Vauxhall unveils Corsa SRi in UK
Click image for high-res gallery
UK car shoppers looking for a little extra pep in a subcompact, but who don't want to pony up for the high-zoot Vauxhall Corsa VXR (a.k.a. Opel Corsa OPC), now have another option: the Corsa SRi. This is simply the British-market version of the Opel Corsa GSi that made its debut in Barcelona this June. It's still worth mentioning again because it's a cool little ride. Powered by either a 150 HP gasoline-fueled turbo four or a 125 HP turbodiesel, the SRi delivers sporty looks and dynamics, respectable performance, and good fuel economy (30 mpg on petrol or 50 mpg on diesel). Add this one to the "Cars We Wish Were Saturns Today" list.
New pics are in the gallery below, and GM's press release/spec sheet are pasted after the jump.
[Source: GM]
Gallery: Vauxhall Corsa SRi
PRESS RELEASE:
THE LEGEND RETURNS – CORSA SRi IS BACK!
* Sporty Corsa makes a welcome return
* Choice of new 150PS turbo 1.6-litre engine or 125PS 1.7 diesel
* Available with three or five doors, from £13,625
One of the nation's best-loved hot hatches has returned to Vauxhall showrooms after a two-year absence.
The latest addition to the New Corsa line-up, the SRi revives one of the best known hot hatch monikers in a package that offers incredible levels of driving excitement, great looks and affordability.
Designed to appeal to buyers who don't need all the hardcore thrills of the VXR but still appreciate style and sharp driving dynamics, the SRi looks set to further broaden the appeal of the Corsa range.
Two powertrains are on offer – a new 150PS 1.6-litre turbo unit, or a 125PS 1.7 CDTi diesel. The petrol unit is based on that found in the Corsa VXR, and gives the SRi the ability to sprint from 0-60mph in just 7.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 130mph.
The diesel model also offers impressive performance, accelerating from 0-60mph in 9.3 seconds, with a top speed of 121mph. But as well as the impressive performance, it returns a combined average of 58.9mpg.
For both models, the power is kept in check by a specially developed sports chassis, lowered by 18mm at the front and 15mm at the rear and featuring ESP as standard. The power steering features variable progressive feedback, meaning the weighting at the wheel changes electronically to deliver optimum driver feedback.
And Corsa's striking looks are made more purposeful courtesy of a front spoiler, deep body-coloured side sills, 17-inch alloy wheels, a chrome sports exhaust pipe and a subtle tailgate spoiler. Inside, red-detailed sports seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with red inserts, alloy pedals and red seatbelts further set the performance tone.
Prices
1.6 turbo 3-dr £13,625
1.7 CDTi 3-dr £14,235
1.6 turbo 5-dr £14,275
1.7 CDTi 5-dr £14,885
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
TBlueMax 8:58AM (9/28/2007)
Handsome little devil and the MPG looks great. Would be great to see as a Saturn in the next few years.
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the marais 9:26AM (9/28/2007)
This would be a great car for Saturn NOW. Instead, we get the Aveo. This whole dollar-euro excuse for why Opels are not imported is total vaporware. Build them in Mexico. Would you pay $17,000 for a five-door turbo 150hp Corsa-hatch-as-Saturn? Bet your bottom euro.
TBlueMax 9:42AM (9/28/2007)
I suspect if the Corsa met US crash standards and was available with an engine that met US emissions standards, the likelihood of seeing this in the US sooner than later would increase significantly. The next generation Corsa will likely take this into account during the development phase and make for a truly global small car.
nagmashot 12:45PM (9/28/2007)
The Corsa recived a 5 star rating in euro-ncap crashtest.. Very good frontal protection and with highest score in side impact protection in its class (Yaris/Jazz/Polo etc)
http://www.autobild.de/ir_img/470704_a7324343fd.jpg
40mph 70km/h offset frontal crash
It is safer than most US sold cars in the class (Honda Jazz/ Toyota Yaris etc) because it comes in stock trim with things like ESP and side airbags.
The engines run under Euro4 and are from GM .. emission are no problems...
Atomicbri 9:13AM (9/28/2007)
A very nice small car from GM. A shame the only small eco-car we get here is the Chevrolet Aveo... Hmm... maybe they need to move production of the Corsa to Korea as well or somewhere where GM builds their cheap cars they import here to America. Its kind of tiring to see GM and Ford make subpar cars for the American market. The bringing of the Astra here to the states is a good move, and the G8 Pontiac is another good move.... let's just see how it all pans out. With the American Dollar devaluing left and right though, seems it will be harder for companies to bring in cars from other countries.... So I guess GM needs to start planning car designs to be able to be built here, than abroad.
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Rick 9:35AM (9/28/2007)
Nice front end. Stretch it to make it 4 doors and bring it over as something other than a Saturn.
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MCS05 10:39AM (9/28/2007)
it's already in the works...
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TriShield 11:01AM (9/28/2007)
Saturn will be selling the redesigned Corsa when it arrives.
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importjap 11:49AM (9/28/2007)
Looks like a very solid little car. Pity cost-cutting-to-the-point-of-idiocy GM Holden swapped this for a Daewoo. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
50mpg is awesome on TDI. 58.9MPG combined is stellar!
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the law 7:08PM (9/28/2007)
very good looking hope the next model will look this good.
isn't Opel expanding into Poland and Russia for small vehicle production?i thought i read that?
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Brett- BMW Advocate 1:31PM (9/28/2007)
Saturn is using the Astra instead of this?! why? American already dont care to much for hatchbacks but this little bugger is attractive and pretty masculine compared to most hot hatches. Especially the Astra! Maybe one day. For now I'll take a MINI Cooper.
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tio 2:26PM (9/28/2007)
Really really sharp car. I love the small details on it. Depending on the interior room I would give this a serious look if it were on the US market against the Fit/Versa/Yaris. I hope the next version is just as stylish and has room for four adults. does anyone know the rear leg room on this?
Is it in the 35-38 inch range that the Fit/Versa has?
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nagmashot 4:14PM (9/28/2007)
The Opel Corsa (3door)
legroom rear 35inch
length 159inch
width 67.4inch
high 58.6inch
wheelbase 98.9inch
Toyota Yaris
length 147.5inch
width 66.78inch
high 59.98inch
wheelbase 96.92inch
Nissan Versa
length 169.1 inch
width 66.7inch
high 60.4inch
wheelbase 102.4inch
Honda Fit/Jazz
length 157.4inch
width 66.2inch
high 60inch
wheelbase 96.5inch
The Opel Corsa has mor space inside as Fit or Yaris but not the rear seat legroom of the Versa, but it is avaible as 5 door.
SPG 2:40PM (9/28/2007)
I'd love to see this car as the first Saturn Diesel.
And then I'd love to see it in my driveway.
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John Metcalf 5:33PM (9/28/2007)
Excuse me while I wipe the drool off my chin.
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Level 8:13PM (9/28/2007)
would make a great Saturn....
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RockStoneSteel 11:45PM (9/28/2007)
Excellent vehicle! Don't change a thing, and bring it to the US. And especially DO NOT make it into a 4 door, unless you keep the current 2 door style. The US market is already flooded with 4 door sedans and 4 door station wagons, that wreak of "practicality" but have minimal backseats. Something like this has great proportions and lines with 2 large doors making ease of entry and exit.
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