Vauxhall Corsa VXR prepares to go on sale
Vauxhall took the wraps off the new Corsa VXR, its ultra-powerful small hot-hatch, at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show last month.
Benefiting from the significant revisions in technology, design and chassis showcased in the recently launched Corsa, the VXR is set to raise the bar for small, fast hatchbacks when it appears in UK showrooms in May.
First launched in 2007, the Corsa VXR is now in its second generation. The original car spawned four special editions: VXRacing, VXR Artic, VXR Nurburgring and VXR Clubsport. UK sales exceed 9,000 vehicles.
Headline performance figures for the Corsa VXR are 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 143mph quicker than the outgoing car, but more importantly the VXR produces its 245Nm of torque from lower revs (between 1,900rpm 5,800rpm, compared with 2,250rpm 5,500rpm for the outgoing N�rburgring and ClubSport models). This makes the VXR a potent performer between 50-75mph, which it can dispatch in just 6.4 seconds in fifth gear.
An overboost facility provides an additional 35Nm of torque, ideal for swift and safe overtaking. Maximum power from its 1.6-litre turbocharged engine is 202bhp, while the Corsa VXR achieves 37.7mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 174g/km.
Customers can now buy a VXR Performance Pack which specs the Corsa VXR up to a N�rburgring or Clubsport equivalent. The pack features a motorsport-derived Drexler Limited Slip Differential (LSD), Brembo four-piston brakes and re-tuned Koni FSD system above the standard set up.
by: Becca Chaplin