The Vauhall Corsa is a popular choice for young drivers and buyers looking for a lo cost, well equipped and easy to drive small car. It started life in 1993 and had major facelifts in 2000 and 2003. It's age was obvious by the time it was replaced in 2006, as newer rivals had roomier interiors, better handling and superior crash protection systems. It's an improvement over its predecessors, but there are a lot of similarly priced and more modern alternatives offered by other manufacturers.
Like all Vauxhalls the controls are within easy reach of the driver, further contributing to its ease of use, and visibility is generally very good. The dash has a rather simple design, but looks reasonably modern and the controls are straightforward to use. Steering wheel and seat height adjustment is optional on most of the models.
Interior space is improved over previous generations, but it's still tight in the back for adults. There's a fair bit of wind and tyre roar at motorway speeds, but the ride's only really disturbed by the worst roads, managing for much of the time to feel like a larger car. Some find the front seats uncomfortably hard although those fitted to sportier models offer more support.
Expression is basic with stereo/cassette player, wheel trims and wind-up windows, Life adds electric front windows and a CD player, Active adds alloy wheels and air con. Design model adds electrically adjusted door mirrors and a passenger airbag, but loses the alloy wheels. The SXi model adds 15 inch alloys again along with sports seats, the SRi has 16 inch alloys, lowered suspension, aerodynamic wing mirrors and a rear spoiler.
1.0 litre three cylinder engine is only really happy in town. Four cylinder engines range from the adequate 1.2 litre 16v up to the 1.8 16v with a nippy 125bhp. Mid range petrol and diesel units strike the best balance between performance and economy. Easytronic system offered on smaller petrol and diesel engines swaps gears without a clutch pedal and has an automatic mode, while a fully automatic gearbox is available on the 1.4 petrol engine.
It's a very easy car to drive. Handling is precise, but it rolls considerably when cornered quickly. One of the changes to the 2003 model was to make power steering standard across the range, a godsend to drivers when driving in town and for parking, although it still feels lifeless at speed. Sporty SRi versions offer the best handling for those seeking more fun and those with the 1.8 engine have the added security of traction control.
That rounded body may offer a cute shape, but it also limits interior space. Vauxhall has done a good job of making the most of the boot space (more than a Peugeot 206,), but it comes at the expense of rear passenger space. Cabin storage space is adequate.
All versions have an immobiliser and top models get deadlocks and the option of an alarm. There's a stronger body than before (it scored a respectable 4 out of 5 in Euro NCAP crash tests), but passenger airbags are optional extras on lesser models. Some models have the option of side airbags too.
Comparatively long service intervals, cheap parts and reasonable reliability bode well for keeping running costs down. Economy is good from all models. Buyers who bought new originally will find that depreciation has been the biggest cost, although those who bought used shouldn't be as concerned.
Fleet popularity means depreciation is going to be steep, so make sure you get a good deal if buying a new one. And what with the ''VXR'' range, well, the Vauxhall Corsa has certanly woken up.
Like all Vauxhalls the controls are within easy reach of the driver, further contributing to its ease of use, and visibility is generally very good. The dash has a rather simple design, but looks reasonably modern and the controls are straightforward to use. Steering wheel and seat height adjustment is optional on most of the models.
Interior space is improved over previous generations, but it's still tight in the back for adults. There's a fair bit of wind and tyre roar at motorway speeds, but the ride's only really disturbed by the worst roads, managing for much of the time to feel like a larger car. Some find the front seats uncomfortably hard although those fitted to sportier models offer more support.
Expression is basic with stereo/cassette player, wheel trims and wind-up windows, Life adds electric front windows and a CD player, Active adds alloy wheels and air con. Design model adds electrically adjusted door mirrors and a passenger airbag, but loses the alloy wheels. The SXi model adds 15 inch alloys again along with sports seats, the SRi has 16 inch alloys, lowered suspension, aerodynamic wing mirrors and a rear spoiler.
1.0 litre three cylinder engine is only really happy in town. Four cylinder engines range from the adequate 1.2 litre 16v up to the 1.8 16v with a nippy 125bhp. Mid range petrol and diesel units strike the best balance between performance and economy. Easytronic system offered on smaller petrol and diesel engines swaps gears without a clutch pedal and has an automatic mode, while a fully automatic gearbox is available on the 1.4 petrol engine.
It's a very easy car to drive. Handling is precise, but it rolls considerably when cornered quickly. One of the changes to the 2003 model was to make power steering standard across the range, a godsend to drivers when driving in town and for parking, although it still feels lifeless at speed. Sporty SRi versions offer the best handling for those seeking more fun and those with the 1.8 engine have the added security of traction control.
That rounded body may offer a cute shape, but it also limits interior space. Vauxhall has done a good job of making the most of the boot space (more than a Peugeot 206,), but it comes at the expense of rear passenger space. Cabin storage space is adequate.
All versions have an immobiliser and top models get deadlocks and the option of an alarm. There's a stronger body than before (it scored a respectable 4 out of 5 in Euro NCAP crash tests), but passenger airbags are optional extras on lesser models. Some models have the option of side airbags too.
Comparatively long service intervals, cheap parts and reasonable reliability bode well for keeping running costs down. Economy is good from all models. Buyers who bought new originally will find that depreciation has been the biggest cost, although those who bought used shouldn't be as concerned.
Fleet popularity means depreciation is going to be steep, so make sure you get a good deal if buying a new one. And what with the ''VXR'' range, well, the Vauxhall Corsa has certanly woken up.
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And the next one will be called (Vauxhall Astra 1983 to continuing)
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