Vauxhall is all set to unveil the new Corsa VXR, its powerful small hot-hatch, next month at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
Based on the ever popular and recently relaunched Corsa model, Vauxhall say the VXR will raise the bar for small, fast hatchbacks when it appears in UK showrooms in May.
The latest car to wear the sporty VXR badge will be powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that will produce around 200bhp, and enable it to reach a 0-60mph in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 143mph – making it quicker than the outgoing Nürburgring and ClubSport models. And as with all previous models the power is delispatched to the front wheels via a six-speed gearbox with a short, fluid gearchange.
For this new variant Vauxhall has worked closely with damper-supplier, Koni, to develop a new technology, known as Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) for the new Corsa VXR. This 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. In addition, the car’s ride height has been lowered by 10mm all round.
Vauxhall is also offering a two-stage switchable electronic stability programme (ESP) and traction control (TC) with the Corsa VXR. In Competition Mode the traction control is inactive, while the ESP is relaxed to allow less intervention. For track use, the ESP can be fully disabled.
Further revisions have been made to the new cars steering which will apparently make it more direct and precise, with improved feedback through the wheel. The car comes equipped with 17 inch alloy wheels that are wrapped in Michelin 215/45 R17 tyres as standard, as are 308mm front brake discs.
The new Corsa VXR will be available in six exterior colours – including Flash Blue, unique to the VXR.
Inside the car’s cabin are Recaro seats which come fitted as standard, 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.
If the standard equipment isn’t enough to get your blood pumping Vauxhall say an addtional Performance Package is available which includes features previously seen in the outgoing Nürburgring and ClubSport models – Drexler limited-slip differential, larger 330mm-diameter Brembo front brake discs, 18-inch alloy wheels and more focused FSD damper settings.
The car will be officially unveiled next month in Geneva, prices have yet to be announced and it’s expected to reach UK showrooms in May.
