t's the diesel VXR! With a 200bhp turbocharged CDTI engine, sports suspension and uprated racing brakes, this hot Vauxhall Astra can run rings around more expensive petrol performance cars - and still achieve fuel returns of over 40mpg.

But don't go phoning Vauxhall to book a test drive just yet. The model you see here has been developed by Triple Eight racing - the same people who run Vauxhall's British Touring Car Championship team. And only 100 will be available, through specialist Vaux-hall dealer Thurlby Motors.

However, owners of regular diesels will be able to retro-fit virtually all the modified parts added to the 888 CDTI through the Luton firm's forthcoming VXR Performance Centre, run in association with Triple Eight.

To see what they can expect, Auto Express went for an exclusive drive in the hottest diesel Astra ever. Starting with a 150bhp 1.9-litre TD three-door Sport Hatch, Triple Eight remapped the engine management, so that power rises to 200bhp and torque exceeds 400Nm. The suspension is lowered and stiffened, while massive 335mm front disc brakes are fitted, along with powerful four-piston calipers. Combined with the 18-inch black alloys, high-performance tyres and white VXR bodykit, this 888 CDTI looks every inch the roadgoing BTCC racer. Shame about the rather tacky 888 stickers, though.

All of these modifications bring the price of the car to £17,995. That's only £120 more than a 150bhp SRi diesel version, for a machine which is considerably faster. Although no official performance figures have been released, 0-60mph is estimated at 6.5 seconds and top speed at more than 140mph, making this model nearly as rapid

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as the £18,995 240bhp 2.0 petrol VXR.

On the move, though, we'd say the 888 CDTI is even quicker. With so much torque available, acceleration is very strong and easy to exploit, making overtaking simply a matter of putting your foot down.

You have to be careful with the throttle in the lower gears, though. Just like the petrol VXR, there's lots of torque steer at low speed. But despite the extensive engine remapping, the unit is very flexible with little turbo lag. From 1,500rpm, there's lots of useful thrust all the way up to the 4,000rpm red line. But unlike the petrol hot hatch, this isn't a high-revving screamer and, thanks to a precise six-speed gearbox, it's easy to keep the engine on the boil.

Apart from a bit more turbo whistle, the motor doesn't sound any less refined than its petrol counterpart, either, but the best news is that the fuel economy is virtually as good as the standard car's. We achieved nearly 40mpg - closer to 50mpg would be likely on a motorway run. Drive on a bumpy country road at speed, though, and you'll quickly realise the suspension is too stiff. It's unforgiving over ruts and gives an uncomfortable ride on anything but a smooth surface.

The pay-off is fantastic agility, good grip (if you're sensible with the throttle) and meaty steering that's full of feedback, plus truly excellent brakes. They initially feel sharp, yet you soon become adept at harnessing their instant, massive stopping power.

Triple Eight's aim was to produce a hatchback offering the performance and handling of a turbo petrol car with all the economy benefits of a diesel. On the evidence of the Astra 888 CDTI, it's more than succeeded.
Sam Hardy

*** Engine: 1.9-litre TD, 200bhp

0-60mph: 6.5 seconds (est)
Economy: 45mpg (est)
Price: £17,995**

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