids high speed aerodynamics. There are also wider air intakes on the side of the body to aid engine cooling.
Standard equipment includes ABS, alloy wheels, aluminium foot pedals and gear lever, driver’s airbag, and leather covered Momo steering wheel. Optional are central door locking, drilled brake discs and leather trim.
Vauxhall is continuing with its association with Jonathan Palmer’s Palmersport, based at the Bedford Autodrome in north Bedfordshire. As part of their purchase, owners of both the 2.2 and Turbo model will be eligible for the free, one day Driver Training course.
For the 2003 season, the VX220 fleet at Palmersport will be changed to Turbo models with courses starting in March and continuing through until the end of October.
If motorists in Cyprus want to get their hands on a VX220, it will be available on an order-only basis from Opel/Vauxhall agents Pavlides and Araouzos, though they don’t yet have prices.
VX220 Turbo – Technical Specifications
Engine data
Engine: inclined Mid, transverse in front of rear axle, 7° 50′ forward
Cooling system: With liquid, sealed circuit
Cylinders: 4
Displacement (cc): 1,998
Compression ratio: 8.8:1
Engine, type: In line; 5 main bearings
Fuel system: Sequential multi point fuel injection, Motronic ME 1.5.5 Hybrid
Ignition system: Electr. ignition map, ignition coil direct to spark plug
Fuel pump: Electric, in tank
Emission control system: 2x 3-way catalytic conv. with 2 oxygen sensors
Max power: 200 hp @ 5500 rpm
Max. torque: 250Nm at 1950-5500 rpm
Drive axle: Rear-wheel drive
Transmission type: Manual
Top speed (mph): 151
Acceleration, 0- 60 mph: 4.7 sec.
Fuel: Unleaded premium (95 RON)
Fuel consumption (mpg): (at kerbweight plus 75 kg)
urban: 23.7
extra-urban: 43.6
combined: 33.3
The Cyprus Mail is the only English-language daily newspaper published in Cyprus. It was established in 1945 and today, with its popular and widely-read website, the Cyprus Mail is among the most trusted news sites in Cyprus. The newspaper is not affiliated with any political parties and has always striven to maintain its independence. Over the past 70-plus years, the Cyprus Mail, with a small dedicated team, has covered momentous events in Cyprus’ modern history, chronicling the last gasps of British colonial rule, Cyprus’ truncated independence, the coup and Turkish invasion, and the decades of negotiations to stitch the divided island back together, plus a myriad of scandals, murders, and human interests stories that capture the island and its -people. Observers describe it as politically conservative.
