Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa
Start the engine and there is a rasp from the exhaust, while blipping the throttle sends the rev counter spinning freely. Developing 189bhp, the turbocharged 1.6-litre engine was first used in the Meriva VXR, and here it gives the Corsa an impressive turn of speed. Vauxhall claims a 0-60mph time of 6.8 seconds, and with the turbo kicking in from low revs and an overboost giving extra pulling power under full throttle, it never feels slow.

The newcomer also proves refined. In-gear acceleration is smooth and, at cruising speed, the Corsa is a capable long-distance companion. It’s less frenetic than its naturally aspirated Renaultsport Clio 197 rival which saves its acceleration for a manic, high-revving peak, rather than spreading it throughout the range.

The Corsa’s gearbox is a bit disappointing, though, and the large gearlever does little to help the already laborious shifts. The variable assistance electric power-steering will also leave keen motorists wanting more feedback, particularly in the straight-ahead position.

However, on the road the car still impresses. A hot hatch proves its mettle when cornering, and this VXR benefits from having been part of the new Corsa design and development plan from the very start.

Riding 12mm lower at the front and 19mm at the rear than the standard model, it also has different suspension settings and a 25 per cent stiffer torsion-beam rear axle.

As a result, the VXR can tackle tight corners confidently. It doesn’t turn into bends with quite the same verve as the Ford Fiesta ST, but few will be disappointed by the involving chassis. The trouble is, the highly capable standard-fit stability control works overtime trying to get all that performance on to the tarmac.

It can be turned off, but do this and you’ll soon be on first-name terms with your local tyre fitter. Exiting corners at any more than half throttle sees the power spinning uselessly away through smoking rubber.