The Corsa VXR launched in 2015 is essentially a comprehensively updated version of the previous Nurburgring and Clubsport special editions. It comes with a very similar engine specification along with the long list of improvements made to the Corsa range in general in 2014.

Pricing is much lower than before, starting at just under £18,000, though it still has unusually poor official fuel economy and CO2 figures even for a 200-plus bhp supermini-based hot hatch.

Vauxhall offers a Performance Pack which is expected to be bought by up to half of UK buyers and it includes wheel, tyre and suspension upgrades.

Performance

The Corsa VXR has a maximum output of 202bhp from its 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine. An ‘overboost’ function operates for up to eleven seconds on full throttle, but it doesn't affect peak power as it works only between 1,900rpm and 3,000rpm.

The Performance Pack doesn't include any changes to the engine, so all Corsa VXRs have a 0-60mph sprint time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 143mph. This puts them in the same general area as most of its obvious rivals (namely the equivalent Ford Fiesta, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio and Volkswagen Polo) but, reasonably enough, behind the more powerful Audi S1 and Mini John Cooper Works.

Very fast gear changes are possible and the engine is strong at most revs and sounds especially good at higher ones. This is thanks to a Remus exhaust system which has been tuned to make the maximum legal amount of noise.

Ride and Handling

The Corsa's ability to cope with a lot of throttle from the apex of a slow corner is phenomenal, and there is very little torque steer.

Like its predecessors, the Corsa VXR handles superbly, gripping very well even on a wet race track until an over-enthusiastic entry speed makes the front end run wide. Tail slides are also possible, but they're kept in check by the electronic stability system, which is effective but unobtrusive in the sportier of its two settings. The Corsa's ability to cope with a lot of throttle from the apex of a slow corner is phenomenal, and there is very little torque steer. If you find yourself fighting the steering wheel you should think about revising your driving technique. The Performance Pack's stiffer suspension makes the ride quite harsh, though no more so than that of a Fiesta ST. If you don't intend to drive the VXR anywhere other than on public roads it's probably not worth spending the extra money on the Pack. Not fitted with it, the car rides well even on optional 18-inch wheels.

Interior and Equipment

The VXR badge is specific to the British car market. Vauxhall's performance derivatives are called OPC in other markets.

Even in its most basic form the VXR is well-equipped, with bi-xenon headlights, a heated windscreen, the IntelliLink infotainment system, excellent Recaro sport seats and the Remus exhaust system mentioned previously. The optional extras include carbon fibre-effect trim for the door mirrors and front grille logo bar. There’s also the panoramic glass sunroof (not previously fitted to any other Corsa VXR other than the Arctic Edition) and any exterior colour other than solid Flame Red. As with all other Corsas, the luggage capacity is 285 litres with all seats in places, rising to 1,050 litres with the rears folded down. The VXR is available only as a three-door, and has very poor rear visibility thanks to the stylish but unhelpful downward swoop of the rear side windows.

Cost

Combined fuel economy of 37.7mpg is unimpressive for the class these days.

Vauxhall attended to previous criticisms of the old VXR's price by making the new one available from a much more competitive £17,995, undercutting the Fiesta ST-2 (the go-to choice of many young hot hatch enthusiasts) by just over £500. Even with the Performance Pack fitted it costs just under £20,500, making it significantly cheaper than the Nurburgring and Clubsport were. Running costs, however, are still a problem. Combined fuel economy of 37.7mpg is unimpressive for the class these days. However, since neither this car nor any of its close rivals are likely to be driven in a way that lets them approach the official figures this is perhaps not as significant as it looks. More relevantly, the 174g/km CO2 rating means Vehicle Excise Duty will cost £205 from the second year of the car's life. That doesn't compare well with the £130 you have to pay if you own a Fiesta ST, Renaultsport Clio or 208 GTi, nor even with the £180 tax payments for the fastest MINI Hatch John Cooper Works.

Our Verdict

The annual tax payments, along with a lack of enthusiasm for the Vauxhall badge among hot hatch enthusiasts who would rather have a Fiesta or a Clio, are always going to work against the Corsa. That's a shame, because this is an excellent car, very good in a straight line and better still through corners. With the Performance Pack it can provide normal transport during the week and be used as a track day or competition car at weekends, and be equally effective and satisfying in both environments.