SOMETIMES it's what you know well which can give you the biggest surprise, like the Vauxhall Corsa Red.

Coming from a very familiar range of city cars offering bog standard three or five door styles with a range of petrol or diesel engines and assortment of trim levels you are possibly spoiled for choice.

But then you spot the only, the very special, Red edition.

They bring obvious sporting features such as a red paint-scheme, 17-inch diamond cut alloys on sports suspension, leather detailing on sports seats, dark tinted rear windows, and very sophisticated infotainment system including the acclaimed OnStar assistance service with 24/7 on-call help for a variety of tasks.

These are in addition to comprehensive equipment, safety systems and driver comfort features found on other models in the Corsa line-up.

It is a very good offering at the price and it will not disappoint with performance either, judging by our stint with the car.

The 1.4-litre engine is tried and tested but coaxed to give a bit more than it has before and it delivers strong pulling power from standstill, through the gears and along major roads.

It is very flexible in nature as well and this helped us achieve nearly 40mpg overall without any effort, but a lot of smiles along the way.

The clutch had a longer than expected travel but it was progressive in take-up and the neat close gearchange quickly endeared itself with its precision.

The weight adjustable power steering could be set for city or country modes, the turning circle was good and the feedback informative so you always felt you knew where the wheels were pointing.

Match the powertrain and steering with the strong yet well balanced brakes underfoot and the Corsa Red inspired confidence in its ability to keep you safe.

The road holding never gave a moment's concern and its handling was sharp without being twitchy.

You could hear the suspension coping with the road beneath and while the ride was firm it was fairly comfortable despite the thin sports seats in the test car.

They had good adjustment range and matched with the moveable column the driver could enjoy a range of settings.

The major controls were complimented by good clear instruments ahead of the driver and a multi-function display for sound and integrated media.

Heating and ventilation was effective infront but struggled to keep those in the back comfortable. Oddments room was reasonable and the bootspace good for shopping.

Bootspace rises from a nominal 285 litres to maximum 1,050 litres but it's a bit difficult to access the rear seats in the three-door model.

Visibility was good throughout with deep windows, good wipers/ wash and bright headlights.

Apart from road rumbles the Corsa Red was a quiet car unless you really went for it in the lower gears, with wind and other mechanical noises very low.

As a three-door easy and satisfying drive the Vauxhall Corsa Red is very good and you might be tempted to take it on longer journeys as well as about town or weekend trips further afield.