What's the news?
Vauxhall is set to bring a new VXR product to the Geneva Motor Show next month.
Sweet! Is it a hot Adam or a high power Insignia?
Well if you had let me finish I was just about to say it is the Corsa VXR...
Oh! Well that's disappointing.
How so?
Well the last one was something of a damp squib.
Ah ha. But Vauxhall noted that and went about putting it right. For a start the new Corsa's standard suspension has been overhauled from the car that came before it. In the case of this hot VXR model the specialists in Koni developed something called Frequency Selective Damping - or FSD for sort.
And what's that?
Essentially the damping is constantly monitored and adjusted so it can be stiff when driven hard but looser and more comfortable at lower speeds. The steering has also been looked at and is said to offer more feedback than before with better precision. In fact, so confident is it in the new VXR's abilities Vauxhall has actually included a track mode in its software.
Track mode. In a Corsa?
Yup. The electronic stability programme (ESP) and traction control systems are now switchable. In normal driving conditions both are active and doing their thing, in Competition Mode the traction control is deactivated and (ESP) is backed off a little to allow for some fun and in track mode (not its official name but that's what we'll call it) everything is off; you are on your own. Those who are likely to track their VXR should probably opt for the Performance Package, which upgrades the front brakes from their standard 308mm up to 330mm Brembo discs, adds 18-inch alloy wheels to accommodate them and also a Drexler limited-slip differential.
Are we still talking about the Vauxhall Corsa? An LSD in a Corsa seems like overkill.
And it likely is until you consider the fact that this Corsa is running 207hp and 245Nm of torque from its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine. That torque figure increases to 280Nm for short bursts thanks to an overboost function. Even without the optional Performance Package the VXR is swift: 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds and a top speed the naughty side of 140mph.
Certainly looks the part anyway... wait, is that an actual bonnet scoop?
Yup. That, along with the deeper front bumper (with oversized air intakes), rear spoiler, diffuser and twin Remus exhaust pipes are all unique to the VXR model. Recaro seats, as you will find in the Astra and Insignia VXR models, are also present and correct.
So when can we get our hands on it?
The new Corsa VXR hits the UK in May, though prices have yet to be confirmed.
Paul Healy - 4 Feb 2015