Vauxhall’s latest version of the Corsa VXR packs a 202bhp punch, a six-speed manual gearbox that’ll delight the purists and the option of a Performance Pack with a Drexler differential, Brembo brakes and bigger wheels.
Some trick Koni dampers are fitted as standard. Economy and emissions lag behind the class best but otherwise it’s a strong showing.
Power comes from an entirely predictable source, namely a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, in this case sending 202bhp through the front tyres via a six-speed manual box.
That aces the Fiesta ST’s 179bhp but look a bit more closely and you realise that the performance margin isn’t huge. The Corsa manages 181lb/ft of torque, with overboost lifting that to 207lb/ft for a few seconds at a time.
By contrast the Ford makes 177lb/ft of torque, overboosting to 213lb/ft. And so it proves with the raw numbers, the Corsa getting to 62mph in 6.8 seconds with a top speed of 143mph, while the Fiesta manages 6.9 seconds and 137mph. So, a small edge to the Vauxhall then.
The VXR features an aggressive new front-end design that has divided opinion among those who first saw it on the Geneva Show stand.
It gets large air intakes and an aluminium-framed opening below the headlights with a scoop below the bonnet and side-sill extensions.
At the back, a rear spoiler reduces lift and twin Remus exhaust pipes further distinguish it from regular Corsas. Six exterior paint finishes, including an exclusive Flash Blue launch colour, are on offer.
The cabin features the usual sporty styling touches for the pedals, seats, steering wheel and gear lever but what really impresses is the feeling of solidity.
A driver control centre takes pride of place within the instrument panel, which is themed around horizontal lines. The VXR also gets the IntelliLink communications system which has already been seen in the Adam.
This Corsa VXR has been priced against £20,000 supermini-based hot hatches like the Clio Renaultsport 200 Lux, the Peugeot 208 GTi and a top-spec version of Ford’s Fiesta ST.
For that kind of money, Vauxhall gives you standard Recaro shell-backed seats, a leather, flat-bottomed steering wheel, sports pedals, plus a VXR gear-lever and bespoke instruments.
A heated front windscreen and Intellilink connectivity for both Apple iOS and Android smartphones are also standard. There’s also cruise control, a trip computer and bi-xenon headlights.
Safety systems include six airbags and stability control, but should you want to go further, you can option in Side Blindspot Alert, High Beam Assist, Lane Departure Warning and a rear-view camera.
You can even specify a panoramic glass roof. The 17in wheels that come as standard are a bit of a dull outing, but the 18in option rims look the business.
The Corsa VXR makes some fairly unexceptional economy and emissions numbers. Vauxhall reckon it will manage a combined 37.7mpg and emit 174g/km, which is some way off the 44.8mpg and 144g/km of a Clio 200 – and a long way shy of the top Fiesta ST’s 47.9mpg and 138g/km.
It’s a bit baffling as to why this should be so below par. Anything with 10% of the class benchmark is about acceptable, but for the emissions to be a whole 26% higher than a Fiesta’s for not a whole lot of performance benefit is a bit of a black mark.
Some recompense will come in the fact that the Corsa has a better warranty than the Ford and ought to realise better residual values too.
It’s a good deal more powerful straight out of the crate, is a newer design and will probably be a bit rarer to boot. Both share the same Group 30 insurance rating.
Reservations about the Corsa VXR’s fuel economy aside, Vauxhall look to have done a solid job with this car. It’s distinctive looking, it packs a punch and the mechanical specification can be nicely tailored depending on how hardcore you want to go.
The cabin looks good and the standard IntelliLink system is a very slick multimedia interface. It’s rare to find a manufacturer who really listens to customers. Most are arrogant enough to presume that they can lead and make a market, but the VXR shows that Vauxhall has really listened to what its buyers wanted.
We’d spring for the Performance Package, combining the two most desirable options, namely the Drexler diff and the 18in alloys, but suspect that this will make the Corsa fairly expensive. Still, Vauxhall dealers aren’t averse to doing a deal if you’re persistent enough. It’s early days yet, but keep your eye on this one. Every underdog has
its day.
THE FACTS
Model: Vauxhall Corsa VXR
Price: From £18,245 OTR
Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 202bhp
Performance: 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds, top speed 143mph
Economy: 37.7mpg
CO2 rating: 174g/km