The Vauxhall VX220 is a rear-wheel drive, mid-engined roadster produced by Vauxhall, the British marque of General Motors, between 2000 and 2005. Positioned as a direct competitor to the Lotus Elise and Porsche Boxster, the VX220 aimed to deliver a pure sports car experience at a more accessible price point. While never officially sold in the United States, the VX220 represents a significant effort by Vauxhall to create a focused performance vehicle, leveraging GM’s global engineering resources. It’s a notable example of a British sports car from the early 2000s, offering a unique driving experience characterized by its lightweight construction and responsive handling.
Vauxhall VX220: A Detailed Overview
The VX220 was conceived as part of Vauxhall’s push to enhance its brand image and demonstrate its engineering capabilities. The vehicle’s mid-engine layout, coupled with a relatively short wheelbase, contributed to its agile handling characteristics. The VX220 was available with two engine options throughout its production run, with the 2.2i ECOTEC 16V model being the more common variant. This model, detailed here, offered a balance of performance and affordability, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts seeking a thrilling driving experience.
Engine & Performance
The VX220 2.2i is powered by a 2.2-liter (2198 cm3 or 134.13 cu. in.) inline four-cylinder ECOTEC engine, designated the Z22SE. This naturally aspirated engine produces 147 horsepower (Hp) at 5800 rpm and 203 Newton-meters (149.73 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration allows for a power output of 66.9 Hp per liter. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The VX220 2.2i achieves a 0 to 60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration time of 5.6 seconds and a maximum speed of 134.84 mph (217 km/h). Fuel economy is rated at 8.5 liters per 100 kilometers (27.7 US mpg or 33.2 UK mpg), with CO2 emissions of 205 g/km, meeting Euro 4 emission standards.
Design & Features
The VX220 boasts a distinctive roadster body style, characterized by its low-slung profile and aggressive styling. The vehicle’s body is constructed primarily of steel and composite materials to minimize weight. The two-seater configuration emphasizes the driver-focused nature of the car. The VX220’s design prioritizes aerodynamic efficiency, evidenced by its drag coefficient of 0.38. Inside, the VX220 offers a minimalist interior, focusing on essential controls and a sporty driving position. Safety features include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels. The vehicle’s dimensions are 3790 mm (149.21 in.) in length, 1884 mm (74.17 in.) in width (including mirrors), and 1112 mm (43.78 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2330 mm (91.73 in.). Trunk space is limited to 206 liters (7.27 cu. ft.), reflecting the car’s focus on performance over practicality. The fuel tank capacity is 36 liters (9.51 US gal or 7.92 UK gal).
Technical Specifications
| General Information | |
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | VX220 |
| Generation | VX220 |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2i ECOTEC 16V (147 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2000 |
| End of production | 2005 |
| Body type | Roadster |
| Seats | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Performance Specs | |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.3 l/100 km (19.1 US mpg / 23 UK mpg / 8.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg / 44.1 UK mpg / 15.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.5 l/100 km (27.7 US mpg / 33.2 UK mpg / 11.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 205 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 217 km/h (134.84 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Engine Specs | |
| Power | 147 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 203 Nm @ 4000 rpm (149.73 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Middle, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | Z22SE |
| Engine displacement | 2198 cm3 (134.13 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 94.6 mm (3.72 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 12.3 l (13 US qt | 10.82 UK qt) |
| Space, Volume and Weights | |
| Trunk (boot) space (minimum) | 206 l (7.27 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 36 l (9.51 US gal | 7.92 UK gal) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 3790 mm (149.21 in.) |
| Width (including mirrors) | 1884 mm (74.17 in.) |
| Height | 1112 mm (43.78 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2330 mm (91.73 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.38 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.25 m (36.91 ft.) |
| Drivetrain, Brakes and Suspension | |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE, Rear Wheel Drive |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears & gearbox type | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
The Vauxhall VX220 2.2i ECOTEC 16V remains a sought-after sports car for enthusiasts who appreciate its engaging driving dynamics and relatively affordable price point. While not officially available in the US market, its influence can be seen in the development of other rear-wheel-drive sports cars, and it stands as a testament to Vauxhall’s commitment to performance engineering.
