Vauxhall Corsa 'D' VXR Nurburgring Edition

[Mike1990]

Following on from my last Thread, http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

last Friday i changed the ST, i've been hankering for a while to change it and the fact that PCP deal that was coming to an end, it made sense to. Now as you probably know i'am a bit of a Hot Hatch fan, that's all i've owned and been interested in!

Had quite a few hatches in mind, i wanted something quite rare and abit 'special' old or new to the run of mil, i had loads in mind and eventually came to this.

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Interior by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Interior by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Engine by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Engine by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Engine by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Brembo Brakes by Michael Smith, on Flickr

'Burg by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Recaros by Michael Smith, on Flickr

It's a Vauxhall Corsa 'D' VXR Nurburgring Edition, and i'am loving it! it's a serious Hot Hatch, it couldn't be further away from the ST if it tried with the hardware it's packing, LSD, B12's, Brembo's.

It's on 14.7k with FVSH, OE Conti Sport Contact 2's, although the front's are on 2.5mm-ish across both sets and the rears on 4.3mm-ish. I'am thinking Michelin Pilot Super Sports then i'll go attacking some B-Roads in Wales biggrin

Options wise its got the optional desirable AFL's and Rear Privacy Glass. Loving the Recaro's, i'am finding them comfier than the ones in the ST, the 'Box is not as good, nowhere near but it does the job, i think its 'quicker' than the ST, the MPG is around 5-7 MPG worse so nothing to major, overall i'am really enjoying it.

Edited by Mike1990 on Wednesday 6th December 15:08

Edited by Mike1990 on Monday 4th May 13:10

[Mike1990]

Freds said:

That's a really nice looking car ! Hope it serves you well.......

I hope so too!

I know these VXR products, you either get a good one or a bad one. So far so good!

[Mike1990]

AH33 said:

I think the LSD would make a world of difference. Mine certainly doesn't like accelerating hard out of corners and getting a decent launch in anything other than bone dry conditions is harder than my old EP3 Type R.

It's fairly comfortable though, mines on the 17s. I remember watching the Top Gear review of the Nurburgring VXR and apparantly it was unbearable, though that might just be James May being an old man.

LSD is unreal, i still can't fathom quite how they work so effectively LOL, even with my pretty near worn and legal limit Conti's i've found its still got more front end grip and than the ST, it seems to drive better over rough and broken A/B-Roads aswell to my surprise.

It's softer sprung than the ST, less 'crashy' but obviously stiffer setup having B12's if that makes sense?

It's still a good surprise so far and have zero regrets.

Edited by Mike1990 on Friday 26th August 15:55

[Mike1990]

Cheer chaps

Chilli Orange is a really nice Colour, it does look so much better in the flesh, looks more Red in photos, the itch to do a Trackday gets stronger everyday, although i think Blyton Park would be a good starter Track for a noob! lol.

[Mike1990]

Just thought i'd stick some pictures up of my mates Corsa 'E' VXR the none 'Performance Pack' model.

VXR's by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR's by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR's by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR's by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR's by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR's by Michael Smith, on Flickr

I do think the 'Burg looks nicer

[Mike1990]

justanother5tar said:

Nice car. Looked at them myself but went ST after driving both.

Putting the photos of it with your mates E just shows how fking ugly the new ones are.

I wasn't so keen in the new one when it was first unvieled and released, but i grew to like it and i still do, but seeing the previous Corsa and more so the 'Burg they do look so much better!

[Mike1990]

Jay2333 said:

I quite like this.. the colour looks really well on it. Did the 'Burgs just come in this colour? I think it's the best looking of them too. I'm not too keen on the looks of the newer white one at all.

I would quite like a go in one to see how quick they are.

The 'Burgs came in Chilli Orange, Grasshopper Green, White and Black, the Clubsports came in White, Astroid Grey and Black i think, also they did One, just One in Red.

Power wise, the ST has more lower end grunt, but i think once pushing to redline i think the VXR is quicker.

[Mike1990]

Stuck £20 in Fuel before and went for a quick blast around the local Roads, first time i've been for a 'proper' drive since i've had it,

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Came away smiling, even with near legal-limit Conti's the 'Diff was working its magic, the Brakes, don't have much 'feel' compared to the ST, but appear to have stronger stopping power, so it should have having 305mm Discs and Brembo Calipers, thinking perhaps some Goodridge Braided Brake Hoses, had them on my old Fiesta Mk5 ZS and they improved the 'feel' no end.

[Mike1990]

melvster said:

Nice pics; can just tell you're preferring this to the ST; love how purposeful the Burg looks especially compared to the new VXR Corsa. Braided lines and some good fluid will improve the pedal feel, RBF600 or ATE Super Blue are you're best bet for fluid without spending daft money.

We need to get a North Wales run in soon or a Yorks run. GP2 and Corsa Burg, looking forward to seeing the Corsa soon.

Thanks Adam.

I'am genuinely loving it, i'am up at this time on a Bank Holiday ready to give the under the Arches, Suspension and Brembo's etc a good clean!, so that tells you something.

I've been thinking about the Brake fluid aswell, i've added it in my 'to do' list. Likewise i'am buzzing about seeing the GP2, getting some pictures and its going to be one hell of a good drive out

[Mike1990]

L9 GTE said:

Lovely car. Colour is really nice.


Another VXR/Fast Vauxhall fan here.

From memory Autocar rated the Corsa as second only to the Clio in terms of handling? This was in the pre ST days. But I guess because it's a Vauxhall people just assume they don't handle.

As for rep, I can't go anywhere in my Astra without a bellend in an ST welded to my bumper. But the VXRs get a bad name.

Keep the pics and updates coming, was a 400bhp one of these at WG Motorworks when I was there in April, same colour

Yes, i do recall the 'Burg's nearly pipping the 200 Cup's on quite a few reviews and group tests from the Magazines and i've watched quite a few videos on YouTube and they are quicker around a Track, although i do put that down to the LSD and some extra power. I heard something online about one bullying a Megane 250/265 Cup around a Track at the press event back in the day whether that's true or not. But seeing this,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBNPWMwmasw It's entirely possible.

[Mike1990]

After having a nightmare with the Locking/Wheel Nuts, which was sorted thankgod! i can proceed to have some new Tyres as the Conti's on the front are pretty much dead. Decided to change all Four, so gone for 4x Michelin Pilot Super Sports to be put on this Saturday trough Tyres on the drive, really can't wait to go to Wales for a proper good drive to get used to the car

[Mike1990]

HedgeyGedgey said:

Easily the best colour for a burg!! Anymore plans for her?

I'am not being biased of anything but i have to agree

I'am keeping with the whole OE/OEM+ thing like all my cars, i plan to add the Remus 3 Piece Exhaust System for to this as it's OEM, the older Corsa 'D' VXR Arctic Editions had a Remus and so did the Astra 'H' Nurburgrings, even the last run out Clubsports had the Remus Back-Box and the new Corsa has a Remus Back-Box, so you can kinda guess why i'am thinking that.

But really it is a case of keeping it mint as possible and use as it was designed to be.

[Mike1990]

HedgeyGedgey said:

Yeah the remus makes some fantastic noises but also keeps it nice on the motorways too. I do like the sound of an oem+ orange burg, will have something very similar in the future I hope!

It's an expensive system but IMO it's worth it, pure OEM+, to factor in with some much needed noise to add some more character when pressing on, few pops and crackles on the overun, some pops and bangs on Gear change, oh yes i need that! Also the fact some other and older 'rival' Hot Hatches have fruity Exhausts, the JCW Mini's for example, also the older Punto Abarth Supersport's and the Akrapovic Exhaust on the Megane 275's, and the new Face-Lift Clio 220 Trophy and lets not forget it could be added to the previous Clio 197/200's just to name a few.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX-r_oRuFj4

https://youtu.be/0pCW9YNtWV0

Just a few examples.

Edited by Mike1990 on Thursday 8th September 14:52

[Mike1990]

So this afternoon had the Michelin's fitted, all nice and simple trough Tyres on the drive. Been out the past few Hours scrubbing them in and getting a feel for them, and I am simply amazed by how much the car has been transformed. Mileage at time of fitting was "15805"

Tyres by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Gone has the Road noise that sounded like a Wheel Bearing, the occasional Tram-lining, the ABS kicking in when Braking hard and the ride has improved, so much softer over little humps and bumps in the road, the daily refinement has gone up a few notches. Happy is an understatement

[Mike1990]

So yesterday Evening i went for my first 'proper' drive out since i've scrubbed the Michelin's in, headed towards some of my favourite roads towards the 'Dales, minimal traffic it was great, the weather was perfect, all good.

The Drexler LSD really is the star of the show, it's superb, i do find it quite aggressive and coupled with the sticky Supersport Tyres and the Bilstein B12 Suspension i'am having to get used to it somewhat as a few times it's caught me of guard, nothing drastic as such, but it demands 100% concentration otherwise i'll be mounting the inside kerb LOL, one thing i noticed was i was carrying a good 10-15mph more into some corners than i did in the ST but i felt like i was only driving at like 7/10th's if that makes sense? I also feel like there's to much grip, it's nowhere near as adjustable as the ST and perhaps its rivals, you can lift of and power on and using to LSD tighten your line up which i found quite satisfying, along with 2nd gear corners, i was giggling to my self, i really do think a Trackday is needed!

Overall I am still loving it, not once have i thought the ST was better in a particular area, well apart from the Fuel

Nurburgring by Michael Smith, on Flickr

[Mike1990]

melvster said:

I'd be interested to feel how aggressive the diff is alebit from the passenger seat; think they're a great looking car these, much prefer them to the ST Fiesta from the aesthetics.

Your more than welcome to give it some stick next time we're out for a drive if you want to?

[Mike1990]

Noticed the "INSP 0" appear today, so cleared it using this trick.

Guide by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Handy to have.

Also it is approaching 17.5k after its run out to the 'Dales last night, all is well, still loving this 'Burg, its a special little Hot Hatch.

[Mike1990]

Just over 18k-ish now, only right to grab a few pictures on a recent drive out, something about the Autumn and Winter months, all the grime the car picks up, quite satisfying, anyways, a few pictures.

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr


I really do love this little car, its uncouth, a little raw, sometimes frustrating to drive, but point it down a good Road in all all weathers and let the 'Diff work its magic and it really is quite something, it excites me in a way in what no other car i've owned has. Love it

[Mike1990]

f1nn said:

I really like these, and would choose one over a Fiesta ST, Clio RS or similar if I was in the market for a hot hatch...I'd go for a grey Clubsport I think but yours looks great in that colour.

If I am being honest i was mainly looking at the 208 GTi 'By Peugeot Sport' models, but they were out of budget and i've always liked and been drawn to these Nurburgrings and Clubsports, pretty much the same hardware in a older design and alot cheaper, also i think its quite a good looking car, certainly still stands out these years later against the newer tackle, also being pretty rare on the roads.

[Mike1990]

So on Sunday i met up with a mate who'd a few days prior changed his Fiesta Mk7 ST MP215 for a Focus RS Mk2, only right to go for a drive and grab some pictures

Hot Hatches by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Hot Hatches by Michael Smith, on Flickr

RS by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Wheels by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Hot Hatches by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Hot Hatches by Michael Smith, on Flickr

RS by Michael Smith, on Flickr

VXR by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Wheels by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Hot Hatches by Michael Smith, on Flickr

It's a 1 Owner car, FFSH, with about 40k on the clocks, really really top condition, wearing premium Michelin's, not a squeak or rattle i could hear, but all i can say is WOW, what a special piece of kit, first time i've ever sat in one and drove one at some pace on some good roads i know, alot better than i expected, and the 5 Pot Engine is the party piece. I really do think i'd have one over the current crop of 20k+ Hot Hatches despite being quite old now. Its left a lasting impression.

Anyways, the current OE Wiperblades have had it, so replacement Bosch Aerotwins fitted,

Wiperblades by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Can see where i'am going now and VXR Badge fitted to the front Grille,

Badge by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Badge by Michael Smith, on Flickr

Hoping a drive out the Wales is on the cards for this weekend!