As reported by We Blog Any Car a few months ago, the Corsa GSI is back.
I had the opportunity to get behind the rather sporty, flat-bottom steering wheel and take it out onto the open road.
The first thing I will point out is to remember that the Corsa GSI is not a replacement for the Corsa VXR….however, there is no definite news on whether the Corsa VXR (or any VXR model) will offered by Vauxhall in the future.  For the here and now, we have the Corsa GSI.
From the outside it looks like the former Corsa VXR….apart from the fact that it doesn’t have the rear bumper, diffuser, 2 exhaust tail pipes and the 1.6 turbo engine.

BUT…..

The real gem is that the new Corsa GSI uses the same sports suspension as the one fitted to the Corsa VXR.

So, having driven the previous Corsa VXR,  I was very pleased to find the suspension in this Corsa GSI communicates the same firm and tight feeling on the open road.

You may find, when driving a Corsa GSI, that you don’t want to drive over many speed humps (who does anyway?) Out on a twisty A or B road is where this car wants to be…. especially in 3rd and 4th gears where this car is deceptively quick.

The next part may be a little controversial…..
The Corsa GSI uses a 1.4 litre Turbo engine which produces 150 PS.
This means it has around 60 PS less than the Corsa VXR.  For me, this is a good thing.  I will explain below:

Driving the Corsa GSI is a more sedated affair compared to the Corsa VXR. The Corsa VXR engine powerband is more like an “on/off switch.” The turbo spins up and off you go.
The powerband in the Corsa GSI is more progressive….which in turn gave me more time to appreciate the positives from this car.  The steering is sharp with a nicely weighty feel.  It has a good level of frontend grip.  The brakes were strong and the whole car has an involving “chuck it into a corner feel,” thanks to its Koni’s Frequency Selective Damping and the 18 inch 215/40 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.  The gear change feel is very positive.  I can imagine that the gearknob may not be to everyone’s taste….but I do like the chunky feel, it adds to the sporty hatch feel.

The press vehicle I drove was fitted with the optional extra Recaro Sports leather seats.  Not only are they very supportive and comfy, visually they look menacing and enhance the look of the whole interior.  I will say that this optional extra (which does come at a cost of £1055.00) is a well worthy investment.  The same can be said about the 18 inch 5 spoke, diamond-cut alloy wheels at £510.00,  which just sets off the sporty exterior of the car.

I think Vauxhall have pulled off a clever move here….. They have focused more on the sharpness and handling characteristics of the car….proving that you don’t just need engine power alone.  The result is an involving, precise handling car which rewards your driving.  Did I mention that the exterior looks good too?

There are some really good finance deals on at Vauxhall dealers, and factor into the equation that it has an insurance rating of 20E….which makes it one of the cheapest cars to insure in its class.

With all that I have said above, I will sum it up this way….It is a car that is well worthy to wear the legendary GSI badge.
Corsa GSI…. Welcome Back!!

We Blog Any Car stats:

  • 1.4 litre petrol engine
  • 150 PS power
  • 220 Nm torque
  • 6 speed manual gearbox
  • 129 mph top speed
  • 8.9 seconds 0-60 mph
  • 139g/km CO2 emissions
  • £18,995.00 prices start from

Previous Vauxhall blogs and news below.

THE RETURN OF THE VAUXHALL CORSA GSI. New car news blog.

WE BLOG ANY CAR DRIVES THE NEW VAUXHALL INSIGNIA GSI 2.0 BITURBO DIESEL 4X4.