Fiesta ST Competitor: 2008 Barina VXR?

simonr · 04-01-2007, 01:36 PM

I havta say this is the hottest barina i have ever seen..

CORSA VXR - VAUXHALL UNLEASHES ITS HOTTEST EVER SUPERMINI

The new Corsa has already caused quite a sensation with its bold styling and impressive road manners, but now Vauxhall has pulled the wraps off the ultimate version - the long awaited VXR.

The performance flagship of the range is every inch a VXR, designed from the outset to deliver the ultimate in hot-hatch driving excitement and style.

Immediately distinguishable from other models in the new Corsa range, the three-door only VXR comes with several unique VXR styling cues. The mirrors, front foglamp surrounds and centre-exit exhaust tailpipe all have a triangular theme, while the aggressive front and rear bumpers are unique to this model.

Sweeping side skirts and an angular roof spoiler help accentuate the three-door Corsa's already muscular design, while a mesh front grille, blue-painted brake callipers and optional 18-inch alloys further set off the VXR's performance appearance.

The interior is dominated by the sculpted, shell-backed Recaro sports seats and the race-car style flat-bottomed steering wheel. Drilled alloy pedals, piano black trim on the facia and unique VXR detailing on the dials and gear lever make sure the Corsa VXR looks as special inside as it does on the outside.

Power comes from a compact 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, developing 192PS and giving Corsa VXR the ability to accelerate from 0-60mph in just 6.8 seconds, on to a top speed of 140mph. Like the Meriva VXR, it comes with an 'overboost' facility which can increase the torque output on demand to a maximum of more than 260Nm - useful for safe overtaking.

The power is kept in check with a dynamically-designed chassis including a specially-tuned ESP system, along with uprated brakes and suspension and variably-assisted power steering, which alters the weight and feel of the wheel depending on the way in which the car is driven - a feature unique in this area of the market.

Yet despite its wild performance and impressive technology, Corsa VXR promises to be an affordable car to run, with surprising fuel economy for a 140mph car. On extra-urban routes it returns 44.1mpg according to official figures and the combined fuel economy figure is 35.8mpg.

The Corsa VXR will make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and will be available from Vauxhall retailers from mid-March. Prices will be announced nearer to the on-sale date.

simonr · 04-01-2007, 01:40 PM

Opel is naming it as the Corsa OPC

http://www.netcarshow.com/opel/2008-corsa_opc/

Ives · 04-01-2007, 02:31 PM

That thing looks WICKED!

Reading from that article, it sounds like it'll blast the Fiesta XR4 into retirement.

FezWit · 04-01-2007, 03:28 PM

Are you guys serious?!

I think the barina looks stupid - no threat whatsoever to the XR4!

And on top of that it has the wrong badge......

:

Swaytan · 04-01-2007, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HyperKid

That thing looks WICKED!

Reading from that article, it sounds like it'll blast the Fiesta XR4 into retirement.

But as we all know, looks can be very deceiving. I'll wait until the road tests come out before I make any judgements.

Piotr · 04-01-2007, 04:31 PM

Only problem is the current Barina isn't a opel anymore. Its that korean crap

Ives · 04-01-2007, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny

Removed by laminge.

What's with the swearing?

Als_Zetec · 04-01-2007, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny

removed by Laminge

while its a development up from the tin can the Barina has become, it will only appeal to those people seeking a 'performance' alternative to the Yaris, Jazz, Getz and maybe Swift... something that looks like it ships with a Veilside body from the factory! The performance sounds impressive, but as someone already mentioned we need a road test to verify how good or bad the thing is on the tarmac. Let's not forget that the car only scored 2 stars in Aus road safety tests... if I were in an car smash (heaven forbid!

) I'd be thankful to be in my Fiesta!

Swaytan · 04-01-2007, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HyperKid

What's with the swearing?

Angry, angry young man...

But I agree, it looks like a strong gust of wind could blow it apart.

FOCUSonTHIS · 04-01-2007, 05:50 PM

Who even says that it will even make it to our shores. Would Holden really bring out a different shape Barina to the one they have out now. Also I thought Holden were going to stop importing cars from Europe and just from Asia now

kiwijohn42 · 04-01-2007, 05:55 PM

Doubt we'll even get it here. Holden wanted cheap so went for Korean over Euro. Thankfully Ford went the other way.

MISTA FIESTA · 04-01-2007, 06:06 PM

Will honestly i dont think its too bad. Yes has a jap feel to it exterior wise and the interior is to busy (xr4 = simple), but it has a great stance. Specs are not shabby either.

But XR4 all the way.

Sway i thought you were dead....

0xyg3n · 04-01-2007, 06:18 PM

141kw be interesting to see how well it can put that amount of power down.

Deanodriver · 04-01-2007, 07:28 PM

That looks bloody nice, but let's face it, Aussie buyers are too tight-fisted to buy that, they'd rather buy Turdwoos.

I wonder if HSV could bring in the VXR as a limited-run model, probly not though.

**Polyal** · 04-01-2007, 08:04 PM

Yeah the Daewoo version will be awesome!

Its got a bit of the previous 207 about it IMO.

robjh80 · 04-01-2007, 08:29 PM

Looks a bit like a Peugeot 306 perhaps

The driving position is no good, I can see from the interior pic the pedals are too far over to the right in relation to the seating and steering wheel postition..........lost me on that issue straight away, cannot stand odd driving positions in any car........"looks interesting though."

Swaytan · 04-01-2007, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MISTA FIESTA

Will honestly i dont think its too bad. Yes has a jap feel to it exterior wise and the interior is to busy (xr4 = simple), but it has a great stance. Specs are not shabby either.

But XR4 all the way.

Sway i thought you were dead....

I thought I was too at one stage...

Nah, just been keeping quiet, plus I haven't had internet for a couple of weeks now. My new internet runs at 20,000kpbs, which rocks my world...

Wonder if that Barina could get over a 2 star safety rating?

ATSEIF DROF · 04-01-2007, 08:54 PM

Wow, The Holden Yaris Yrx...........................no thanx!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marshy79 · 04-01-2007, 09:34 PM

Looks like a cross between the Mazda 3 and the Astra VXR.. i dont mind it in a way.. would never buy one though

Wonder what the cost will be.

simonr · 04-01-2007, 11:00 PM

are we sure that this one is made in korea aswell??

Im assuming its pretty much german engineered anyway since they say...

" Through intensive tuning drives on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, engineers were able to achieve a sophisticated balance of agile handling and pronounced vehicle control."

LOL

it looks very similar to the new civic type r

Jess85 · 04-01-2007, 11:04 PM

a few of the newer model holdens are made by daewoo...cheap crap

photn · 05-01-2007, 11:15 AM

the Opel/Vauxal or whatever it is. really looks like a concept car especially with that interior.....and with 192PS of power that thing will torque steer more than a pig on steriods.....its like throwing a supurcharged V8 in a mini with front wheel drive and expecting every1 to shiver.... not to mention the car will probably handle like crap......and unless it has some decent suspension just think of what those 18" will do to your bucketed asses.....

Mind you it does show that you can get decent power out of a Turbo 1.6

MeestaNob! · 09-01-2007, 11:00 AM

I reckon it looks pretty cool, but I doubt I'd want to own it (aside from the fact its a Barina). The new Vauxhalls are pretty well put together cars (especially compared to our 'Barinas') but I'm not very keen on the Darth Vader centre console and the Yaris-esc exterior styling (not that I'm a massive fan of the boxy Fiesta either).

Also, at 141Kw from anything with a Vauxhall badge on it rings some alarm bells. It's possibly a good car if you dont mind it trying to kill you whenever you see this:

TheColonel · 09-01-2007, 12:54 PM

I saw it tested on 5th Gear last night against their turbo diesel model tuned by Triple 8 Racing in the UK, looks very impressive and fun... but then again Vicki was driving it...

ATSEIF DROF · 13-01-2007, 10:54 AM

The Corsa VXR is from Europe, probably made in Germany, or Spain al la the previous model Barina sold here, but its definately German engineered. It would not make sense for Holden to import this model as they are now sourcing Barinas from South Korea, unless they come to their senses again & start sourcing the base model from Europe, that my friends would be a truly great day!

Fled74 · 13-01-2007, 02:56 PM

It looks a bit like the offspring of a Peugeot and a Holden Tigra...

If it does come here it'll probably be sold as an "SRi Turbo", like the current Astra VXR.

murcod · 14-01-2007, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flederschwein

It looks a bit like the offspring of a Peugeot and a Holden Tigra...

If it does come here it'll probably be sold as an "SRi Turbo", like the current Astra VXR.

The SRi turbo is not the same as a VXR!?!

The real Astra VXR is sold by HSV (have a look at www.hsv.com.au); and IMHO that is the way we would get the Corsa VXR (if at all...) - through HSV.

Steffo · 14-01-2007, 03:38 AM

And if we do get the Corsa VXR, the Fiesta XR4 is in for an ****-kicking. Its already the 2nd heaviest and least powerful car in its class....

Fled74 · 16-01-2007, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murcod

The SRi turbo is not the same as a VXR!?!

The real Astra VXR is sold by HSV (have a look at www.hsv.com.au); and IMHO that is the way we would get the Corsa VXR (if at all...) - through HSV.

Oops, my mistake.

I'll take my foot out of my mouth now.

murcod · 16-01-2007, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flederschwein

Oops, my mistake.

I'll take my foot out of my mouth now.

No worries. HSV don't exactly push the fact they're selling 4 cylinder cars now; and I imagine the V8 bogans at the HSV clubs wouldn't like the owners joining up!!!

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