Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback Price: £7995 - £11,200
For: The Corsa is a sharp looker next to many rivals, and it feels peppy to drive. It gets better the faster it goes, and is capable on motorways. There's a long list of security kit and a big boot.
Against: The cabin is rather cramped for four passengers and the trim materials are dour to look at. Standard kit is miserly, despite a recent face-lift.
Nippy in and out of town Light to steer around town Noisy at speed, so best in town
Performance New 1.0-, 1.2- and 1.4-litre petrol engines have joined the range, using what Vauxhall calls Twinport technology to give excellent fuel economy combined with decent performance. Thanks to their low emissions, they slot into the lowest 15% company car tax band, as does the 1.3 diesel unit.
HandlingLight steering makes the Corsa a doddle to park, but it feels numb at speed. There's also lots of body roll in corners, while road surface bumps feel sharp around town. The ride gets better at higher speeds, but it's no match for a Skoda Fabia's.
RefinementVarious noises disturb occupants, and wind roar increases as speed builds. Even when cruising, engine noise is too apparent. A fair amount of road noise filters into the cabin, too. That said, the Corsa remains on a par with most of its rivals in this respect. The controls operate cleanly, although the gearchange is a little rubbery.
Body type:Hatchback
Number of doors 3
Number of seats 5
Engine (cc/type) 1389/4
Fuel type Unleaded
Max power (bhp/rpm) 89/6000
Max torque (lb ft/rpm) 92/4000
Max speed (mph) 111
0-60mph (sec)
30-70mph (sec) 11.1
In Gears 30 to 50 (sec) no data/no data/no data
In Gears 50 to 70 (sec) no data/no data/no data
Braking distance (m) 6.8/59
Engine position F
Driven wheels Front
Length (mm) 3817
Width (mm) 1646
Height (mm) 1440
Front headroom (mm) 982
Front legroom (mm) no data
Rear headroom (mm) 1015
Rear kneeroom (mm) 896
Boot space (min ltr) 260
Boot space (max ltr) 1060
Turning circle (m) 10.05
Turning circle lock to lock(m) not available
Towing weight (kg) 1000
Kerb weight (kg) 1130
Cheap to buy and run but poor residuals The Corsa should last, but with some rattles A good bet to stay where you park it
Buying Given the mean equipment levels, the Corsa appears pricey next to some rivals, although discounts are easy to come by. Residual values are modest, but running costs are low.
Quality Reliability should not be a particular worry for Corsa owners because Vauxhall mechanicals have a reputation for rugged durability. However, the quality of the interior is not up the same standard as the competition, and several examples we have driven have had rattles surprisingly early in their lives.
Safety and Security The more expensive models in the range come with twin front airbags, but they are an optional extra on lesser models, as are side airbags. Anti-lock brakes are standard on all except entry-level cars. Although deadlocks aren't fitted to all versions as standard, thieves will have a difficult time driving a Corsa away.
Urban 28.8
Extra Urban 49.6
Combined 39.2
Tank Capacity 10
CO2 Rating 168
Insurance Group 5
Typical Quote 298
Retained Value 44.682
Contract Hire Rate 238
Cost per mile 31.8
Service Cost 741
Servicing 20,000
Warranty 3yr/60 000 + 6yr Perforation + 3yr Breakdown
Well laid out, but tight for taller drivers Decent boot but cabin cramped for four adults Standard kit is miserly despite recent face-lift
Behind the Wheel
Good rearward visibility makes parking simple, but thick windscreen pillars obscure too much of the road ahead. The driving position is not best suited to taller drivers, while height adjustment for the steering wheel is only an option on most models. However, key controls are close to the driver. Large door bins and a centre cubby aid storage.
Space and Practicality While rivals have grown inside, the cramped Corsa is little bigger than its predecessor, and is off the pace in this class. It still feels tight when asked to accommodate four adults. The boot is a good size and the rear seats split to give more practicality and capacity. However, they cannot be folded completely flat, which hampers attempts to carry large loads.
Equipment Lesser models are poorly equipped with too many of the basic items left on the options list. At least power steering and a three-point centre rear seatbelt are found in every Corsa. However, even top-specification models seem scantily provided for next to their main rivals.
Central Locking standard
Remote Locking standard
Adjustable Steering Reach not available
Adjustable Steering Rake standard
Electric Steering Adjustable not available
Seat Height Adjustable standard
Power Seats Adjustable not available
Air Conditioning standard
Climate Control price unavailable
Seat Belt Tensioners standard
Driver Airbag standard
Passenger Airbag standard
Side Airbag 300
Side Impactbars standard
Centre 3 Pointbelt standard
Traction Control not available
Antilock Brakes standard
Auto Gearbox not available
Alloywheels standard
Deadlocks standard
Immobiliser standard
Alarm standard
Visible Vin standard
Secure Spare Wheel standard
Marked Parts standard
Etched Windows no data
Satellite Navigation 1100
Handsfree Phone 236
Leather Seats 995
Locking Wheelnuts standard
Metallic Paint 325
Split Fold Rear Seats standard
Electric Front Windows standard
Electric Mirrors standard
Heated Mirrors standard
Manual Sunroof not available
Electric Sunroof 350
Cruise Control 100
Multi CD 400
Radio no data
RDS Radio not available
Unique Fit Radio standard