What is it?
This is the Vauxhall Corsa VXR Arctic Edition, the latest limited edition of Vauxhall’s smallest VXR.
The Artic Edition includes a Remus exhaust, 18-inch smoked alloys, and a factory-fit sunroof on top of the VXR’s already decent kit list.
Though Vauxhall officially states that the Arctic Edition has the same 189bhp output as the standard Corsa VXR, it also unofficially states that the exhaust ‘boosts power by up to 15bhp’.
What’s it like?
Raucous. The Remus exhaust is the least subtle of the Arctic Edition’s modifications; even at 30mph in fourth gear, the blaring warble barely subsides to below offensive levels, and that’s only after you’ve backfired through second and third.
But whether you consider the ability to set off car alarms with using the right-hand pedal a pro or a con, you can’t drive the Arctic Edition without enjoying its crisp throttle response and punchy 1.6 Turbo engine, which offers all manner of joys wherever you are in the rev range and will never disappoint for outright speed.
It won’t even be ruined by the ride quality, which is firm but well controlled and rarely uncomfortable, even around urban roads.
The sunroof also adds to the luxuries, but the sat nav is a monochrome relic that doesn’t include any sort of postcode input. It is put to shame by even the most basic portable unit.
Should I buy one?
If you’re part of the niche audience that the Arctic Edition will appeal to, then yes, this modified VXR never fails to entertain.
Realistically, though, north of 17 grand is a very high price to pay given that key rivals, not least the Renault Clio 197, that are better to drive, more affordable and much less likely to inspire hatred in your neighbours.
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Re: Vauxhall Corsa 1.6 VXR Arctic Edition
Mike? Is that you?
If not, sorry. But your friend is right. I also to this day mourn the day I sold my 1400SR (in Shoolgate White [as friends would refer to it] too). By far the most fun I've had on four wheels.
Re: Vauxhall Corsa 1.6 VXR Arctic Edition
Has this most recent shape Corsa reclaimed its mantle from the Saxo as the Max Power car of choice - I know the C2 was never quite as popular with the kids as the old Saxo was, even when they gave the Saxo the girly rounded headlights in its facelift the tuners still loved it!
Maybe the C2 was just too Maxxed up in the first place?
I can't see Vauxhall giving away free insurance to kids on this. Maybe a 1.2 lookalike, but not the top spec firebreathing model. Not quite my sort of thing, but my friend never got over selling his white Nova 1.4 SR. He swears it was the best handling car he ever had (madman), and I'm sure he'd love this...
Re: Vauxhall Corsa 1.6 VXR Arctic Edition
I saw these today at vauxhall in peterborough and they sound and look beautiful. Best looking hot hatch on the road imo well up too when the Rs comes out. heh