Vauxhall Corsa VXR Blue

Looking for a new hot hatch but can’t afford a Golf GTI? You might want to consider this special edition of the Vauxhall Corsa VXR. Called the Blue, it’s priced £19,425 – which seems like an awful lot of money for a supermini, even one with 190+bhp. I accept the fact it’s good value compared with rivals such as the Citroen DS3 R and MINI Cooper Works, but it’s almost £20k for something you will struggle to fit four average-sized adults in. I’m genuinely amazed people can afford to spend that on any new car in the current economic climate. Included in the price is the unique metallic paint job – described as Arden Blue – plus the 18-inch alloys, dark-tinted glass, bespoke interior air vents and Recaro seats. It’s a saving of £445 over the cost of speccing a standard Corsa VXR with this kit. Inside, blue detailing can be found throughout, including the stitching on the leather steering wheel, the interior air vent and the trim on the sports seats. Power comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, pushing the VXR to 60mph in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 140mph. The Blue is on sale now but won’t arrive in showrooms until the end of next month.