SRi and mighty

4:44pm Friday 4th July 2008

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If you believe in the old adage that the fun you get from something is often inversely proportional to its size, you'll love Vauxhall's Corsa SRi.

With the sporty corner of the market more competitive than ever, Vauxhall needed to answer demands for a new version of the SRi - the previous model being very popular among hot hatch fans - and the company has delivered.

With the latest version being roomier and quicker, yet still compact, the little hatchback is a surprisingly practical package - and a hoot to drive.

The petrol version tested was 1.6 litres, developing 150ps at a far-from-screaming 5,000rpm with a decent 210Nm of torque delivered between a turbocharged and wide-ranging 1,850rpm and 5,000rpm.

There's also a 125ps diesel available with considerably more torque and associated excellent fuel economy.

The car is designed to appeal to those who want a lively and sharp drive without the hardcore dynamics of the VXR and is certainly usable as an everyday small family car with a bit of added spirit.

There are many external tweaks to give the car a sporty appearance, such as front and rear spoilers, side trims, 17-inch alloys and a chrome exhaust.

The nifty interior features sports seats and a leather wheel, all with striking red trim, and red seatbelts. Alloy pedals add to an all-round feeling of solidity and sportiness about the cabin.

The SRi is a good-looking car with the test model particularly striking in white.

It's a good drive, with quick and direct steering, a firm ride giving level cornering, and is very responsive, though it's better higher up the rev band, which helps compensate for a moderate throttle response.Great fun on winding B-roads.

At lower engine speeds the car is more relaxed, and quite happy on the supermarket or school run.

It has to be said that it's not the quietest car I've driven recently.

The engine installation is loud and the low-profile tyres and firm suspension settings ensure plenty of road noise, though that won't be a negative for the younger owner. Paradoxically, I liked the engine tone at higher - and louder - engine speeds.

I thought the brakes were bit over-servoed for gentle driving but good for more spirited runs, and they're undoubtedly powerful enough.

The gearbox was a bit notchy but I've experienced far worse, and the useful sixth gear helps with motorway cruising.

Turbo lag - a favourite gripe of mine - is hardly an issue.

The SRi had one of the lowest delays I've experienced in a long time: a deserved well-done, Vauxhall.

The car returns a respectable 35.8mpg combined, with the diesel giving 58.9mpg.

With prices starting at £13,625 RRP for the 1.6 three-door, the Corsa SRi represents good value for a sensible and up-to-date, family-friendly hot hatch.

It will also hit 60mph in 7.6 seconds and tops out at 130mph.

It's also more than £2,000 cheaper than the lairy VXR, cheaper to insure and more economical.

Definitely worth a look.