Vauxhall Corsa GSi 2018 UK first drive

Until Vauxhall sees fit to revive its recently mothballed VXR performance brand - perhaps with hybrid or EV models, according to the rumour mill - we have GSi.

That once famous three-letter moniker was resurrected earlier this year by the larger Insignia GSi, a likeable car that we deemed worthy of 3.5 stars. Now it’s the turn of the Corsa hatchback.

The car you’re looking at isn’t really a replacement for the departed Corsa VXR because it’s down on power to the tune of 57bhp, its turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine only good for a relatively modest - by modern hot-hatch standards - 148bhp.

So the Corsa GSi is slower than the old VXR but, on the basis of the new model’s uncompromising chassis set-up, Vauxhall doesn’t seem to think it should be any less focused.

This thing must have the hardest ride of any small hatchback on sale today. Earlier VXR models were always jiggly and bouncy but, while this GSi is no less busy over the shape of the road, it is actually tougher and more uncomfortable than any hot Corsa before it.

Its ride quality can be quite bruising over an uneven surface, particularly at low speed. Even if the car was badged VXR, it would be excessive; that GSi designation and the less aggressive powertrain would surely be better suited to a more fluid chassis, one that was less demanding in day-to-day driving.

On a typical back road - one that isn’t too broken, at least - the firm ride isn’t too much of an issue. The car always feels hyperactive and it boings about on its springs like Tigger, but you do get an acute sense of the suspension working hard to allow each wheel and tyre to stay in contact with the Tarmac and find grip in the road surface. Its job, in other words.

That unyielding set-up also gives the Corsa GSi real agility and responsiveness and that, combined with the strong grip from the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber, means there is plenty of fun to be had. The steering is a little light, but it is pin-sharp. Perhaps too sharp, actually, because until you’re tuned into its manic rate of response, the car can feel flighty and nervous.

You could argue that what matters most about this little hot hatch is that you can take it by the scruff and fling it along the road as hard as you dare, and have a lot of fun doing it. There is a little body roll, but it’s well-matched to rate at which the front axle darts into a corner and the rear follows it around, so you get a very satisfying impression of the car working up to its limits at your behest. And yet, there are other small hot hatches out there that are faster, even more fun to drive and far less demanding in normal use.