Overall rating:

The Corsa VXR remains one of the more muscular contenders in this class, despite its age, but while the Drexler limited-slip differential makes this top-of-the-range ClubSport model stand out from the crowd on the spec sheets, the Vauxhall is bettered in dynamic ability by some of the class newcomers. And it is simply way too expensive for a tweaked version of a car that first appeared back in 2007.

Key Facts

Model tested: Vauxhall Corsa VXR ClubSport
Pricing: £22,390 as standard; car as tested £23,940 (Touch and Connect £750, Adaptive Forward Lighting £275, two-coat pearlescent paint £525)
Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive with Drexler mechanical limited-slip differential
Body style: three-door hatchback
Rivals: Ford Fiesta ST, Peugeot 208 GTi, Renaultsport Clio 200 Turbo
CO₂ emissions: 178g/km
Combined economy: 37.2mpg
Top speed: 143mph
0-62mph: 6.5 seconds
Power: 205hp at 5,750rpm
Torque: 250Nm at 2,250- to 5,500rpm

In the Metal:

Very little has changed on the Vauxhall Corsa since it broke cover in 2006, with a mild facelift in 2011 giving it 'Eagle Eye' headlamps. But as the hotter VXR versions were always scoped into plans during the car's development phase, it means performance models of the Corsa still look fine. In the new Asteroid Grey paint and on black alloys, it has plenty of presence. Further ClubSport identifiers come from gloss black renditions of the door mirrors and grille bar, while there are CS logos in the door sills. Inside is where the Corsa VXR is really starting to show its age, although the sculpted bucket seats and chunky steering wheel do at least convey the car's sporting intent.

Driving it:

If you have experienced some of the more unruly front-driven VXRs of days gone by, on first acquaintance you might mistake the ClubSport as something that exhibits a lot of torque steer. But that's actually the Drexler diff quickly making itself known. The result of the LSD is that the front end of this ClubSport is hyper-alert and possessed of the sort of grip that wouldn't disgrace the proverbial littoral mollusc. If you've never driven a limited slip diff-equipped front drive car, it does take some readjusting of your driving style in order to put the power on just when you think the car is about to descend into understeer - but if you can commit to the counter-intuitive accelerator control, the ClubSport will amaze you with how quickly and competently it can dissect a corner. It's aided by very good steering, too, although it doesn't quite have the level of feedback necessary to make you feel totally comfortable with the jigging of the wheel over rougher road surfaces.

However, the standard 192hp Corsa VXR has always been one of the best resolved of all VXRs, so what does the ClubSport do to elevate itself above both that car and its rivals enough to justify that price tag? Erm, not much, is the answer. There's very little wrong with the ClubSport, although if it had been a stripped-out, lightweight, track-focused, end-of-the-line monster in the manner of a MINI GP, it might have made more sense. As it is, it's basically the old Nürburgring Edition with a fancy new exhaust and higher price tag, and as the NE wasn't a sales success, we're doubtful the CS will be either. Cars like Ford's Fiesta ST manage to cover every dynamic base that little bit better.

What you get for your Money:

There is, sadly, no way of just sweeping the basic price of the VXR ClubSport under the carpet. At £22,390, it is a farcical amount of money for a hot hatch that has been around in basic guise for seven years. You get bespoke Bilstein dampers, which were signed off at the Nordschleife, making the ClubSport ride 20mm lower than a regular VXR at the front and 15mm at the rear, Brembo brakes that are 30 per cent lighter than the VXR's items, the already mentioned Drexler diff, plus anti-lock brakes, traction control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems optimised for the more powerful engine. All this was on the NE. The addition is the Remus exhaust, which makes the car sound great for a blown four but hardly justifies the continuation of that exorbitant price tag.

Worth Noting

When the Corsa VXR burst onto the scene, it was kept from class honours by Renaultsport's excellent Clio offerings. Nowadays, with a dull turbo engine and dreadful gearbox, the RS Clio's star has waned. But Ford has upped its game with its hottest Fiesta, while the 208 GTi is a stunning return to form for Peugeot. As both of these are considerably cheaper than the ClubSport, it's hard to make a case for buying the ultimate Corsa.

Summary

No problems with the ClubSport's dynamics - it's certainly an entertaining and quick hot hatch from the smaller category. But trying to command more money for the ClubSport than a basic Ford Focus ST is a barmy decision by Vauxhall, especially after having its fingers burnt by modest sales of the NE VXR. Sub-£20k, this rapid Corsa would have been a much more alluring proposition, despite its advancing years.