VAUXHALL CORSA VXR

Driving

The most powerful Corsa ever packs a 1.6-litre turbo engine shared with the Meriva VXR. Here's it's uprated from 177bhp to 189bhp, thanks to a revised induction system and re-routed exhaust. The engine's characteristics are similar to the Astra VXR's - it roars purposefully, has a broad powerband and a snappy throttle. Small openings cause it to surge forward, which is entertaining, but makes the VXR tricky to drive in town. The pedals aren't that positive, either. But with an overboost function that, on full throttle, increases the torque from 230Nm to 266Nm, the Corsa is fast. Its 30-70mph time is quicker than a VW Golf R32's. Strong brakes and a snappy gearchange further enhance the package. The chassis follows the same lines; it's lower and roll has been cut by 25 per cent. It was tested on UK roads during development, and the benefits are clear. Vauxhall has struck a sweet pot with the set-up; it's great fun to drive, yet never loses its composure or becomes uncomfortable. Cross-country blasts are a riot, too. Where the Astra VXR is rather harsh, its little brother is more fluent in the bents. It has great turn-in and is well balanced, yet never feels edgy or intimidating. So even though it spins an inside wheel on roundabouts and has vague steering around the straight-ahead, the VXR is engaging and fun.



Marketplace

Are you VXR enough? Vauxhall's advertising slogan has helped make the VXR brand one of the most high profile in the industry. This has been helped by Vauxhall pinning it on everything from a two-seat sports car to a seven-seat MPV. But if its hardcore appeal has been diluted recently, the Corsa should give some bite back to the brand. Certainly, with its triangular-themed central exhaust, mirrors and front foglights, it's about as subtle as a bull in a china shop. In short, it polarises opinion; just what the creators of the brand want - not least because they hope younger buyers who can't quite stretch to it will go for an SXi or SRi Corsa, and fit some of the VXR's features as accessories. Rivals include the ubiquitous MINI Cooper S and RenaultSport Clio 197, plus the VW Polo GTI and Peugeot 207 GTI.


Owning

Compared to the bodywork, the cabin is upmarket. It boasts a superb driving position and fantastic chairs. With a wide range of steering reach adjustment and hard-backed Recaro seats (which share side airbag units with the Lamborghini Gallardo), it is all but unbeatable for driver comfort and support. It also has glossy piano black trim and a neat centre console. However, the angled A-pillars restrict visibility, the long doors make access tricky in tight spaces and mean the front seatbelt is set back a long way, so it's hard to reach. The VXR-branded gearknob is also awkwardly shaped and looks out of place in such a small interior. Maintaining a Corsa VXR is a cheap business though, which may compensate for fuel consumption - in our hands, it averaged 31.2mpg. Retained values are unlikely to match the class-leading MINI Cooper S, either.