Vauxhall VXR220

With sharper handling, better brakes and more power, the VXR220 is the best VX to date - and one of the most focused sports cars we have driven. It's strictly a limited edition, and only a few remain unsold, but if you hurry, it's a great way to stand out from the track day crowd.

Launched with a huge fanfare at the British Motor Show, Vauxhall's VXR performance cars promise to be the most driver-focused range ever offered by the Luton manufacturer. Now we've been given the opportunity to take the wheel of the first models to see if they live up to the claims.

The standard VX220 is uncompromisingly sporty anyway, but the VXR gets a meaner look, with black exterior detailing, Alcantara sports seats and matt black interior trim. However, with a sports model such as the VX, it's the handling improvements that will win it fans - and anyone changing to the VXR from a normal VX220 Turbo will be impressed. Lotus' chassis engineers have honed the car to appeal to drivers who use their machines on track.

Where the standard model squats at the rear as you turn in, giving a light front end and some understeer, the VXR steers more accurately and the chassis remains poised, leading to higher cornering speeds and greater stability. In addition to the sharper body control, this model features a new ABS brake servo and performance pads, resulting in improved feel and better bite when you use the middle pedal.

While track prowess is impressive, on the road it's as driveable as the standard car. Performance is improved, too, thanks to the revised ECU, which has upped the power by 20bhp to 220bhp.

So what's the downside? Unfortunately, only 65 VXRs are being made - and there are just 18 left unsold.