About Vauxhall VX 220R
GM cut a deal with Lotus and built the Vauxhall VX220 in Lotus' factory from Hethel-Norfolk, but the result was less than what the GM management expected in sales.
Despite being a cheaper car to buy, run, service, or insure, the VX220 sales were way below what Lotus managed with the Elise. Even though both cars shared the same chassis and were assembled by the same people, the VX220 couldn't catch a good place on the sports car table.
The car's exterior was flawless for its times. Its angular design with short front and swept-back headlights were unique in the carmaker's range. The V-shaped Vauxhall badge matched the overall roadster's look perfectly, while the silver A-pillar that supported the raked windshield covered about half of the interior. Its wide B-pillars were extended to the back of the car in sloped lines. On the sides, behind the doors, the designers added a pair of angular air intakes to cool the engine.
Inside, the VX220 offered room for two and nothing else more. There were no cup-holders or storage pockets in the doors. The carmaker had difficulties finding a place where to put the stereo and installed it in front of the passenger. But the sport bucket seats with high bolstering were what that kind of car needed.
Until 2002, Vauxhall offered the VX220 with a naturally aspirated 2.2-liter engine which GM also used in Chevrolet Cavalier or the Holden Astra. After 2002, the carmaker replaced that with a 200 hp turbocharged, two-liter powerplant.