Vauxhall claims that its performance VXR brand will not be diluted despite plans to roll it out across the majority of its model line-up, including the new Zafira MPV and Meriva mini-MPV.

The VXR brand was launched with the VXR220 in May last year with the VXR Monaro following soon after. The 240bhp VXR Astra is set to go on sale in September and a Zafira version will arrive in October. Plans are also in place for Corsa, Meriva and Vectra variants.

“It’s a delicate balance as we don’t want VXR to become just another trim level, that’s why we have promoted the brand very strongly in the early days,” says Stuart Harris, brand manager for VXR. We don’t feel that adding to other models lessens it, we want more people to enjoy the driving character.

“If we think the cars aren’t up to it then they won’t get the VXR treatment,” adds Harris.