A NEW warm hatch version of the Vauxhall Corsa is on the way and will it will bring back the GSi badge to the Corsa range for the first time in a quarter of a century.

The newcomer will sit in the Corsa line-up below the potent VXR model but it will take key chassis and design elements from the range-topping hot hatch to create what Vauxhall says will be "an agile and purposeful driver's car, but with all the space and efficiency of the regular model."

Details are scant at the moment - particularly as to what will be under the bonnet - but Vauxhall says that more will be revealed when order books open later in the year.

Teaser pictures reveal that the GSi uses the sporty three-door body, with a number of exterior design cues to set it apart from the standard car.

Large air intakes and a honeycomb grille dominate at the front while deep sill extensions and carbon-trimmed features adorn the flanks. At the rear there's a deep rear spoiler and a chrome tailpipe completes the look.

Riding on 18-inch alloy wheels, the Corsa GSi takes its suspension and brakes from the current 210PS Corsa VXR with firmer springs, competition-tuned dampers and red-painted brake calipers.

Inside, Vauxhall says that the GSi will be kitted out with low-slung leather Recaro seats, leather sports steering wheel and aluminium pedals continue.

It's 25 years since Vauxhall launched the first Corsa GSi - and it was only in production for a short time.

The original was powered by a 16-valve, double-overhead cam 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 105bhp at 6,000rpm and would cover-off the 0 to 60mph dash in a relatively tame - by today's standards - 9.2 seconds going on to a 121mph top speed.

Back in 1993 it was described as a "pocket rocket" but you can expect the new model to be somewhat quicker off the mark.