Think Vauxhall and you think conservative - with a small "c".

Those Luton residents aren't exactly noted for their dramatic designs - just picture the Corsa, Astra, Vectra and Omega - hardly icons of artistic flair for the 21st century.

So, it's rather refreshing to find them responsible for such a radical roadster as the new VX220 - Vauxhall's first genuine sportscar.

It's a car that you immediately want to cheer for, because at last Vauxhall has shaken off its conventional constraints and gone for something totally off the wall - or rather something that you might want to hang on the wall.

Vauxhall has had a little help from close associates Lotus which is building the VX220 at their Hethel factory in East Anglia at the rate of 3,000 a year - a third of those for the domestic market, available through 50 selected dealers.

Comparisons have been drawn with the Lotus Elise, which it has to be admitted probably provided much of the inspiration for the VX220.

However, Vauxhall executives are keen to point out that less than ten per cent of the components are shared and they believe the two cars will be bought by different sorts of people - a statement I don't necessarily agree with.

Starting off with the aluminium and composite design, the VX220 looks very different to the Elise. It's longer and wider and has a very distinctive appearance.

Moulded from composite panels, the stubby front view is dominated by the chrome-finished V in the grille and the angular headlights mounted into the rising wheel arches.

The aggressive, slab-like upright rear end features trapezoid tail lights and vertically mounted twin central exhaust pipes.

Overall, the VX220 is significantly more angular than the Elise so that the two can't be confused.

But what the VX220 and Elise do have in common is that both are highly-distinctive, individualistic hand-built cars that will appeal to those of a flamboyant nature who want to stand out in a crowd.

Also, like the Elise, the VX220 has a functional philosophy, which means that creature comforts are at a bare minimum - you almost feel grateful that there is a pair of thin bucket seats - even if only the driver seat adjusts fore and aft.

The skeletal, exposed aluminium interior is devoid of anything remotely comfortable; there's no carpet, no air conditioning, no passenger airbag, no storage space, you have to strain with manual door winders and the retro push button starter is a real kitsch touch.

The top of the dash is covered in cheap looking 70s plastic and what control switches there are, (left-overs from the Vauxhall parts bin) are all completely different and scattered haphazardly around the cabin.

Even worse, the add-on instrumentation pod is slanted downwards which makes it difficult to read.

I just wish that someone at Luton had taken a trip to the North West and visited TVR to see how it does sportscar interiors.

And, then there are the cheap plastic coated, wide, side sills that have to be stepped over to get into the cabin. A major deterrent to women and a feature that makes access with the roof in place the province of a contortionist.

MGF, MR2, S2000 and MX-5 owners used to those cosseting cabins will feel as if they have been set down in an Arctic wasteland in the VX220.

Forget about convenient electric roofs for starters. The "weatherproof" soft-top uses a couple of lateral supports and then rolls back behind the seats.

The alternative "waterproof" aluminium hard top needs two people to lift it in place and is attached by two locking clamps and three bolts which have to be screwed into place - not a task for painted fingernails and, with it in situ, headroom is snug for a six footer.

Lurking just a few centimetres behind the two occupants and under the integral roll-over hoop, is the motive force that gives the VX220 its numeral notation.

Mounted transversely amidships (for better weight distribution) is a new, all-aluminium 2.2-litre 16-valve normally- aspirated engine shared with the Astra Coupe.

It whines away, not entirely offensively, behind your head, but it has neither the pleasant tone of a straight six or the growl of a V8.

To get the best from the 145bhp unit the rev needle needs to be kept firmly planted above 5,000rpm, do so and the VX220 is a match for the Elise in the performance stakes.

Let it fall below this and progress can be on the sluggish side, especially when first turning over the wheels.

Vauxhall are making a big play of the power to weight ratio of the stripped-out VX220 (166hp per tonne) and there is no denying the potential given a straight, dry road, but how often these days do you find that?

The short shift five-speed Getrag transmission should allow pilots to make the most of the rev range, although the long gear ratios take a fraction off the outright performance.

Unfortunately, the mule I drove (number 16 off the production line) had a tendency to miss-shift from second to third until I took more care.

Acceleration through the rear wheels can be smoothly delivered because there is no turbo to hamper the throttle, but you have to be aware of a tendency to oversteer.

To keep the VX220 firmly on track, and it very rarely scrabbles for grip, the ultra-stiff bonded aluminium chassis is matched with unequal length double wishbone suspension front and rear.

The package offers sharp handling while the unassisted steering and a tight turning circle (11.25 metres) makes for a nimble two-seater.

A ride in the VX220 leaves you shaken but hardly stirred. It's an invigorating experience but one that can be draining.

Despite its faults, and there are quite a few, the VX220 is still an instant classic, both in its style and its personality, but it still has very limited everyday appeal.

FACT FILE: Price: £22,995

Engine: 2198cc/145bhp

Top Speed: 135mph

0-60mph: 5.6 seconds

Fuel Consumption: Urban - 23mpg Combined - 33.2mpg

Insurance: N/A