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.
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