Up until now, if you wanted the Vauxhall Corsa VXR's aggressive looks without the insurance-raising performance, your only choice was to get the VXR-look bodykit.But now there's another option, with the introduction of the Corsa SRi.This warmed-up hatch comes with a choice of two engines, a 148bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol, or a 123bhp 1.7-litre turbodiesel, and either a three- or five-door body.The petrol engine is a detuned version of the VXR's 197bhp monster, but will still propel the SRi to 60mph in 7.6sec and on to 130mph.The diesel takes a slightly more sedate 9.3sec to hit 60mph, and reaches 121mph, but can return 58.9mpg.Handling should hopefully match the performance, with lowered suspension (18mm down at the front, 15mm at the rear), variable-ratio steering and standard ESP.Still, we reckon many buyers will be more interested in the spoilers, skirts, chromed exhaust, 17-inch alloys, sports seats, alloy pedals and red seatbelts (how very 1980s).Prices have yet to be confirmed, but are likely to be around £14,000. The Corsa SRi arrives in dealers in September.
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