Hot on the heels of the recently launched GTC, these are the first official pics of the new Astra VXR, which goes on sale next year and is set to become one of the most powerful hot hatch in its class and the fastest production Astra in Vauxhall’s / Opel history.

Based on the GTC’s platform and powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine, the Astra VXR produces 280hp of power and a mighty 400Nm of torque, enough for it to achieve a top speed of a Limited 155mph.

The damping is electronically modified via a “VXR” button which tightens up the suspension and firms up the damping settings for a more precision road handling.

We expect the car to be priced around the 25k Sterling to be competitive with the Megane 250 and the Focus ST.

This car has had some serious testing across at the Nürburgring so expect a video of a laptime to be released Soon! (Thanks Tom)