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Vauxhall/Opel VX220 (2000-2006)

The Vauxhall VX220 was built and developed by Lotus as part of their previous partnership with GM. This original model, with a 2.2 litre Vauxhall engine was a more torquey alternative to the Elise. The supercar styling looks great and the functional interior makes it feel like a track car. The bonded aluminium chassis is designed to keep weight to a minimum while providing a firm platform for high performance driving. The VX220 is a beautifully responsive car to drive with instant acceleration and fast, communicative steering.

It does however get some a better level of equipment with ABS and driver airbag fitted as standard. While practicality is far from its strong point, the Vauxhall VX220 has nearly double the luggage space of an Elise thanks to the larger bodyshell.

As with many other GM cars it was sold a Vauxhall in the UK and with an Opel badge in mainland Europe. Despite a price tag just below that of the Lotus it didn’t sell nearly as well, perhaps due to the lack of a more desirable badge.

Vauxhall/Opel VX220 Details

Production Dates2000-2006
Length 3790 mm / 149 in
Width 1884 mm / 74 in
Height 1112 mm / 44 in
Wheelbase 2330 mm / 92 in
Turning Circle 11 m / 433 in
Luggage Capacity 206 litres / 7.27 cu ft
Fuel Tank Capacity 36 litres / 9.5 US gal
Warranty years or miles

Vauxhall/Opel VX220 2.2 16V

Specifications

Fuel type Unleaded Petrol
Engine type Straight 4
Engine Capacity 2198 cc
Power 144@5800 bhp
Torque 149@4000 lb.ft
Transmission type 5-spd manual
Kerb Weight 875 kg / 1929 lb
UK Insurance Group 17

Performance

Max speed (manual) 135 mph / 217 kph
0-100kmph (manual) 5.6 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 33 mpg / 8.6 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 205 g/km

Vauxhall/Opel VX220 2.0 Turbo

Specifications

Fuel type Unleaded Petrol
Engine type Straight 4
Engine Capacity 1998 cc
Power 197 bhp
Torque 184 lb.ft
Transmission type 5-spd manual
Kerb Weight 930 kg / 2050 lb
UK Insurance Group 38

Performance

Max speed (manual) 151 mph / 243 kph
0-60mph (manual) 4.7 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 33 mpg / 8.6 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 202 g/km

Vauxhall/Opel VX220 2.0 VXR Turbo

The VXR Turbo was the top of the Vauxhall VX220 range with a thumping 216 horsepower in a skinny lightweight chassis making this a seriously fast car. It was more lively than the comparible Lotus Elise on which it was based and was better equipped too. The mid mounted engine and Lotus tuned suspension meant for precise handling that it could zip through the corners as well as it barreled down a straight.

Specifications

Fuel type Unleaded Petrol
Engine type Straight 4
Engine Capacity 1998 cc
Power 216 bhp
Torque 221 lb.ft
Transmission type 5-spd manual
Kerb Weight 930 kg / 2050.3 lb
UK Insurance Group 38

Performance

Max speed (manual) 155 mph / 249 kph
0-60mph (manual) 4.2 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 33 mpg / 8.6 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 202 g/km

Information last updated

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