After a quarter-century in the British market, Vauxhall’s evergreen Corsa returns in GSi guise, reinforcing the ‘performance through dynamics’ theme adopted by the recently-launched Insignia GSi.

Available to order now, the Corsa GSi takes the key chassis and design elements from the Corsa VXR model to create an agile and purposeful driver’s car, but with all the space and efficiency of the regular model.

The new Corsa GSi is powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine that produces 150PS at 5,000rpm and 220Nm of torque. Acceleration from 0-60mph takes just 8.4 seconds, with strong performance right through to its top speed of 129mph.

While the standard outputs of Vauxhall’s 1.4 Turbo engine remain unchanged, for the GSi, boost pressure, fuel injection and timing have been subtly re-calibrated to allow the unit to breathe more freely, especially at higher revs. This allows more power to be maintained in the upper reaches of its performance.

In addition to delivering high performance, the Corsa GSi is also part of Vauxhall’s latest Euro 6d-TEMP rollout with fuel economy rated at 47.1mpg combined and CO₂ emissions from 138g/km.

The Corsa GSi’s chassis offers all the grip and poise that you’d expect from a set-up that previously underpinned the 210PS Corsa VXR. Based on the less extreme, standard VXR chassis, the Corsa GSi’s 150PS of power is delivered to the front wheels via an open differential, but provides high levels of mechanical grip, combined with exceptional control at higher speeds.

Completing the Corsa GSi’s dynamic package are optional 18-inch light-weight alloy wheels, with 215/40 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.

The Corsa GSi boasts a sporty three-door body with a raft of exterior design cues to set it apart from the regular car. Large air intakes and a honeycomb grille dominate the front of the car, while deep sill extensions and carbon-look features adorn its flanks. At the rear, a deep rear spoiler not only defines the GSi aesthetically, but also provides downforce to hunker down the rear suspension at higher speeds. A chrome tailpipe and red-painted brake callipers complete the look.

Inside, sport seats allow drivers to sit low in the car and close to the action. A leather sports steering wheel and aluminium pedals continue the GSi theme. And as with most other Corsas, the GSi comes with Vauxhall’s IntelliLink infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Vauxhall’s new Corsa GSi is available to order now priced from £18,995 on-the-road.

Standard GSi specification includes 17-inch bi-colour diamond-cut alloy wheels, GSi rear roof spoiler, sports front grille, GSi air dam/bumper and side sills. The GSi also gets dark tinted rear windows, carbon effect exterior mirrors and grille bar, plus LED daytime running lights. Inside, there are sports-style front seats, a leather-covered flat-bottom steering wheel and IntelliLink infotainment offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Priced at £1,900, a GSi Plus Pack, comprising 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, Recaro leather seats and bi-xenon headlights with cornering light, is also available.