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IT was a simple experiment.

As a follically-challenged, 37-year-old fatherof- two could I get away with being seen behind the wheel of a car more readily associated with someone a least a decade or so younger?

My four-year-old son has all my baseball caps, I've never been into dance music and, the last time I looked, donuts were the round sweet things policemen are supposed to like, so the omens weren't good when I took charge of the Corsa SRi.

I had to keep telling myself that it was all in the name of science.

It's been two years since this particular model last graced - or as those living near supermarket car parks might say, disgraced - our streets.

Sadly, it has not been two years since you have been able to hear the thud, thud, thud of unintelligible noise coming down the street as other manufacturers have maintained faith with their own hot hatches.

Realising there's still a market for something that goes like stink, but doesn't cost the earth, Vauxhall has resurrected the car they describe in their PR spiel somewhat loftily as a legend'.

Aimed at those who want driving thrills, but prefer to remain nearer the centre of their seat, as opposed to sitting on the edge of it, as you would in the VXR variant, the SRi utilises the latter's 1.6-litre turbo unit, just with the heat turned down somewhat.

Instead of the 189bhp of the VXR, it pumps out 148. But despite the drop in firepower, it's still enough to take it from 0- 60mph in just 7.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 130mph.

The Corsa has the looks to warrant the powerplant it lugs around. Bulging arches, deep sills, spoilers front and rear, chromed exhaust - it's enough to make any self-respecting boyracer go weak at the knees. Me?

It just left me feeling like people were saying: "Get over yourself".

Those with limitless testosterone will be further enthused once behind the wheel. I just found another answer to my initial question.

For like a badly trained pup, the SRi always seems to be itching to make a dash for it.

As a result, no matter how hard I tried not to, I couldn't help but foul up the gear changes, leading to a lot of head-bobbing and none-too-kind comments from my passengers.

Clearly, my reactions are not what they once were and I should look for something a little more sedate. Perhaps an automatic is in order?

My lack of suitability for this car was also evident when I noticed the speed at which the petrol gauge moved from full towards empty the harder I worked it. Those with plenty of time on their side appear to barely bat an eyelid at the number of times they have to fill up. Me? I try to avoid it all costs.

To drive home the sporty image of the car, Vauxhall has given the SRi a two-tone leathercovered steering wheel, complemented by red seatbelts and trim to the seating - as if they needed to.

While safe in the knowledge that it is unlikely to be found carrying anything more than a few sub-woofers in the boot, little thought has been given to luggage space.Preparing for a day out, I had to practically shoehorn the pushchair in.

You might think I don't like this car. Far from it, I do, I'm just reconciled to the fact I can no longer get away with driving it.

If you are young, footloose and fancy free, this could very definitely be the car for you.

Me? I'm afraid it's Lexus here I come.

SPECIFICATION

Price as tested: £14,125
Ennginnee: 1.6i 16v turbo
Max power: 148bhp
Max torque: 155 lb/ft
Max speed: 130mph
0-60mph: 7.6 secs
Avg fuel consumption: 35.8mpg
Equipment: 17ins alloys; body-colour sports front lower spoiler; side sills; rear lower skirt; rear spoiler; uprated sports suspension; switchable ESP-plus with enhanced understeering control; remote alarm; two-tone leather-covered sports steering wheel; red seatbelts; CD player; air conditioning; electric windows.

2:38pm Tuesday 6th May 2008

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