| New Sports Version | Vauxhall Corsa SRi |

Vauxhall has revived its well-known SRi badge for the Corsa range. The new SRi promises to be right up the street of those who want some of the looks and handling of the Corsa VXR with slightly less aggression and cost.

The latest addition to the Corsa range will come with two engine options: a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol unti and 1.7-litre turbodiesel motor. The petrol-fuelled turbo will offer good performance with 148bhp that will send the car from a standing start to 60mph in 7.6 seconds and onto a 130mph top speed. The 123bhp oil-burner will be slightly less enticing, with 0-60mph done in 9.3 seconds, but the payoff is excellent fuel economy - some 58.9mpg on the combined fuel cycle.

To add more driving appeal to the Corsa, Vauxhall has fitted a sports chassis to the SRi, which includes lowering the ride height by 18mm at the front and 15mm at the rear. This promises to improve the handling and cornering stability, although ride comfort may be compromised. The hatch will feature a speed-sensitive steering rack that varies the assistance weighting in accordance with how fast you are travelling. An ESP system is also fitted as standard.

Already one known for its solid and appealing looks, the Corsa SRi version will make use of similar styling tweaks to the VXR, with front and rear spoilers and deep body-coloured side sills. It will additionally come booted in 17-inch alloys and the all-important chrome exhaust system. Inside, generous lashings of red have found their way onto the sports seats and leather steering wheel, as well as the seatbelts.

The three-door 1.6-litre turbo will start at £13,625 with the five-door £650 more. Vauxhall has priced the three-door diesel at £14,235 rising to £14,885 for the five-door alternative.

Kyle Molyneux - 3 Oct 2007