"In our test's wet conditions, the VXR's Achilles' heel was poor traction" PRICE FROM £18,995

There's no doubt that each of the cars here offers remarkable performance for the money. The Astra VXR gives you a horizon-chasing 236bhp for just £18,995. In terms of 'bang for your buck', the fiery Vauxhall is untouchable. Why is it then that, despite having the most power here, the VXR is the slowest over twisty, bumpy back-roads? This is the kind of territory where a hot hatch should excel, covering ground quicker than a lumbering six-figure supercar by making the most of its agile handling and flawless traction. Over difficult Welsh roads, made slick by heavy rainfall, the VXR cannot do this. It can't even keep up with the Golf GTI. In the wet conditions of our test, the VXR's Achilles' heel was exposed: traction. What use is 236bhp if the driven wheels can't accept it? The Astra's front-wheel-drive layout struggles to cope with that power. In first and second gear it's simply spun away, and you need a tight grip on the steering wheel prevent the VXR's torque-steer pulling you onto the wrong side of the road. Even in third gear a sensitive right foot is needed since, even without engaging Sport mode, the throttle response is fierce. You can be nowhere near flooring it, and the VXR will still send enough power and torque to the wheels to defeat the grip and send the car's nose running wide of your chosen line in a corner. Ultimately, this leads to a rather messy style of driving, in contrast to the flow engendered by the Golf and Focus. Your commands are constantly overruled by the traction control system, but we still advise sophisticated electronic driver aids are left switched on. The VXR presents other challenges. Its steering is numb and suffers from kickback over bad bumps. The six-speed gearbox has a clean movement, but the throw is overly long. And if you're trying to keep up with a Focus ST, you'll find yourself pressing the brakes with ever-increasing vigour, since there's too little bite and feedback to the pedal. On the motorway, both the Golf and the Focus offer a better ride quality and more refinement. And yet... there's something about the Astra VXR. It's a special car. Yes, you're fighting the brutal power that bangs in at 3,000rpm. Yes, you're keeping a tight grip on the steering wheel. But you're thoroughly engaged by the driving experience: it's an adrenalin rush. This is why, for certain hot hatch enthusiasts, the VXR holds more appeal than the GTI. It looks the business too. In blood-red paint and hunkered down over optional 19-inch alloys, the VXR is a blatant boy-racer magnet. Lock up your daughters: there's an Astra VXR in town. Inside, the cabin is black from ceiling to carpet, laced with menacing VXR and Recaro branding. Like the Ford, you'll never forget you're in a hot hatch in the Vauxhall. The Astra VXR hardly feels in competition with the Golf GTI, so different are the two cars' priorities. Its biggest problem is the Focus ST which, in entry-level form, is £1,500 cheaper. Considering the insurance costs of these cars, that's a saving well worth having. PERFORMANCE: It's very quick on a straight, dry road, but real-world fun is hampered by an inability to get the power down. Brakes feel wooden and insufficiently powerful RIDE & HANDLING: Benefits from a complex electronic damping system, but can't match the others for cornering poise or body control. Torque steer is rampant in the lower gears SAFETY: Gets all the electronic driver aids, but it needs them as wet-weather handling can be hair-raising. Won the full five stars in EuroNCAP crash tests INTERIOR: Cabin is a black hole, which won't suit all. Plenty of hot hatch feel, but rear visibility is poor and boot is the least spacious FINANCE: Undercuts the Golf on list price, but contract hire is the second highest. Hefty company car tax. Insurance is the lowest, but group 17 still isn't cheap PRICE : FROM £18,995 AVAILABLE COLOURS : (NON METALIC PAINT) Flame Red. (METALIC PAINT) Arden Blue, Black Saphire, Star Silver. To get a Insurance quote for a Vauxhall Astra VXR from over 50 insurance companies instantly click here.  To Get a Finance quote for a Vauxhall Astra VXR from over 400 lenders click here