2001 Vauxhall VX220

Built by Lotus using its innovative extruded aluminium chassis technology – the Elise’s basic tub was used but with a 30mm longer wheelbase and a 20mm wider rear track – the VX was powered by a grunty 145bhp 2.2-litre naturally aspirated engine, driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual box. Weighing just 870kg, the two-seater was indecently quick, blitzing to 60mph in just 5.6 seconds and onto the wrong side of 135mph. The car is immensely capable around a track but equally at home blasting down B roads. It is a difficult car to master driving fast but when you get it right, the rewards are worth it. I use the car regularly at track days and it offers both reasonable running costs and excellent reliability. The car has undergone a full suspension overhaul and is more engaging to drive than ever. It has proven to be capable of showing up much higher powered cars and still brings a smile to my face every time I drive it.