New Vauxhall Astra VXR

Vauxhall’s latest Astra VXR is a true return to hot-hatch form for the GM outfit, offering stunning good looks, superb handling and sparkling performance in an affordable wrapper. For those owners wanting to make their hatch even hotter still, British exhaust specialists, Milltek has served up a range of high-performance exhaust options to enhance the car further.

Based around a 76mm mandrel-bent construction, this latest system is hand-finished entirely from non-magnetic stainless steel. Milltek’s designers and engineers have undertaken many hundreds of road and development miles to ensure that this new exhaust offers exceptional power gains combined with the perfect exhaust note, both under load and whilst cruising at speed.

Those looking for a fully-legal high-output solution can opt for the EC-compliant system which includes a ‘Euro 5’ spec 200-cell sports catalyst as part of the standard specification. Replacing the factory downpipe this maintains full OBD compliance, meaning no annoying or worrying warning lights on the dash – and an extra 10bhp, with commensurate torque gains throughout the rev range. Interesting to note to that the turbo spools up some 200rpm quicker with this system on, offering a much peppier throttle response with improved acceleration across the board.

A choice of either resonated or non-resonated centre sections then mates to a hand-finished transverse backbox, which has been fitted with a rather clever internal structure and tailpipe design to eliminate the possibility of unwanted ‘gas rush’ spoiling the otherwise peerless soundtrack. Offering a sporty tone, with a delightful growl when pressing on, Milltek’s engineers have worked hard to ensure that at motorway speeds, off boost, the interior noise levels are just a touch above those of the OEM system. As a perfect ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ set-up, offering the best of both worlds, it’s very hard to beat. Cat back options are also available for those wishing to leave the factory downpipe in place and the system terminates cleverly using the OEM outlets to ensure a perfect ‘factory fit’.

For pricing and further information please see your nearest Milltek Sport stockist.

 

Gallery: