2011 Vauxhall Corsa VXR Blue Edition for the UK

Although this particular special edition variant won’t make its way Down Under, we’re beginning to get excited about the prospect of exactly what vehicles we will see when Vauxhall’s sister brand Opel launches in Australia in 2012.

Last week, Opel CEO Nick Reilly announced the German manufacturer would become a stand-alone brand in Australia, reintroducing a number of premium General Motors products to the local market.

The mid/large Insignia, small Astra and light Corsa (previously known as Barina) will all be among the initial offerings when Opel opens its showrooms – likely to be later next year.

The Vauxhall VXR range is equivalent to Opel’s OPC (Opel Performance Centre), and introducing the halo cars to Australia could be just what the fledging brand needs to attract attention early on.

Currently, OPC tunes its own versions of the Corsa, Insignia and Insignia Sports Tourer for European markets.

This particular Vauxhall Corsa VXR Blue Edition takes on the styling of the recently updated Corsa range.

Included in the package is the striking Arden Blue metallic paint, 18-inch alloy wheels, dark tinted glass, bespoke interior air vents and Recaro seats. Blue highlights can be found throughout the interior, including the stitching on the leather steering wheel and seats.

Like the standard Corsa VXR, the Blue Edition comes with lowered sports suspension, uprated brakes and switchable ESP.

Powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the hot Corsa produces 141kW of power and more than 260Nm of torque, combining for a 0-100km/h time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 225km/h.

With a starting price of £19,425 ($31,050), the Vauxhall Corsa VXR Blue Edition should give the Volkswagen Polo GTI and the MINI John Cooper Works a run for their money when it hits UK showrooms in February.