Vauxhall Corsa VXR Nurburgring news and pictures

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Vauxhall has completed the updated Corsa range with a racier version of the VXR hatch.

The Corsa VXR Nurburgring Edition gets a re-worked version of the standard VXR’s 1.6 turbo engine, upped from 188bhp to a Renaultsport Clio-bating 201bhp. Torque also gets a healthy increase to 206lb-ft. The performance gains have been garnered through a modified ECU and turbo system, a sports exhaust with reduced back pressure, and the ability to run 98-octane fuel.

Vauxhall claims this translates into a 6.5 second 0-60 time and a top speed of 143mph, improvements of 0.3 seconds and 3mph respectively over the regular VXR. Controlling the firepower is a mechanical limited-slip diff between the front wheels and a lighter set of Brembo brakes with high performance linings and a 10 per cent increase in area. Vauxhall also commissioned bespoke Bilstein dampers with a 20mm ride height reduction.

Visual updates above those already seen on the facelifted Corsa come in the form of a dual ‘pipe stainless steel exhaust, forged aluminium high-gloss wheels and obligatory Nurburgring stickers on the B-pillar and front spoiler.

Inside, black and red ‘Nurburgring’ lettering is featured on the sill plates, and front Recaro seat backs, with exclusive white stitching on seat, handbrake and gearshift upholstery.

The Corsa VXR Nurburgring Edition will go on UK sale in late May, carrying a price of £22,295, which is less than Citroen’s DS3R but £4,000 more than a similarly-specced Clio 200 Cup.