2016 Vauxhall Corsa VXR
Vauxhall took the wraps off the new
Corsa VXR, its ultra-powerful small hot-hatch, at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. Benefiting
from the significant revisions in technology, interior/exterior design and
chassis showcased in the New Corsa, the VXR is set to raise the bar for small,
fast hatchbacks when it appears in UK showrooms in May 2015.
Headline performance figures for the
Corsa VXR are 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 143 mph and produces its 245 Nm of torque
from lower revs (between 1,900 rpm - 5,800 rpm, compared with 2,250 rpm - 5,500 rpm
for the outgoing Nürburgring and ClubSport models). This makes the VXR a potent
performer between 50-75 mph, which it can dispatch in just 6.4 seconds in fifth
gear. An overboost facility provides an additional 35 Nm of torque, ideal for
swift and safe overtaking.
Maximum power from its 1.6-litre turbocharged engine
is 205 PS, while the Corsa VXR achieves 37.7 mpg on the combined cycle with C02
emissions of 174 g/km. As before, power is delivered to the front wheels via a
second-generation six-speed transmission with a short, fluid gear change. The
gearbox features a new design shift lever, shift cable and bearing cap with
adjusted end stops. This helps reduce shift travel by 13 per cent versus this
outgoing model.
Vauxhall has worked closely with
damper-supplier, Koni, to develop a new technology, known as Frequency
Selective Damping (FSD) for the new Corsa VXR. FSD allows damping forces to
adapt to the car's movements, ensuring that body control is maintained when the
car is driven fast, but ride quality is optimised at lower speeds. The systems
is an entirely mechanical solution and does not require any electronic
components such as sensors, cables or engine control units. In addition, the
car's ride height has been lowered by 10 mm all round.
For Corsa VXR customers keen to enhance
their car's dynamics still further, Vauxhall is offering an optional
Performance Package, which includes certain features previously seen in the
outgoing Nürburgring and ClubSport models. Priced keenly at £ 2,400, highlights
include a Drexler limited-slip differential, larger 330 mm-diameter Brembo front
brake discs, 18-inch alloy wheels with super sticky Michelin Pilot Supersport
tyres and more focused FSD damper settings.
Standard bi-xenon lighting and a choice
of six exterior colours help the new Corsa VXR stand out in its class. An
aggressive new front-end design features large air intakes and an aluminium-framed
opening below the headlights. A small scoop is located below the bonnet and
side-sill extensions enhance the Corsa VXR's performance credentials still
further. At the rear, a rear spoiler provides meaningful downforce over the
back axle, and twin Remus exhaust pipes further distinguish it from regular
Corsas.
Six exterior colours - including Flash
Blue, which is unique to the Corsa VXR - are available for the Corsa VXR. The
car's cabin has standard Recaro seats, a leather, flat-bottomed steering wheel,
sports pedals, as well as a VXR gear-lever and instruments. A heated front
windscreen and Intellilink connectivity for Apple iOS and Android smartphones
are also standard.
In addition to the Performance Pack,
other new options for Corsa VXR are the VXR Carbon Pack which will include
carbon fibre effect mirrors covers and front grille logo bar priced at £ 150. A
Panoramic glass sunroof is also now available which was only previously
available on the Corsa VXR Arctic Edition.
Also available is the VXR Technical Pack
which includes forward collision alert, traffic sign recognition, lane
departure warning, following distance indicator, electro-chromatic anti-dazzle
rear-view mirror, rear-view camera and front and rear parking sensors.
Priced from £ 17,995 on-the-road, the
Corsa VXR's list price has been rolled back by over £ 1,000 versus the outgoing
model. It's also less expensive than key competitors including the Volkswagen
Polo GTi, the Renault Sport Clio and the Ford Fiesta ST2.
