British International Motor Show - Vauxhall

World debut of new Corsa
Never mind star of the stand, the all-new Corsa is one of the stars of the whole show, making its debut here at ExCel.

The new Corsa is longer, taller and wider than the model it replaces - it looks more like a small hatch than a supermini now.

Six engines are on offer, three petrol engines carried over from the previous model and three diesels where there were previously just two.

Any nifty tricks?
Vauxhall says a stiffer body, new suspension and speed-dependent, electronic power-assisted steering makes this Corsa the liveliest yet to drive. When we get behind the wheel, we'll let you know if this is the case.

The parcel shelf clips onto the back of the rear seats if you want to load the car beyond the window line, and the boot also has a removable floor which makes it deeper on demand. Storage space throughout the cabin is significantly better than before, too.

Cyclists can order an optional cycle rack for two bikes, complete with auxiliary lights, that pops out of the panel housing the rear number plate.

Take a look at our video from the stand
• Vauxhall on Windows Media
• Vauxhall on RealOne Player

So how much?
Prices start at £7495 for the base 1.0-litre model, rising to £13,195 for the Design-trimmed 1.7 diesel.

There's no hot hatch yet, but you can expect a 190bhp VXR model in the not-too-distant future.

Speaking of VXRs...
The Corsa isn't the only car on the stand and if you like your VXRs, you can see the whole range of hot Vauxhalls at ExCel. You can also gaze ExCel's ceiling throught the Astra's panoramic windscreen, which is on the stand too.

Cheeky monkeys...
If you pop out to the Waterfront, you'll see the Corsa get even bigger. Vauxhall has mounted Europe's biggest poster - 4500m sq, no less - on a building on the other side of the Thames. That's slightly larger than a football pitch, to give you some idea. Conveniently, it's right outside the room where Ford is holding its dealer conference...