The Vauxhall Corsa VXR (or the Opel Corsa OPC, depending on which side of the English Channel one stands) has been around for many years, too many some would say. This is why EVO thought it would be interesting to measure it against what is arguably the segment’s benchmark at the moment – the Renault Clio RS.

Besides the age difference, there is another significant detail separating the two hot-hatches and that is the transmission. While the Corsa features a six-speed manual, the Clio comes exclusively with an EDC dual-clutch automatic transmission.

You may notice that the Corsa used in this comparison is a VXR Clubsport, a special edition, which along with the styling upgrades, adds a Drexler mechanical multi-plate limited-slip differential, lowered Bilstein springs and inverted dampers and stainless steel Remus dual exhaust with reduced back pressure.

But are these enhancements enough to beat the Clio RS on the track? Head past the jump to find out.

By Dan Mihalascu

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