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It has half the cylinders, but hopefully not half the fun - Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) is taking time out from its usual monster V8 offerings to market a four-cylinder "hot hatch", the VXR.
Essentially a rebadged version of the European Opel Astra VXR, the four-pot HSV is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that makes 177kW/320Nm and can hit 100km/h in 6.4 seconds.
It's not to be confused with the existing Astra SRi turbo, whose 2.0-litre engine offers "just" 147kW. The two share the same basic engine and curvaceous three-door body style.
The first batch of VXRs will be arriving in New Zealand in May.
"The VXR has been on our radar for some time, and we are bringing it into the marketplace when hot, small, performance cars are all the rage," says Holden New Zealand boss Peter Keley.
The VXR features General Motors' latest European chassis technology - IDS suspension control and stability control.
The sole gearbox on offer is a close-ratio six-speeder.
The VXR rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, combined with "ultra low-profile" tyres.
The interior includes Recaro seats with leather trimmed side bolsters and VXR-specific trim.
The VXR will sell for $49,990, which is about $10k more than the Astra SRi turbo.
