The SRi uses a detuned version of the turbocharged 1.6-litre engine found in the hotter Corsa VXR, but it still produces a healthy 148bhp. 0-62mph takes just 7.6 seconds, making it notably quicker than rivals such as the Peugeot 207 1.6T GT and Ford Fiesta ST. A 1.7-litre diesel-engined version is also available, but with just 123bhp on offer, performance is brisk rather than blistering. It takes more than nine seconds to hit 60mph.

The Corsa’s basic chassis is shared with the Fiat Grande Punto, but it has been tweaked by Vauxhall. The SRi's ride is on the firm side, but it's not too harsh, and the pay-off is excellent handling. The steering provides lots of feedback and the beefy 17-inch wheels give plenty of grip.

By and large, the standard Corsa is extremely refined. In the SRi versions, however, the low-profile tyres increase the amount of road noise, and plenty of engine noise finds its way into the cabin. The engine note isn't unpleasant, though, and isn't likely to worry potential buyers. Likewise, the gearchange is quick and positive.

The SRi undercuts rivals such as the Peugeot 207 1.6T GT by several hundred pounds. Its resale values won't be up there with the Mini Cooper's, which is perhaps no great surprise, but the SRi’s retained values also don’t better the standard Corsa's. On top of that, you can expect to spend a fair bit on fuel in the petrol model, which averages 35.8mpg. The diesel model, on the other hand, returns the best part of 60mpg.

First impressions count for a lot, so Vauxhall has made big efforts to ensure the Corsa's fixtures and fittings look and feel right. The SRi isn't particularly plush inside, but it does feel well bolted together. There shouldn't be an awful lot to go wrong with the mechanicals.

The Corsa has lots of safety equipment, including items that help you avoid an accident, warn following drivers if one is about to happen, and protect you if one does occur. The SRi comes with six airbags, stability control, and has a five-star NCAP adult occupancy crash rating.

The Corsa feels like a bigger car, with quality fittings, a simple control layout and a fine driving position. The seats are supportive, but thick roof pillars restrict all-round visibility, and the red steering wheel trim and seatbelts won't appeal to everyone.

The three- and five-door models are the same length, but this three-door version only seats four because its sides taper in towards the rear. If you have a family, you may be better off with the five-door model, which has has good head- and legroom. Its boot is big, too, and you get split-folding rear seats and a boot floor that can be lowered.

The SRi undercuts its rivals on price, but the downside of that is that you have to pay extra - £500 to be exact - for air-conditioning on this petrol model, although oddly it’s standard on the diesel models. You do get stability control as standard, though, as well as a set of flashy 17-inch alloy wheels and iPod connectivity.