Awesome Vauxhall VX220 Coupe

The Vauxhall VX220 is too extreme to be a rival for the Mazda MX 5 or the Toyota MR2, so its natural competitor is the car that shares its chassis, the "Lotus Elise". Unlike most contemporary Elises, the VX also has a 145bhp 2.2 or 197bhp 2.0 litre turbocharged engine. The standard VX's performance is sensational, but the Turbo can take on the very best performance cars. Both deal with corners with ease, and the driver is rewarded with phenomenal sensitivity through the steering wheel and other controls. There's no power assisted steering, but it doesn't need it, even at parking speeds. The five speed gearbox used is precise and keeps the engines singing. The VX's light weight means there's no turbo lag to worry about. Instead, there's just instant power coupled to brilliant handling. A supple ride takes care of comfort, although getting in and out of a VX is an acquired skill. We'd recommend either model, but if your budget can stretch to the Turbo, then get it. It has the same delightfully balanced chassis and handling as the 2.2 litre model, but considerably more power (197bhp v 145bhp), so it's that bit quicker. The 2.2 litre model is not far behind the Turbo it still makes a brilliant choice, and it's easier to live with than its contemporary Lotus rival, "the Lotus Elise". Most VX's will have been specified with leather seats, which are worth having, and an upgraded CD stereo, which becomes redundant at speeds beyond 60mph due to wind noise. A hard top is the desirable option and makes the VX more winter proof, although it can squeak and creak. A special edition Lightning model was finished in yellow with black wheels, but don't pay any extra for it. For such a specialised and focused sports car, the Vauxhall VX220 is amazingly easy on the wallet, thanks to enjoying the same labour rates as a Vauxhall Corsa. You will have to seek out a Vauxhall dealer that has a VX trained mechanic or seek an independent specialist. Because you'll need to visit them every 10,000 miles. Insurance is affordable for a car with such performance and the car's light weight means that a fuel economy of 30mpg is easily attainable in daily driving, although the small fuel tank will still require regular replenishment. The tyres on a VX are particular to that model because of their unusual sizes. The front ones are quite narrow for a performance car, so make sure they have plenty of tread, or you could be facing a steep bill for a full set of replacements. Check the tyres of any VX carefully to make sure the wear is even. If it's not, the car may have been crashed or the wheels bashed off of kerbs. Also look for signs of track day use, such as plenty of brake pad changes in the service file. There were some reports of collapsing suspension on early VX models, but this has not proved to be a common problem. Look for damp in the cabin, because the hood leaks and water ingress can leave a musty smell if it's not delt with immediately. The seats can work loose on their mountings and rock very slightly, so make sure they are securely fixed. The engines are tough customers, but ensure there is plenty of coolant in the water, because the radiator is up front and the engines can become very hot in slow traffic. Try to leave the car running for long enough to check that the automatic cooling fan cuts in as it should. But it's always advised to take someone with you who knows about them for that extra piece of mind, and remember not to buy the first one you see.

Verdict:: Superb handling sports car at very affordable prices.
Against:: The hood is not 100% weatherproof, and entry and exit can be tricky.
For Supercar:: looks, performance and handling at small hatch prices.

And our next blog will be called (The Upside of Buying a Vauxhall).

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Vauxhalls Spacious Zafira

Vauxhall Zafira MPV (1999 to continuing)

FOR: Clever seating for seven in a relatively small package, and good to drive.
AGAINST: Needs more safety kit, and the cabin is also short of storage cubbyholes.
VERDICT: It provides reliable and flexible family transport.

The Vauxhall Zafira is a seven seater, and they are arranged into 3 rows, the back row of which can be folded away (flushed with the floor) easily to create more space, individually or together. At the time of its introduction, this was considered "revolutionary", seats can be physically removed from the vehicle if not required. The system was named Flex 7. The car first appeared in 1999, and a second generation model was introduced in 2005.
Before the Zafira came along, the MPV market wasn't exactly full of bright sparks. Vauxhall's Flex-7 seating really changed things, the rear pair of seats quickly fold away flush into the floor, while the seats in the middle reclines, slides and tumbles. It’s easy to use, and now much copied by the likes of the latest Toyota Verso. It makes the Zafira's cabin more flexible than rivals of the day such as the Renault Scenic or even the Citroen Xsara Picasso.
The biggest problem with Zafiras is that they cambelt changes every 40,000 miles. There not cheap neither as each one comes in at around a few hundred quid. Except for the turbo model, fuel economy is good, with the favourite 1.8 petrol producing nearly 33mpg. If you opt for an engine above the 1.8 mark you'll notice a jump up in the insurance groups, so work with your budget to make sure you won't be left short. Models from 2001 onwards, service intervals were doubled to 20,000 miles. Vauxhall's Network Q web of approved used garages do good work at reasonable rates, but the thing is repair bills can be high if you're unlucky and something does go wrong.
What to watch out for when you go to buy one: Damp carpets that could indicate that water is working its way into the cabin through gaps in the bulkhead, but this isn't quite as serious as it sounds. Because about an hour's labour and a bit of sealant will have it fixe,. give all of the seats a test fold, but pay particular attention to the slide latches on the middle row, which often fail and can leave the seats unsecured, rear bumpers cost a lot to replace, so check for cracks or bodged DIY repairs with mismatched paint, and inspect handbooks to make sure that the cambelts have been replaced when they should have been. This doesn't apply to the chain-driven 1.6 and the 2.2 litre petrol engines, or the 2.0 litre diesel. Check that the spare wheel is still strapped underneath the car where it should be. It's there to free up space for the clever rear seats, and is all too easily stole,. the word on the street is go for the 1.8 Elegance model and avoid the 2.0 Di Comfort.
This Astra based seven seater is Vauxhall’s surprise package. Innovative ‘Flex 7’ seat-folding technology puts it ahead of the pack in terms of use of space and its compact size means it’s a good drive. But the ride is ponderous and the rear seats are for small children only.
High driving position gives a good all round view. The seats and steering wheel are adjustable, which makes it easy to get comfortable. Dials are clear, but some radio buttons are too small and fiddly. However, Zafira's driving position does feel more ''van like'' than the Astra on which it is based.
Wind and road noise mean it's less refined on the motorway, but it's otherwise competent, changing lanes and overtaking easily. Front passenger has plenty of space and the seats are quite supportive
High level of standard equipment, including air conditioning and electric front windows. Design is the best mix between spec and trim, while the 2.0 GSi has plenty of sporting touches like 17in alloy wheels.
Zafira lags behind the Picasso and Scenic with just a three star Euro NCAP rating. There are driver and passenger airbags with optional side bags, plus ABS and traction control on top cars. The Thatcham New Car Security Ratings (NSCR) give Zafira four stars for drive away theft protection and two stars for break in security.
The heavy body means the 1.6 isn't quite up to the job, as sed the 1.8 is a better all rounder and will suit most needs. 2.2 is a brisk performer without being hot, which is left to the athletic 2.0 turbo in the GSi. Zafira is without an impressive diesel engine. The early 2.0 Di is slow, low on power and unrefined. The 2.0 DTi from mid 2000 is a big improvement, with more power and performance. However, neither is a truly modern choice and is only suitable for the long distance motorway driver. Zafira is largely based on the Astra and it shows on the road. Its taller, chunkier body means it's not as supple, but it still handles more like a conventional car than a bulky MPV. It's easy to manoeuvre and good all round visibility makes it easy to drive around town.

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And our next blog will be called (Awesome Vauxhall VX220 Coupe).

Please fill free to drop us an email if theres anything we can help you with, and go ahead and tell friends about us and check out our links and let us no what you think. Because your appinions matter and we're allways changing to make things better. If you want a persiffic vehicle and its not here then let us know what it is at general33@hotmail.co.uk.