Vauxhall Corsa VXR

[Gt1Street]

CORSA VXR - VAUXHALL UNLEASHES ITS HOTTEST EVER SUPERMINI


· New Corsa VXR on sale mid-March
· Lightweight turbo 1.6-litre engine producing 192PS and more than 260Nm
· Top speed of 140mph and 0-60 in 6.8 seconds

The new Corsa has already caused quite a sensation with its bold styling and impressive road manners, but now Vauxhall has pulled the wraps off the ultimate version – the long awaited VXR.

The performance flagship of the range is every inch a VXR, designed from the outset to deliver the ultimate in hot-hatch driving excitement and style.

Immediately distinguishable from other models in the new Corsa range, the three-door only VXR comes with several unique VXR styling cues. The mirrors, front foglamp surrounds and centre-exit exhaust tailpipe all have a triangular theme, while the aggressive front and rear bumpers are unique to this model.

Sweeping side skirts and an angular roof spoiler help accentuate the three-door Corsa’s already muscular design, while a mesh front grille, blue-painted brake callipers and optional 18-inch alloys further set off the VXR’s performance appearance.

The interior is dominated by the sculpted, shell-backed Recaro sports seats and the race-car style flat-bottomed steering wheel. Drilled alloy pedals, piano black trim on the facia and unique VXR detailing on the dials and gear lever make sure the Corsa VXR looks as special inside as it does on the outside.

Power comes from a compact 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, developing 192PS and giving Corsa VXR the ability to accelerate from 0-60mph in just 6.8 seconds, on to a top speed of 140mph. Like the Meriva VXR, it comes with an ‘overboost’ facility which can increase the torque output on demand to a maximum of more than 260Nm – useful for safe overtaking.

The power is kept in check with a dynamically-designed chassis including a specially-tuned ESP system, along with uprated brakes and suspension and variably-assisted power steering, which alters the weight and feel of the wheel depending on the way in which the car is driven – a feature unique in this area of the market.

Yet despite its wild performance and impressive technology, Corsa VXR promises to be an affordable car to run, with surprising fuel economy for a 140mph car. On extra-urban routes it returns 44.1mpg according to official figures and the combined fuel economy figure is 35.8mpg.

The Corsa VXR will make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and will be available from Vauxhall retailers from mid-March. Prices will be announced nearer to the on-sale date.

[Gt1Street]

Vauxhall Corsa VXR #2

[Jack_Bauer]

Erm, you've given us the pics for the Corsa VXR, but the press release text from the Astra VXR.

[Gt1Street]

Vauxhall Corsa VXR #3

[Gt1Street]

Originally Posted by Jack_Bauer

Erm, you've given us the pics for the Corsa VXR, but the press release text from the Astra VXR.

Whoops, thanks for the heads up

Vauxhall Corsa VXR #4

[Cotterik]

this car kinda looks like its been face-lifted in one too many places. it doesnt really have any particular shape like the old corsa. you wouldnt reckognise it from a distance. Infact it blends in far too much with all the other cars in its class, and vice-versa. Is it the trend these days for small cars to be over-designed? what ever happened to the classic shape of small cars these days?

[Gt1Street]

Vauxhall Corsa VXR #5

[Gt1Street]

Vauxhall Corsa VXR #6

[LeonOfTheDead]

Originally Posted by Cotterik

this car kinda looks like its been face-lifted in one too many places. it doesnt really have any particular shape like the old corsa. you wouldnt reckognise it from a distance. Infact it blends in far too much with all the other cars in its class, and vice-versa. Is it the trend these days for small cars to be over-designed? what ever happened to the classic shape of small cars these days?

true

its design is simply "too much", and with the Vauxhall grid it's even worse

[Revo]

Originally Posted by Cotterik

this car kinda looks like its been face-lifted in one too many places. it doesnt really have any particular shape like the old corsa. you wouldnt reckognise it from a distance. Infact it blends in far too much with all the other cars in its class, and vice-versa. Is it the trend these days for small cars to be over-designed? what ever happened to the classic shape of small cars these days?

If you want a classic and tasteful hot hatch design that is neither overstatement nor understatement, look no futher than Grande Punto Abarth. Somewhat ironically these two share the platform, but what a difference in appearance...

[LeonOfTheDead]

Originally Posted by Revo

If you want a classic and tasteful hot hatch design that is neither overstatement nor understatement, look no futher than Grande Punto Abarth. Somewhat ironically these two share the platform, but what a difference in appearance...

but I have to admit this has a cool sound for a 4I, I'm still waiting to hear a proper acceleration from an Abarth though

[clutch-monkey]

i think that colour does not particularly suit it, but also the vauxhall badge/grille thing is just...no

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by Revo

If you want a classic and tasteful hot hatch design that is neither overstatement nor understatement, look no futher than Grande Punto Abarth. Somewhat ironically these two share the platform, but what a difference in appearance...

With no EsseEsse package it has about 40bhp less though.

Altough I agree the Abarth looks the part.