Official: Astra VXR turbo to wear an HSV badge!

Holden Special Vehicles used Friday's Brisbane motor show opening to confirm the OPC-tuned Astra VXR hot-hatch will officially join the HSV line-up this year.

Released in Europe late last year and making its Australian debut at the Sydney motor show last October, the AH Astra-based VXR’s 176kW turbocharged four-cylinder makes it a direct rival for Ford’s 166kW Focus XR5, which received a $35,990 price at Melbourne and goes on sale in May.

HSV managing director Phil Harding confirmed the hot Commodore company’s move into the ‘hot four’ market.

"HSV will be importing the VXR from Opel Performance Centre in Germany in extremely limited numbers in 2006," he said.

Mr Harding confirmed VXR would be available in one model only at a price of under $43,000, but indicated there was more in store.

"Entering the hot hatch market with one of Europe’s stand out performance cars of the year is only the start of some extremely exciting announcements HSV has in store in 2006."