Vauxhall VX220 Turbo

 

On its 2003 launch, the VX220 Turbo offered pace its Lotus Elise base car couldn’t. The increasing power of Elises and Exiges since makes the VXT feel tamer now than it did then, but its turn of speed is still impressive.

This 2005 example at Stratstone in Milton Keynes feels in rude health, and with the 2-litre turbo engine serving up maximum torque below 2000rpm, it’s adequately quick in all five of its forward gears. Its soundtrack is suitably rorty, too. That’s great news, as the sheer volume of wind and road noise that makes it into the cabin makes this car’s trick aftermarket stereo next to pointless.

There are a few clonks from the suspension, and while more than likely just mechanical noise audible via the car’s lack of carpets and sound insulation. I’d be tempted to do some checking. It certainly feels fine to drive, its sub-1000kg frame exceedingly well-balanced and responsive to direction changes.

The exterior is nearly immaculate, but there are numerous scratches and marks inside. This is one of the cheapest VXT’s on the market, though, and if you’re buying it as an occasional second car or track toy, the scuffs are probably inconsequential.