Exactly. It’s called the Astra VXR, itcosts £26,995, and it’s a hot hatch heavily based on the three-door Astra GTC.We love the latter, so things bode well for the VXR.Well how does 276bhp and 295 ft/lb oftorque grab you? Plus a 0-62mph time of 6.0 seconds. Those figures from the2.0-litre turbocharged petrol put it right at the top of the hot hatch powerstakes, but for all of you with memories of the last VXR - the king of torquesteer - fear not! This is a far more civilised beast. This is because Vauxhall has fitted the VXRwith some sophisticated chassis upgrades – this car might be based on the GTC,but virtually everything has been altered. It’s got hydraulic rather thanelectric steering and a mechanical limited slip diff. It sits 10mm lower, has30 per cent stiffer suspension and tougher bushes, plus different valves in thedampers. It also comes as standard with FlexRide, gets the Insignia’s cleverHiPer Strut front suspension, andeven has an aero kit that not only reduces lift but also produces downforce. Needwe go on? And of course there’s the obligatory lairy body additions and loudexhaust.You can make it look even punchier byopting for an appearance pack, which gives you 20-inch wheels, side skirts, andthe twin-plane rear wing – all for just £995. Click here for all the pictures of our Astra VXR first drive In a word - yes. Things are very differentto the last VXR because the wretched torque steer seems to have disappeared. Orat least it felt like it when we got the chance to try the VXR on some prettysmooth German roads – we’ll reserve final judgement until we try it on UKtarmac. Anyway, the point is that Vauxhall hasworked really hard to eliminate torque steer, so this VXR now has a morerounded feel. You can imagine taking your gran to the shops in it. The ride iscomfortable (in part thanks to FlexRide, in part thanks to the unsprung weightsaving of 7.5kg per corner), and the steering is sensible. Of course, it can still do the loony stuff.Switch it to VXR mode, and the dials glow red, the suspension is stiffened, thesteering gets heavier, and the throttle response is sharper. Don’t tell May,but we had a go around the Nurburgring in it, and it was epic there – fastenough to worry a well-driven Audi R8. There’s just a lovely balance to the VXR.When you turn into a corner, you don’t feel like you’re being led by either thenose or the rear: it just follows the line you pick. There’s plenty of grip andthe brakes are really strong. The steering and chassis give you the feedbackyou need, and the wheel never bucks in your hands. In short, it has a morereassuring temperament, and it’s more confident in itself. Like a teenager whohas actually worked out what they want to do in life. At the finer edges, there is a bit moresquidge than in something like a RenaultSport Megane, but the trade off is amore comfortable car for the 364 days of the year when you’re not driving likea hooligan.Notreally, bar a slightly notchy gearchange. And yes, I know the Focus ST startsat just £21,995, but that car only has 247bhp, and by the time you get the specto the same level as the Astra, it’ll be much closer on price. Sobased on this first drive in Germany, the VXR feels very well sorted. An 8/10,I’d say. You’ll have to buy this month’s Top Gear magazine for the definitiveverdict on what it’s like on UK roads, but it certainly bodes well… Click here for all the pictures of our Astra VXR first drive