The new Vauxhall Corsa GSI opens for ordering in July 2018, and although we still don’t know how much it will cost, we do know the engine it will use: a 150hp 1.4-litre turbo petrol.
This helps the warm hatch accelerate from 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds, onto a top speed of 128mph. The new Corsa GSI also boasts a healthy 162lb ft of pulling power between 3,000rpm and 4,500rpm, and if you leave the short-ratio six-speed gearbox in fifth, it will accelerate from 50-70mph in 9.9 seconds.
All of which doesn’t sound so bad when combined with claimed economy of 47.1mpg, and CO2 emissions of 139g/km – and these comply with the latest Euro 6d-TEMP standards, too.
Due in showrooms in September 2018 (just in time for 68-plate registrations), the Corsa GSI uses the same chassis as the Corsa VXR hot hatch; you can even option the 215/40 18-inch lightweight alloys offered on the 210hp VXR.
It also has optional leather Recaro seats inside, plus a GSI bodykit with sculpted bonnet and rear spoiler, chrome tailpipe and red-painted brake calipers. The Vauxhall IntelliLink system is standard, incorporating both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
All we need to know now, Vauxhall, is how much it will cost. And with the 2018 Ford Fiesta ST setting the cat amongst the pigeons with a starting price from £18,995 – and Suzuki already revising its £17,999 Swift Sport down to £16,499 – it’s perhaps understandable why Vauxhall isn’t yet ready to reveal prices.
Just maybe, thanks to Ford’s move, it’s working on chipping the Corsa GSI below the price tag originally intended for it…
