This new Vauxhall Corsa VXR will reach the UK in May having been revealed to the public at the Geneva motor show.
The hot hatch is powered by a turbocharged petrol engine which produces 202bhp and 206lb ft of torque. Another 26lb ft is available on an overboost function.
The Corsa VXR’s outputs exceed that of its great rival and class leader, the Ford Fiesta ST, which produces 179bhp and 199lb ft from its own 1.6-litre turbo engine.
The Corsa VXR can get from 0-60mph in 6.8sec and reach a top speed of 143mph. For comparison, the Fiesta ST’s 0-62mph time is 6.9sec, and its top speed is 137mph.
Vauxhall is also talking in the in-gear performance of the six-speed manual-equipped Corsa VXR, saying it can get from 50-75mph in fifth gear in 6.6secs. Completing the numbers, the Corsa VXR has combined economy of 37.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 174g/km.
The Corsa VXR has suspension lowered by 10mm over the standard three-door model on which it is based. Vauxhall says the model is fitted with dampers specially developed by Koni called Frequency Selective Damping (FSD), which are claimed to allow for both a comfortable low-speed ride and composed body control at higher speeds.
The ESP and traction control systems are two-stage and switchable, a Vauxhall first. A Competition mode disables the traction control and minimises the intervention of the ESP, and Track mode also disables the ESP completely.
The electric steering software is said to have been revised to be “more direct and precise”, according to Vauxhall, with “improved feedback through the wheel”.Offered as standard are 17in alloys shod in 215/45 R17 Michelin tyres. The front brake discs are 308mm in diameter.
On the options list is a Performance Package, which adds a Drexler-supplied limited-slip differential, larger 330mm Brembo brake discs at the front, harder settings for the FSD dampers, and larger 18in alloys. This package is a replacement for previous Nürburgring and Clubsport editions of the Corsa VXR in the past.
Styling wise, the Corsa VXR is easily distinguished from its lesser siblings by its more aggressive looks, which include a bodykit with larger air intakes at the front, side skirts, a large rear wing, and twin exhausts.
Inside, new additions include Recaro front seats, a leather-wrapped flat-bottomed steering wheel, special VXR instruments, and a VXR gear lever. The Intellilink infotainment system is also offered as standard.
There are six exterior colour choices, including a new Flash Blue colour exclusive to the VXR.
Vauxhall has yet to confirm pricing for the new model, but it will need to be competitive against the £17,250 Fiesta ST.
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