Vauxhall Corsa VXR hatchback review - CarBuyer

The Vauxhall Corsa VXR is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that produces 189bhp- a considerable amount for such a small car and the most powerful Vauxhall Corsa ever. Brilliant fun on a B-road, the three-door only baby VXR has entertaining handling and strong performance although the looks can divide opinion. The central exhaust, bodykit and large alloys are far from subtle and certainly attract attention. Competiton comes in the form of the Renaultsport Clio, Abarth 500, or Mini Cooper S.

[HondaCB]

My brother has just bought a Corsa VXR Nurburgring. He took me out in it the day he got it and scared the shit out of me.

[JakeJWr]

Loving your reviews CarBuyer lately. You've been reviewing all the right vehicles, keep it up :)

[BenzinioB]

What is wrong if it is not a Mini?
It looks much better then any of the Mini range (only the Paceman is close). The interior is miles ahead then the Mini and probably it is much more comfy and suitable for long journeys and everyday life then the Mini.
...so there is left only the Mini "famous" handling and image based on pretty much nothing NO THANKS - I would go for the VXR any way

[cyclemartin]

Still getting torque steer with a limited slip diff, , sounds like they done a good job on the diff then, .

[DoktrDub]

I always found it funny that Corsa was an ideal car for new drivers since me or anyone I knew could never get a sensible insurance quote for one lol, probably loads of learner drivers before hand that have smashed them up and given them a bad rep with insurers

[Ryan-vlok]

Passed in may bought my vxr not long after ready for stage 2 now done 3/4k miles love it

[benanderson]

I assume, then, that you've never been in an Astra GTC. That car oozes quality at every turn. From the excellent dashboard materials to the insane suspension system.

[moddingpark]

3:00 Glad that for once he didn't say "Ford Fiesta"

[SalahDemeer]

looks very nice. too bad we don't have Vauxhall or once upon a time Opel in here anymore :(

[Xtizxu]

Want a car that the majority of road users will say "oh dear..." And to impress boy racers at mcdonalds? Then this is for you lol

[crashtubes]

My BSM learning car was a VXR! Passed in it about a week ago!

[benanderson]

I've been in both, I've test driven lots of cars because I'm looking to buy (decided to get a Kia GT in December. Far cheaper to buy and run+fun+looks amazing+reliable).

Looks are also subjective. The GTC VXR is OTT and the S3 is as dull as ditchwater IMHO.

Both the A3 and GTC use very strong plastics that can easily withstand years of abuse and, as mentioned, Studies show Vauxhalls to be more reliable.

I guess my biggest problem with the S3 is the price. £30k is far too expensive.

[hoffmanlol]

Every reviewer allways say the seats lack a memory function but they dont! They slide back into place as long as u keep them tilted fully forward when people clomb into the back. If you tilt it back before you slide it back it will stay in that position. Very simmilar to every other 3 door car i have ever seen 😂

[ExAnimoPortugal]

This car is way better than the competition. :)

[Charlzey]

"The Vauxhall Corsa is the favourite car of learner drivers"
Ford Fiesta: "Hold my petrol!"

[Kev]

Casper, they can already match a Porsche in handling. Front wheel drive means that it's harder to put power down though.

[oddities-whatnot]

Very young looking Matt, and he talks very fast ! Thats enthusiasm for you !

[fuzzy]

Dude its not a sticker its actually engraved into the B-pillar just to differentiate it from the normal VXR, you would, like you said have to replace the whole pillar if you didn't like it.

[DietSoap]

I really hate how we don't seem to get any of these beautiful hot hatches in the US. Probably my favorite little segment of cars.

[AnsisX]

Fact is: I've been in both (other than you as it seems) and there are MILES between the quality of each car. Simply knock on the dashboard, the inner door, SIMPLY LOOK AT IT.