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Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nurburgring

We push Vauxhall's track-inspired new Corsa VXR to the limit to see if it can topple Renault's all conquering Clio RS

Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nurburgring front

By Mark Nichol

May 2011

It’s the fastest Corsa ever! This VXR Nürburgring Edition is a more focused version of Vauxhall’s smallest hot hatch – and we got behind the wheel to try it. The car has been developed at sister firm Opel’s Performance Centre inside Germany’s legendary race circuit complex, hence the badges on the car we drove.

 

 
Its 1.6-litre turbo is boosted to 202bhp – up from 189bhp – while torque increases by 20Nm to 250Nm, with a temporary overboost function upping this to 280Nm in short bursts. This potential has come from revised engine management software, an uprated turbo and a new sports exhaust, which replaces the standard
central triangular tailpipe with twin circular units.

Other visual tweaks include the latest ‘eagle-eye’ headlights and a mean bodykit. Engineers have revised the chassis, too, and it’s these changes that aim to justify the near-£4,000 premium over the standard model. The car gets a limited-slip differential (LSD) to improve grip. It’s a mechanical system, and more effective than the electronic versions found in hot hatches such as the VW Golf GTI.

The VXR’s standard brakes are replaced by a Brembo set-up that’s 30 per cent lighter, and provides greater stopping power. Also new is the suspension, with springs and dampers by Bilstein; the Nürburgring Edition rides 20mm lower than a regular VXR.

Our time with it was limited to the track, although clearly this special Corsa has been transformed. There’s so much grip that, at times, it follows the road like a bobsled! However, the LSD is quite forceful, partly removing you from the action by pulling the car round corners. It never feels as pure as the Renaultsport Clio, for instance.

The engine is a highlight, with plenty of pulling power and a great bark from the new tailpipes. Standard equipment includes leather Recaro bucket seats, which are embossed with the Nürburgring logo, and 18-inch alloys. But they can’t quite hide the Corsa’s humble supermini origins. And away from the circuit, that’s sure to be a bit of a bugbear when you look at the price tag.

Rival: Renaultsport Clio Cup
Cheaper, stripped-out version of Renaultsport’s legendary hot hatch is also the best. It trails the VXR for power and ultimate grip, but is the more entertaining car. 

For an alternative review of the latest Vauxhall Corsa visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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6 Comments

Still short

Have you noticed that even though they have uprated the engine, suspension and brakes, this Corsa can't still cut it. Shame. But then its a Vauxhall. They've had to spend that amount of money to make it good. But then, the Renaultsport Clio is such a laugh to drive and alot cheaper to run from start to finish. If Ford Fiesta was uprated to the amount that they have spent on the Corsa, it would ultimate.

By lucasworld on 9 May, 2011, 9:34pm

Much too expensive

At this price, Vauxhall's Corsa is in Mini JCW territory and I know which car I'd rather have.......

By iamaweasel01 on 10 May, 2011, 8:27am

Much too expensive

At this price, Vauxhall's Corsa is in Mini JCW territory and I know which car I'd rather have.......

By iamaweasel01 on 10 May, 2011, 8:44am

Track Car Only

Its all very well driving it around the track, but in the real, potholed, world this will shake your fillings out and the Forcefull LSD won't help the driving experiance.

Its way too expensive.

By Richard_H on 13 May, 2011, 11:49am

LOL this review is terrible. Its reeks of VX hating opinions.Best of all the comments by people who have never driven it.
This done 8.35 around the ring btw...... Surely you cant slate that for a corsa.... oh no you probably all can

By owenstoodstill on 18 May, 2011, 1:46pm

boring

hated this car to drive and im sure iv seen that front splitter on my late fabia vrs lol. just dont like corsas especially these as everyone who has one thinks they are the bees knees when really....they cant afford a decent car cause they take them out on pcp deals. you want a real racer you go for a clio rs and my mapped vrs would tank this is mid range, so why not put huge powered diesels in these cars ? a 205bhp twin turbo diesel from a bmw 1 series im sure would tear this 1.6 up.

By vRSgordon on 24 June, 2011, 2:48am

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Pictures

Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nurburgring edition rear
Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nurburgring edition

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FIRST OPINION

    We’ll reserve final judgement on the Nürburgring Edition until we see how it copes with UK potholes, but first impressions on the track are good. This is a quick, sharp, and entertaining little hot hatch. The scope of its chassis upgrades, including its LSD, suspension and brakes, puts it in a league of its own in the supermini sector. The big issue is price, though: it’s over £5,000 more expensive than its purer, and more exciting, Renaultsport Clio Cup rival. 

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £22,295
    Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl turbo petrol
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    Power/torque: 202bhp/280Nm
    0-62mph: 6.5 seconds
    Top speed: 143mph
    Economy: 37.2mpg
    CO2: 178g/km
    Equipment: 18-inch alloy wheels, air-con, limited-slip differential, Bilstein suspension, Brembo brakes, sports exhaust
    On sale: Now
     
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