The Vauxhall Corsa VXR looks the part and has the performance to back this up. It also has a 1.6-litre turbo engine, here producing 202bhp, 3bhp less than the GTi, but enough for an identical 0-62mph time of 6.5 seconds.
It only officially returns 37.7mpg, though, indicating you’ll spend more time and money at the pumps than with the Peugeot or Ford. While the Corsa steers nicely, the ride lacks the fluidity of the Fiesta. For £8,500, you’ll get a 16-plate VXR with 42,000 miles. The standard kit level is strong, with cruise control, air- conditioning and touchscreen infotainment.
The Corsa VXR’s interior blends sportiness and comfort well. The flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel and chunky gearlever are great to hold, and decent materials have been used throughout the cabin. This interior is superior to that found in the Fiesta ST, and similar to the 208 GTi. Resemblances with the Peugeot continue in terms of practicality, too. There’s an identically sized 285-litre boot, while the back seats in both the Corsa and 208 are similarly spacious, an area where the Fiesta falls a little short. But the Vauxhall arguably lacks the overall desirability of the Ford and Peugeot.
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