Vauxhall Corsa GSi

£18,995

Engine 1400cc, 4cyl, FWD, 148bhp, 162lb ft Performance 0–62mph in 8.9secs, 129mph, 47.1mpg, 139g/km CO2 Weight 1278kg

RIP VXR (for now). Vauxhall admits VXR “was niche”, and should mean “hardcore, track-focused cars.” The idea behind the GSi family is for Vauxhall to sell angry-looking and sharper-handling cars with lower running costs, appealing to a wider audience. So the Corsa GSi hides an ageing 1.4-litre, fourcylinder turbo-petrol engine under its (fake) bonnet scoop, making 50bhp less than the Fiesta ST you can have for the same money. OK, the Corsa’s a bit cheaper to insure, but it’s thirstier, dirtier, and nowhere near as sorted to drive. As usual for a Corsa, there’s unpleasant friction in the steering, as if the steering column’s made of noodles and is twisting around itself as you turn in. The ride is über-firm, the chassis totally unplayful... it just doesn’t succeed in any area. Except looks.