Baby HSV confirmed

The Astra VXR has been under study and development for close to a year, but is finally confirmed for local sales as the first baby car in the HSV family.

Final details are not totally firm, but expect second-half deliveries and a sub-$43,000 bottom line.

The VXR was confirmed at the opening of the Brisbane Motor Show, which has been drawing huge crowds to the Queensland capital since last Friday afternoon, as HSV also revealed plans for three limited-edition Commodore models drawing a racetrack inspiration.

But it is the four-pot turbo hero that has the most potential to change things at HSV.

It taps into direct European sourcing for the first time with a car which will be built at the Opel Performance Centre in Germany. It will not, as first thought, be coming from GM Holden's British cousin, Vauxhall, even though HSV exports Commodore and Monaro-based models to the company.

The Astra VXR will be introduced after GM Holden puts its own model, without the turbo engine and sport suspension and body bits, into showrooms. It will be called the HSV VXR Turbo and will have more than 130 kiloWatts to feed through its front wheels.

"This car has been on our radar for some time," the managing director of HSV, Phil Harding, says.

"We've kept to our commitment of class leading brand pillars at all times and, quite frankly the VXR delivers if not exceeds in every aspect.

"The HSV VXR Turbo is a unique build for Australia. Like every HSV the VXR delivers class leading chassis dynamics, performance, and safety. We've worked closely with our partners Holden, Opel and Vauxhall to make this happen."