189bhp Corsa VXR muscles in

[Pebb]

Source: AutoCar

Could Vauxhall’s Corsa VXR be the most exciting baby hot hatch yet? It’s certainly set to become the quickest, and these teaser images, released ahead of its debut at the Geneva motor show in March, show that the flagship model really will be a ‘pocket rocket’.

Muscular bumpers, side skirts and a roof spoiler give the Corsa, which will only be available as a three-door, an aggressive stance.

The VXR will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, producing 189bhp and in excess of 192lb ft of torque, thanks to an overboost facility. This is the same system as that on the Meriva VXR, which temporarily increases the engine’s torque output to assist in overtaking manoeuvres.

The result is rather rapid — the 0-60mph dash takes just 6.8sec (0.7sec quicker than the Corsa’s closest rival, the Renaultsport Clio 197) and the VXR will reach 140mph.

Despite this sizzling performance, Vauxhall promises combined fuel consumption of 35.8mpg.

The VXR’s interior is differentiated from that of the standard Corsa by the addition of drilled alloy pedals, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a pair of Recaro sports seats. The Corsa VXR will cost £15,995 when it goes on sale in March.

 

[YSSMAN]

Now THAT is one nifty hot-hatch! There has been a lot of talk here in America about the Corsa jumping the Atlantic in the near future (assumptions are that Astra sales may decide that), and a model such as this would be in a "league of it's own" at GM, but also the small-car segment on the whole.

Very cool indeed, now lets see if it comes here!

 

[Famine]

Now THAT is one nifty hot-hatch! There has been a lot of talk here in America about the Corsa jumping the Atlantic in the near future (assumptions are that Astra sales may decide that), and a model such as this would be in a "league of it's own" at GM, but also the small-car segment on the whole.

Very cool indeed, now lets see if it comes here!

You don't want that.

The outgoing Corsa is, without a shadow of a doubt, the worst "full-priced" car in the sector. I can think of tropical diseases I'd rather have, and all the power in the universe won't help this thing outrun its reputation. I'd be willing to place cash that, for all its straight-line stats, it won't corner worth a damn - something it'd share in common with all of its Opel/Vauxhall-originating VXR cousins (the Monaro is exempt, being a GM/Holden-originating vehicle).

I'd imagine that the "drilled pedals" and "flat-bottomed steering wheel" will appeal to the Max Power brigade, so look forward to seeing Corsa VXRs being pulled out of a hedge, upside-down, near you soon.

 

[YSSMAN]

...Wait, I thought this was based on the next-gen Corsa that is supposed to be pretty darn good?

 

[ExigeEvan]

...Wait, I thought this was based on the next-gen Corsa that is supposed to be pretty darn good?

And it probably is. But Famine is a very tough nut to crack and seems to have a hatred for anything that competes with the Fiesta

 

[Famine]

...Wait, I thought this was based on the next-gen Corsa

It is...

that is supposed to be pretty darn good?

I'll believe it when I see it. It would require a complete reversal of the previous Corsa and, frankly, all of Vauxhall's other current products.

 

[YSSMAN]

Top Gear made the car out to be pretty good in their run of an early model, so I took their word for it. IMO, they look pretty nice inside and out, and given the German-sourced designs, it simply has to be better than our current GM small car, the Chevrolet Aveo/Kalos/ (Holden) Barina.

 

[Famine]

Top Gear made the car out to be pretty good in their run of an early model, so I took their word for it. IMO, they look pretty nice inside and out, and given the German-sourced designs, it simply has to be better than our current GM small car, the Chevrolet Aveo/Kalos/ (Holden) Barina.

The Holden Barina is the old Vauxhall/Opel Corsa, and the Chevrolets are old Daewoos... It wouldn't be hard to be better than any of them.

But in amongst the Fiesta (which I don't actually like in Mk6 form), the new Clio, Yaris, Jazz, Polo, Fabia, BINI, 207, C2 and so on and so forth, it's up against it.

 

[YSSMAN]

Actually the new Barina is the same as our Aveo here (as of February 2006). Car and Driver and Motor Trend have both described it as wonderfully mediocre, a good car for those looking for a good deal. But, for the price, the Fit (Jazz) is better, and thus I'd want the next Corsa (presumably better) to come here.

 

[Leonidae]

if it won't have differential or equal length driveshafts, all I can say is "hello torquesteer!"

 

[Poverty]

Im gonna test drive a new fiesta. Dont like the look of the new corsa's.