Vauxhall VXR8 Hatchback (2007-2009) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 2.5 out of 52.5

Written by David Ross Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

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Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 18 - 19 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

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Drive it hard regularly and you’ll be spending a lot of time at the pumps refuelling the 73-litre tank. Even average fuel consumption is woeful at just 19mpg (20mpg in the automatic) and this will quickly drop if you drive it anything but sedately. With the exception of Vauxhall labour rates, other running costs are going to be typical of a big, powerful car with consumables like tyres and brakes far from cheap.

The VRX8 is a disappointingly polluting model and the newer 6.2-litre V8 emits a hefty 364g/km of CO2 while economy is a poor 19mpg. The automatic is slightly more efficient with CO2 emissions of 345g/km.

The V8 engine in the VXR8 was used in the Monaro with no issues. It relies upon relatively simple and straightforward technology and any inherent faults in the design have long since been ironed out. If there are any problems they’re likely to be niggly rather than major.