Geneva motor show - Vauxhall

The present
This is the all-new Vauxhall Corsa VXR, making its public debut here in Geneva.

On sale later this month, it will cost £15,595 - £400 less than Renault's 2.0 Clio Renaultsport 197.

It's claimed to be faster than its French rival, too, covering 0-60mph in 6.8sec and reaching a top speed of 140mph (the Clio can manage 7.5sec and 128mph). It's also less thirsty, with an average economy of 35.8mpg, compared with the Clio's 31.7mpg.

Power comes from the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine from the Meriva VXR, uprated from 178bhp to 190bhp. Like the Meriva, the Corsa has an overboost feature that temporarily increases pulling power to a maximum of 192lb ft to shorten overtaking distances.

It's only available as a three-door and it comes with unique triangular mirrors, front foglamp surrounds and a centre exhaust outlet.

There are deep front and rear bumpers and side skirts, too, and an angular spoiler is set into the roof. A mesh grille, blue brake calipers and 18-inch alloy wheels also make sure you won't mistake it for any other Corsa.

Recaro sports seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, drilled alloy pedals and piano-black dash trim decorate the interior.

The future
Vauxhall's GTC Concept previews not only next year's Vectra, but also the future of Vauxhall design.

Although the GTC is a coupe, the front and rear lights complete with the signature tick lit by LEDs, the blade lines inscribed into the side of the car and the upswept rear deck will be features of upcoming Vauxhalls. The air intakes that break into the front lights are also likely to feature, but may be reserved for sporty VXR models.

The GTC also features a new flex-4 seating system with powered rear seats that convert the car from a four seater to a two seat load carrier at the touch of a button.

Less concept-like is the interior, described as 'more near-term future' than the exterior. Quality takes a further step forward, while red graphics are the order of the day for future Vauxhalls.