Vauxhall Corsa VXR: First Drive

Date: 21 March 2007   |   Author:

Category: Supermini Prices: £7495-£15,595 Key rival: Renault Clio Sport 197

The Corsa is the latest Vauxhall model to get the performance VXR treatment, and it's fair to say that like the other VXR models, it treads a fine line between a dramatic hot hatch and looking like the result of a supermarket sweep through Halfords.

However, it's possibly the most impressive incarnation yet.

Aiming squarely at the Renaultsport 197 version of the Clio and the new Mini Cooper S, the hot Corsa is packing a 192PS turbocharged 1.6-litre engine. And it's certainly no slouch, feeling even quicker on the road than its quoted 6.8-second 0-62mph time. The styling is, indeed, teetering on the taste border, but succeeds in visually portraying the performance on offer without going too far overboard. It's still not subtle, especially in the flame red we'd wager will be popular with buyers.

Dropping into the cabin, and the standard Recaro sports seats are an instant sign that this isn't a normal Corsa, ditto the chunky flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Something this small with nearly 200PS was always going to be rapid, but finding that it rides well for a performance hatchback is a pleasant revelation. Coming after the Astra VXR, the most hardcore of the current lower medium hot hatch brigade, it's a pleasant surprise to find the Corsa's a car that won't physically and emotionally drain the driver over long distances or completing mundane shopping trips. There's a marked downturn in ride quality when you step up from the standard 17-inch wheels to the optional 18-inchers. However, there's no visual difference between the two so sticking with the 17-inch wheels is a smart move.

The Corsa VXR is quick, rides well, is fun and looks the part. Nearly £16,000 for a Corsa may be eyewatering, but it's a hell of a Corsa.

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