16 Mar 07
Approaching the Corsa VXR from behind doesn't lead to the best of first impressions: with its squat wheel-to-each-corner stance, broad wheel arches and hind quarters, and gaping hole of a centrally positioned big-bore exhaust pipe, it resembles nothing so much as a bull terrier's bottom. It looks as if it should proceed with a wide-legged waddle, not a smooth forward motion.
Thankfully, the VXR's a bit better looking from the front. The mesh grille and deep bumper with large integrated foglights set an appropriate tone, and it looks as if Vauxhall has done a good job in pre-empting the bodykitters: why pay out on an aftermarket styling pack when the car already looks like this?
Butched-up Corsas are so often a case of all show and no go; base 1.2s fitted with half the contents of the Demon Tweeks catalogue in an attempt to make an impression on the streets without being totally uninsurable for a young (male) driver. The VXR, however, is the real deal, with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine developing 189bhp and 170lb-ft of torque, and an extra 27lb-ft available momentarily on overboost.
Top speed's claimed to be 140mph, and 0-62mph acceleration takes just 6.8 seconds. Yippee! Oh, and just to get back to the harsh realities of life: fuel consumption's 35.8mpg and carbon dioxide output 190g/km. That means a relatively high tax banding for such a small car. Quite reasonable for something this quick, though.
