New Astra VXR to get Geneva reveal

Vauxhall has confirmed that next month, at the annual Geneva motor show, it will unveil its Astra VXR to the public for the very first time. This is good news.

After all, the standard Astra GTC (on which the VXR sits) graced your Internet screens last June. In November last year, Vauxhall unleashed a torrent of information on the upcoming hot hatch, and told us two-time Nürbürgring 24-hour winner and cigarette enthusiast Joachim Winkelhock helped in its development.

Gallery: new pics of the Vauxhall Astra VXR

And then there was the power. Oh the power. Vauxhall announced the VXR will come with a 276bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, complete with 295lb ft of torque and a top speed of 155mph.

Making a valiant attempt to control this power is the HiPerStrut lifted from the Insignia VXR, and a specially developed proper mechanical limited slip differential working on the front wheels. Torque steer, your days are numbered.

The VXR will get Vaux's FlexRide adaptive dampers as standard, featuring a Sport and VXR button for more focused damper, throttle and steering control, as well as Brembo brakes.

We also know the new VXR will get an optional double-decker rear wing that actually produces exactly the same reduction in lift as the standard single-deck rear wing, which you can see in the attached gallery (it's the yellow car).

Says Smokin' Jo: "We have devised a great package that will convince even the most experience and enthusiastic drivers."

Also on Vauxhall's stand at Geneva will be the new Mokka SUV, and the most powerful diesel the company has ever produced, in the shape of the Insignia BiTurbo - think 192bhp, 295lb ft of torque and 129g/km of CO2.

Now watch Jeremy in the old Vauxhall Astra VXR: