16 Mar 07
It was never going to feel quite like one of the rollerskate hot hatches of the 80s, given the need to meet modern safety legislation, but even with the full load of side airbags and structural reinforcements the VXR still comes in at just 1,203kg, light enough for that gutsy engine - with help from the turbocharger - to have no problems propelling it at speed.
The VXR should be relatively easy to own and use on a daily basis. Its suspension is lowered by 12mm at the front and 19mm at the rear, but even with the 18" wheels the ride remains comfortable. It's firm, but copes well with rough surfaces, and noise levels are low and general intrusion from the outside world is well contained... except the sound of the exhaust, of course, no bad thing at all.
The bolstered Recaro seats are tight-gripping but well shaped, the driving position remains excellent, and long motorway journey would be no spine-mangling ordeal, helped by the way the controls are so well positioned in the plainly styled but well finished black cabin. It's surprisingly civilised.
Happily, the Corsa VXR just stops short of being too much the mature, sensible all-rounder. It's got enough edge to justify its stylistic swagger, but it isn't too scary. After all, most bull terriers, Staffies and even pit bulls, if properly trained and well brought up, are harmless in the right hands.
