The new Corsa has caused an early sensation with its bold styling and impressive road manners, and now Vauxhall has taken the wraps off the ultimate version, the VXR, writes Don Booker.

It goes on sale next month and is the flagship of the range, a real hot hatch, with a 1.6-litre turbo engine which develops 192bhp.

The 0-60mph sprint will take 6.8 seconds and the top speed is 140mph.

Combined miles-per-gallon is 36 with extra urban returning 44mpg.