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Vauxhall Corsa VXR Arctic White Edition road test report

VXR Arctic White Edition

Frankly you’re not an exciting hot hatch if you don’t have a super-duper special edition in your midst and those engineers at Vauxhall have decided the exciting VXR edition of their supremely popular small car just needed a little extra spice. Getting behind the wheel and hearing the engine snarl is akin to being behind the wheel of a rally car. This car is not for the faint of heart but is most certainly is an exciting hot hatch.

Road Test Reports Says 4 star rating
A front-facing image of the Vauxhall Corsa VXR Arctic White Edition

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RICHARD SAYS

Performance Performance - 5 stars

The Corsa VXR comes with a meaty 1.61 16v Turbo petrol engine, and is Vauxhall’s hot ever hatch – and sure to be a thrill to the boy racer inside us all. Capable of 140mph and 0-60mph in a swift 6.8 seconds, the Arctic White edition comes resplendent with 18” black alloys and a Remus exhaust as standard which actually increase max power by up to 15PS, just in case you were under the impression that the ordinary VXR was in any way tame, which it wasn’t. Far perkier and rally-like than the fans-favourite Honda Type-R the Corsa VXR can behave sensibly and reasonably but why would you want to?

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 5 stars

So you’ve got all the power under the pedal how does the car set about unleashing it onto the tarmac. The VXR treatment has seen the car receive uprated braking, a firm (yet surprisingly fair) sports suspension, and a specially tuned ESP system which keeps the car glued to the road. Also available is the variable assistance steering which alters the weight and feel of the wheel depending on how the car is being driven. Clever stuff.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 4 stars

The arctic white edition is bound to be a popular choice, it’s a great, thrilling car and limited editions are always snapped up by enthusiasts however, and you’ll have to imagine I’m whispering now, I’m not a fan of the glacier white bodywork, call me a has-been and rapidly approaching middle age but I’d prefer my hot hatch in a colour which doesn’t remind me of a melting iceberg. Inside the cabin the dash is clear and easy to use while the recaro seats are snug and comfortable, however the glacier white makes another appearance which is a shame.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 4 stars

As mentioned, the VXR comes with a specifically-tuned ESP system and uprated braking so should you need to call upon your right foot to push down on the middle peddle you’ll feel an immediate and reassuring deceleration. The usual assortment of airbags comes as standard and in Euro NCAP the standard Corsa hits the 5 star standards in adult protection.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 3 stars

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the fire-breathing VXR is its ability to blend in and act normal; the engine is more than happy to take things easy and slow – it never feels like its begging to be unleashed. Driver space is good in the Corsa, even 6feet plus bodies can drive the car in comfort and the general amount of room in the front is good.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 4 stars

With the ordinary VXR coming in at £16,790 OTR expect to pay a premium of a grand over that amount to get your hands on the Arctic Edition and if you can get your head around the colour scheme you get plenty of extras thrown in for that extra dough. There aren’t too many 140mph cars you can get your hands on for under £18,000, this is one, and if you’re a driving enthusiast looking for a hot hatch then the Corsa VXR should be pretty near the top of your list. Drive it, you’ll like it.

Submitted: 28/04/2009 10:54:50

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