Vauxhall Corsa Pre Model VXR 1.6i 16v Turbo 3dr Car Review - March 2012

The suspension for the VXR has sportier settings than the standard Corsa layout, but this doesn’t impact the car too much as it still takes the vast majority of bumps and rough patches in its stride. There is a little body roll in the corners which is a result of this comfortable suspension, but there is plenty of grip and drivers will find that it does steer quite well too. The driving position is good with plenty of adjustment in the wheel and driving seat, but the windscreen pillars are quite wide and restrict visibility.

The engine performance for the VXR is very good, with acceleration from 0-62mph in only 6.8 seconds, with the traction control struggling to keep pace when powering off the line. The top speed of 140mph is also very good, and the level of refinement when driving on the motorway or on the A roads at speed is very impressive too.

One of the most controversial aspects of the Corsa VXR is the changes that have been made to beef up the look of the car, with a number of additional details on the front end and a slightly different grille. The large spoiler and the vents on the rear bumper combine with a triangle chrome exhaust to make the VXR a very different beast from the standard Corsa. Inside the part leather sports seats are nice enough, and there is a lot of chrome detailing throughout the cabin, and metal pedals in the footwell too.

There is plenty of equipment included as standard with this version of the car, with the alloy wheels certainly adding to the look of the vehicle. Air conditioning helps to keep the cabin comfortable, while cruise control means it is quite civilized on longer journeys too.

The Corsa has always been a practical car, and the three door version can accommodate four adults in relative comfort, although headroom at the back is a little limited. The boot isn’t huge, but the floor can be lowered to accommodate larger items. The Corsa is a very safe car with a good range of airbags to protect those in the front, but the curtain airbag is only an optional extra meaning that passengers in the back may not be so well protected. There are also plenty of driving aids that help to ensure the power is transmitted effectively to the wheels, and this can be especially important to younger and more impulsive drivers.

The Vauxhall Corsa doesn’t have the best reputation for reliability, with drivers voting it average in a recent survey, but the car is supported by an excellent warranty.

This hot hatch version of the Vauxhall Corsa does come at a significant premium, but it still isn’t as expensive as some of its rivals, with the Corsa VXR having a list price of £18,900.

Running costs are also significantly more expensive for the VXR version than they are for the more practical Corsas, with the powerful engine only delivering an average 38.7mpg. The high insurance group means that premiums are likely to be more expensive, especially for younger drivers who will really have to spend a lot to insure their VXR. The resale value for a Corsa VXR is better than many other cars in the range, but will still see a significant amount of depreciation. The VXR is supplied with the excellent Vauxhall warranty which covers the car for 100,000 miles with no time limit, and also has a one year roadside breakdown assistance policy.