Vauxhall Corsa VXR (07 on) - Review

Review by Ben Wall on
Last Updated: 03 January 2012
There's no shortage of hot hatches on offer to buyers looking for performance and sharp handling - it seems that we can't get enough of them in the UK. But with so much choice a car has to stand out to get noticed and that's exactly what the Corsa VXR does. It's no shrinking violet with it's aggressive bodykit, rear diffuser and plenty of spoilers and skirts - clearly this is unashamedly a no holds barred hot hatch. It has the power to back up it's looks too thanks to a 192bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine which delivers storming performance and a 0-60mph time of just 6.8 seconds. Agile and composed handling, a raspy exhaust note and bucket sports seats complete the package and make the Corsa VXR one of the best small performance cars around.
4 out of 5

Other Vauxhall reviews

3 out of 5

Running costs

As a new buy, the Corsa VRX looks a little expensive compared to similar rivals like the Renaultsport Clio. However, it won't break the bank when it comes to running costs. It can average a respectable 36mpg (although hard driving will soon see this figure drop) while servicing intervals of 20,000 miles are impressively long for a hot hatch.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

Every 20,000 miles (according to service indicator).

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£195.00 - £250.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

2 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
    172
  • I
  • J
    190
  • K
  • L
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The sporty Corsa is not particularly environmentally friendly, as you'd expect from a hot hatch. It emits 190g/km of CO2 but economy is a little more acceptable, averaging 36mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2