Transferring Seats From A Corsa VXR
At GSM Performance, we regularly speak to drivers who want to upgrade their seating without committing to a brand new aftermarket seat. In many cases, the goal is to improve comfort and support while keeping an OEM look and feel. One of the most popular solutions we see is transferring performance seats from one car into another, and Vauxhall Corsa VXR seats are a perfect example of why this works so well.
The VXR seats have become a favourite choice for swaps into other vehicles such as the Ford Fiesta and Subaru Impreza. They offer a noticeable step up from standard factory seats, with better bolstering, improved driving position, and a more supportive feel during spirited driving. At the same time, they remain comfortable enough for daily use, which is something many full aftermarket seats struggle to achieve.
Another reason these seats are so widely transferred is their versatility. They suit a wide range of interiors and driving styles, making them appealing to drivers who want a practical upgrade rather than a track focused setup. When paired with the correct fitting frames, transferring VXR seats into another car can be a straightforward and effective way to improve the driving experience without compromising usability or comfort.
Why Corsa VXR Seats are Such a Popular Swap
Corsa VXR seats have built a strong reputation because they strike a rare balance between comfort, support, and everyday usability. Unlike many standard factory seats, they are designed with enthusiastic driving in mind, offering noticeably better lateral support through the bolsters while still remaining comfortable enough for daily road use.
For many drivers, this balance is exactly what makes them so appealing. On fast road drives or longer journeys, the seats feel supportive without being restrictive. You are held in place properly under braking and cornering, but you are not locked into a tight or aggressive seating position that becomes tiring over time. This makes them well suited to cars that are driven regularly, not just at weekends or on track.
Another reason they are such a popular choice is their design. The VXR seats look purposeful and sporty, but they still feel OEM in appearance. They integrate well into a wide range of interiors without looking out of place or overly modified. For owners who want an upgrade that feels factory quality rather than aftermarket, this is a big part of the appeal.
There is also a practical element to their popularity. Compared to many aftermarket seats, VXR seats are often easier to live with day to day. They retain features people value in a road car, such as comfortable cushioning, sensible bolstering, and an overall shape that works for a wide range of driver sizes. This makes them a common choice for drivers upgrading cars like the Fiesta or Impreza, where comfort and usability are just as important as performance.
Finally, their close relationship to well known aftermarket designs plays a big role in why they are transferred so often. Because they are based on proven sports seat layouts, they are easier to fit securely into other vehicles when paired with the right frames. That combination of comfort, design, and fitment flexibility is what keeps Corsa VXR seats at the top of the list for popular seat swaps.
How We Help Fit VXR Seats Into Other Vehicles
What makes the Corsa VXR seats particularly suitable for transfers is their construction. These seats are heavily based on the Recaro CS reclining sports seat, which is a well-known and widely used aftermarket design. Because of this, the mounting pattern used on the VXR seats is also an aftermarket standard rather than a unique OEM layout.
The Corsa VXR seats use the same 405mm wide bolt pattern found on Recaro aftermarket sports seats. This is a key advantage, as it allows the seats to bolt directly onto aftermarket seat subframes designed for Recaro seats.
At GSM Performance, we supply a wide range of vehicle-specific Recaro subframes that use this 405mm wide bolt pattern. In many cases, this means the VXR seats can be fitted into another vehicle using a direct bolt-in solution, without the need for fabrication or modification.
Using Recaro or Planted Technology frames for direct fitment
If we have a Recaro sub frame available for your vehicle, this is usually the cleanest and simplest way to install Corsa VXR seats. The seat bolts straight onto the frame, and the frame bolts directly into the car using factory mounting points. This approach keeps installation tidy, secure, and reversible.
For vehicles where a Recaro frame is not available, we also offer Planted Technology fitting frames that use the same 405mm wide bolt pattern. This expands the range of vehicles that can accept VXR seats using off-the-shelf components, and often avoids the need for custom work.
If there are no aftermarket frames available for your car that use the 405mm wide bolt pattern, the final option is to fabricate a custom frame or adapt your vehicle’s existing seat base. This is less common, but it can still be a viable route depending on the car and the installer. We are always happy to advise on the best approach before you commit.
Seat dimensions and driver fitment
When transferring OEM seats into another vehicle, dimensions are just as important as the mounting hardware. While we do not have exact manufacturer specifications for the Vauxhall Corsa VXR seats, they are heavily based on the Recaro Sportster CS reclining sports seat. Because of this, using the Sportster CS dimensions is the most accurate way to assess whether the VXR seats will physically fit your car and suit your driving position.
The VXR seats are reclining seats, which adds a lot of flexibility when it comes to fitment. The ability to adjust the backrest angle makes it easier to fine-tune your driving position and helps the seat work in a wider range of cabins, especially where roof height or seating angle can be limiting factors.
In terms of driver fitment, the VXR seats have a relatively open and accommodating design. The bolstering provides good support without being restrictive, making it suitable for a wide range of body types. Based on feedback and the Sportster CS sizing, we typically recommend these seats for drivers with a 30 to 40-inch waist.
Using the Recaro Sportster CS as a reference, the key dimensions to consider are:
- Overall backrest height: approximately 918mm
- Shoulder width: approximately 517mm
- Seat width: approximately 511mm
- Seat cushion depth: approximately 483mm
As with any seat swap, we always recommend measuring your interior space and comparing it to these dimensions before committing. This is particularly important in smaller cabins or cars with wide centre consoles or door cards. Using the Sportster CS measurements as a guide will help ensure the VXR seats are a good fit for both you and your vehicle.
Planted Technology frames our recommended solution for VXR seat swaps
While Recaro frames are an excellent option, they are not always the most practical choice. Cost and longer lead times can make them less suitable for some builds, especially if you want to get your seats fitted quickly or keep the overall budget under control.
For this reason, we often recommend Planted Technology seat brackets as our number one solution when transferring Corsa VXR seats into other vehicles. Planted frames are well-made, vehicle-specific, and designed to work with the same 405mm wide bolt pattern used by Recaro aftermarket seats and Corsa VXR seats. This makes them a direct and reliable option for many cars.
Planted brackets are typically easier to source and offer much shorter lead times, which helps keep projects moving without long delays. They also provide a solid mounting platform that maintains correct seating position and alignment, making them a practical alternative to higher-cost OEM-based solutions.
For many customers, Planted Technology frames strike the right balance between fitment, availability, and value. If a Recaro frame is not available or does not make sense for your build, Planted brackets are usually the first option we suggest.
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From £222.60 Incl. VATFrom £185.50 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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From £222.60 Incl. VATFrom £185.50 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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From £222.60 Incl. VATFrom £185.50 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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From £222.60 Incl. VATFrom £185.50 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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From £222.60 Incl. VATFrom £185.50 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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From £222.60 Incl. VATFrom £185.50 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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From £222.60 Incl. VATFrom £185.50 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Popular Recaro Frames That Work With VXR Seats
We will be linking our most popular Recaro vehicle-specific subframes in this section. These frames are designed to work with the 405mm wide bolt pattern used by Recaro sports seats and Corsa VXR seats, allowing for a straightforward, direct fitment into many vehicles.
If you are planning a VXR seat swap, this is often the best place to start, as matching the seat with the correct frame removes a lot of guesswork from the process.
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Explore our full range of Recaro and Planted Technology fitting frames
For customers with different vehicles or less common applications, we will also be linking our full range of Recaro and Planted Technology fitting frames. This makes it easy to find a suitable subframe for your car and pair it with Corsa VXR seats for a clean, secure installation.
Choosing the right frame is just as important as choosing the seat itself. A properly matched seat and frame combination ensures correct seating position, solid mounting, and long-term comfort, which is exactly what most drivers are aiming for when upgrading their seats.
Final thoughts a smart OEM style seat upgrade
Transferring Corsa VXR seats into another car is a popular upgrade for good reason. You get excellent comfort and support, proven design, and an OEM quality feel that works well on the road.
Because these seats share their bolt pattern with Recaro aftermarket sports seats, fitting them into other vehicles is often far easier than people expect. With the right Recaro or Planted frame, it can be a straightforward bolt-in solution rather than a complex fabrication job.
If you are considering fitting VXR seats into your car and want to understand the best way to do it, our team is always happy to help you find the right fitting solution for your vehicle.






