Vauxhall is not a manufacturer usually associated with the production of sports cars. But if you’re serious about buying an uncompromising sports car and have a budget of a little over £10,000 then a used VX220 could be your best bet. Sharing the same underpinnings as the Lotus Elise, the VX220’s striking styling and superb performance make it more than a match for machinery costing three times the price.

Built on a production line next to the Elise model at the Lotus facility in Hethel, Norfolk, the car was first introduced to the British market in November 2000. Powered by an aluminium 2.2 litre four-cylinder engine producing 145bhp, it will sprint to 60mph in just 5.6sec, topping out at a maximum 136mph.

Like the Elise, the VX220 is a stripped-out racer, with few luxuries and no sophisticated traction control systems. Its superb chassis and steering warn the driver of impending misbehaviour, rather than a battery of amber dashboard warning lights doing so.

On the road the car is delightfully well balanced and with its larger 2.2 litre engine (against the Elise’s 1.8) it has the low-down torque to give near-instant throttle response in any gear. The ride is firm but noticeably more compliant than that of the Elise, making it popular with drivers wanting a road car that can be fun on track days. Make sure you check the underside of the car for signs of damage caused by a trip into the gravel trap.

Cabin space is on the snug side and with the roof in position taller drivers will find access requires flexibility. The cockpit screams race car — tiny steering wheel, minimalist dials and drilled aluminium pedals are standard, but owners pay more for extra carpets or a stereo.

The one-piece racing seats give excellent support — the driver’s has lumbar adjustment and fore and aft movement, but the passenger’s remains fixed. Vauxhall has saved vital weight by delegating both window winding and mirror adjustment to the car’s occupants, rather than leaving these to heavy electric motor mechanisms.

In mid-2003 Vauxhall introduced a second model to the VX range in the shape of the VX220 Turbo. With 200bhp in a car weighing just 2,050lb performance is electrifying, 60mph is hit in 4.7sec and top speed is 151mph, which makes it significantly quicker than the arch-rival Elise.

Whether in 2.2 litre or 2.0 litre turbo form the VX220’s appeal as a weekend toy means many used examples will have done few miles; the recommended service schedule of 20,000 miles or 12 months means that these cars should still be serviced annually. A 20,000-mile service costs around £110 and even the larger 40,000 service is a reasonable £170.

With great driving dynamics, good build quality and lower production numbers than the Elise, the VX220 has the hallmark of a car destined to become a future classic.

Second-hand cars are rather scarce, so it’s worth first checking out the franchised dealers for one. Buying a car through the Vauxhall approved used car scheme (Network Q) will ensure good pre-sale preparation.

VITAL STATISTICS

Model: Vauxhall VX220
Engine: Four-cylinder, 2198cc
Power: 145bhp
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel: 33.2mpg (combined)
Acceleration: 0 to 60mph: 5.6sec
Top speed: 136mph

Front seats: Neither can be adjusted to recline, and only driver's can adjust fore and aft

Warranty: Three-year/60,000-mile warranty on new cars means many used cars will still be covered by the factory warranty

Steering: Light, despite not being power-assisted

Upholstery: Cloth is standard but leather is a popular option

Air-conditioning: Sorry, not available

Colours: Metallic silver, black and blue popular, yellow cars worth £500 less

Wheels: 17in alloys as standard

Tyres: Check tread carefully - larger rear tyres cost £160 each, fronts £120

Roof: Simple folding roof is a better design than the Lotus Elise but can still be prone to leaks. Hard top is a £1,200 option

Boot: Mounted behind the engine, space is limited but will accommodate a couple of soft bags

Engine: Mid-mounted engine gives excellent weight distribution

Exhaust: Watch the high-mounted exhausts when hot Ð they can burn when you're loading the boot

Brakes: Antilock braking as standard

THE ONE TO BUY

Vauxhall VX220 in metallic Europa Blue, 2000 W-reg with 20,000 miles. Pay £12,595 at a dealer with a 12-month warranty, or £11,500 privately


OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...

1999 S-reg Lotus Elise
2001 51-reg Toyota MR2 Roadster
2002 51-reg Mazda MX5 1.8i Sport
2002 02-reg MGF 1.8i VVC
1994 L-reg TVR Cerbera 4.0



Source: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. 'Trade' is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; 'retail' is what you would pay a dealer