9:00 pm, October 21, 2011
A VAUXHALL product manager has declared there will be no VXR version of the Astra Sports Tourer.
Speaking exclusively to Car Dealer, Douglas McColm Vauxhall GTC and VXR product manager said Vauxhall will not follow in the footsteps of rival Ford in giving its C-segment estate the sporty treatment, as VXR owners would not buy it.
‘Ford can afford to do it because the new Focus is a global car. They can make the Focus Wagon ST work because it will not be market specific,’ said McColm.
‘The Astra, on the other hand is not a global car and we don’t feel an Astra Sports Tourer would work. Not only would the volumes be bad but VXR owners are different to ST owners – a VXR buyer would not buy a Sports Tourer VXR.
‘Just like the previous Astra Sport Hatch – which also created the VXR brand – we’re confident the VXR version of the GTC will be the perfect car for our VXR customers.’
NO BTCC
Meanwhile McColm also revealed that due to budget restrictions, Vauxhall has no plans to re-enter the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) despite the firm recognising it’s a great image and brand building exercise.
‘The VXR brand is going from strength to strength at the moment,’ said McColm. ‘This is quite an achievement considering the VXR brand is still relatively new. There’s little doubt the BTCC played a large part in this in creating a buzz around the brand – something which has also helped in creating a vibrant owners’ club scene.
‘However, this saddens me as much as you, but we have no plans to go back to competing in BTCC next year or the year after. The funds just aren’t there.’
