Comedy 80s-style turbo lag followed by very brief but significant shove. Random six-speed gear box with very overdriven 6th. Weird damped off-throttle behaviour makes normal lift-off oversteer impossible (take foot off pedal, car carries on at the same speed for a while before gradually slowing down). Over 200 miles cost 20 quid in diesel, even though driven in the time-honoured hire car fashion. Grips well, steering nice and direct, supportive seats. No sensation of speed means you find yourself doing 85+ on B-roads. Well screwed together, except the very dodgy glove box cover.
Overall, very surprised it's a Corsa, a massive leap forwards. Then again it could be utter s**te and still be a massive leap forwards from Corsas of old.