Vauxhall isn’t particularly renowned for the performance of its cars. Sure, we’ve had the odd exception – most notably, the VXR8 – but on the whole, a mention of Vauxhall usually conjures the image of a sensible hatchback or a tame mile-munching company car.
That started to change last year with the announcement of the 252bhp Insignia GSi and although the end product may not be anything to write home about, here was Vauxhall venturing into more exciting waters once again.
Vauxhall will apply the newly revived GSi badge to another one of its most famous models – the Corsa – later this year.
The Corsa GSi will use the chassis and design elements of the current Corsa VXR to shape an agile and purposeful driver’s car, but with all the space and efficiency of the regular supermini.
Using the three-door bodystyle, the GSi variant sets itself apart from any standard Corsa with 18-inch alloy wheels, red calipers, large air intakes and a honeycomb grille upfront with deep sill extensions and carbon-trimmed features along the sides.
Around the back, there’s a chrome tailpipe and a hefty rear spoiler to not only denote the car’s aggressive performance but also provide downforce and hunker down the rear suspension at higher speeds.
The cabin will come with low leather Recaro seats, leather sports steering wheel and aluminium pedals, while on the tech front, there’s Vauxhall’s IntelliLink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Much of the suspension and brake setup is taken from the current 207bhp Corsa VXR, with firmer springs and competition-tuned dampers offering tight control of the body at high speeds and high levels of grip.
No details have been confirmed yet on what will sit under the bonnet, so stay tuned for a more technical insight this year.
Share your opinion on the new Corsa GSi in the comments section below!
For more articles like this, receive our weekly e-newsletter, including partner deals and all things motoring, register your email below.
Please note: You cannot subscribe to Smart-Motoring unless you put a tick in the checkbox below to indicate have read and agreed to our privacy policy.
I am currently running a 2016 Insignia SuperSport VXR. The performance of its 2.8 litre turbocharged V6 and all wheel drive is far from a tame mile-munching company car. Comparing its price, performance and standard trim with its rivals from BMW and Audi I think shows the Vauxhall to be remarkable value and is an exciting car to drive. the space inside this estate car is more than adequate and the car is a really comfortable and exciting car to drive. I don’t think the latest facelift of the Insignia is offered in VXR trim.