The cream of Britain's motoring press have been out testing the new Vauxhall Corsa VXR in recent weeks. Reviews have been positive – but will the revamped hot hatch sub-brand be a common Saturday-night spectacle on the high streets of Essex?
In terms of styling, the VXR ticks most boxes. The majority of reviewers consider the interior to be well-built and visually pleasing. The upholstered steering wheel, the over-large gear knob and the Recaro seats conspire to remind you the VXR's sporty intentions – key aspects of the car's "driver-focussed ergonomics", as the brochure claims.
Sounds – very important for the target audience – come courtesy of the DAB radio which is controlled by a small touchscreen system.
The sales literature states the car has "aggressive exterior style", which most reviewers go along with. The windswept door mirrors are highlighted as being a tad extreme, however.
Buyers of this model will also be able to admire a range of other aesthetic tune-ups, including fairly low-key air intakes, aero dams, spoilers and exhaust tips.
In terms of engine prowess, the outgoing 192bhp 1.6 litre turbo has been replaced with a 202bhp version, which also boasts a wider rev-range. The new VXR also comes with a revamped six-speed manual gearbox (featuring a short-shift, cable actuated lever), modified suspension and twin-speed Koni dampers.
Drexlers in Dagenham?
But some have criticized the choice in brands used in the VXR. Considering the market Vauxhall are targeting, getting these right is very important. And while the Brembo brakes, Michelin Sport Pilot tyres and Recaro seats are likely to have young men from Leigh-on-Sea to Stoke-on Trent heading off to swap their old VXRs for new ones, are the Drexler limited-slip differentials or the Remus dual exhaust in the same league as the former trio? Some argue not.
Bouncing in Barking
Most reviewers test drove VXRs with the Performance Pack options add-on – costing an extra £2,400 on top of the base price. Pundits have praised the pleasing roar of the engine, although controlling this version is not the easiest task – resulting in a bumpy, harsh ride.
The entry-level version, however, is said by some to be more refined and better suited to the kind of road surfaces we are likely to face on a daily basis – i.e., not speed-oriented race tracks.
You looking at my motor?
While the new VXR (£17,995) is generally considered a solid improvement on the previous incarnation, it is up against some stiff competition in the form of the Ford Fiesta ST (£17,395), which leads the class in terms of handling, but falls very much short on ride comfort.
The more costly Volkswagen Polo GTI (£18,850) is also a viable alternative – with superior build quality.
However, critics suggest the new VXR is a better choice than the Renaultsport Clio 200 (£18,995), whose paddle-shift transmission and underwhelming turbo unit failed to ignite ‘la passion’ of many in the British motoring press.
The new VXR costs £1,000 less than the outgoing Nurburgring model, so price, and the fact that the VXR sub brand has a dedicated following, suggest that this new hot hatch Corsa will ensure Vauxhall's coffers remain topped up – if not causing them to overflow.
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