Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback full 9 point review
-
Performance
There are three petrol engines and four diesels, but the 1.0 and 1.2 petrols are best avoided if you do a lot of motorway miles because the Corsa is no lightweight. The 1.3 diesels, especially the two most powerful versions, suit the car well but are quite expensive, so the 1.4 petrol is our pick.
-
Ride & Handling
The chassis is shared with the Fiat Grande Punto, but it has been retuned by Vauxhall. There are two settings: a standard arrangement that makes the car good to drive but gives a nice ride into the bargain, and a firmer set-up for the SXi (optional with SE trim) that's a bit too extreme for UK roads. Either way the steering is sharp, but you do have to make a lot of adjustments on the motorway.
-
Refinement
By and large, the Corsa’s an extremely refined car. The 1.7 diesel rumbles more than we'd like, but most of the others are pretty quiet, even when working hard, and there's little road noise in the cabin. The five-door body stirs up more wind noise than the three-door along the flanks, but neither is bad.
-
Buying & Owning
Aggressive pricing and low insurance rates help make the Corsa an attractive buy. Fuel economy of petrol models is good, but at the expense of driveability. Resale values are pretty poor, so make sure you get a good discount on the list price.
-
Quality & Reliability
First impressions count a lot, so Vauxhall has made big efforts to ensure the Corsa's fixtures and fittings look and feel right. There's a nice choice of colour and trim options if you want to get away from dreary old black or grey, too. All the engines are proven, while the mechanical layout is relatively simple.
-
Safety & Security
The Corsa has loads of stuff to help you avoid an accident, warn following drivers if one's about to happen, and protect you when the crunch comes. There's a minimum of two airbags - and six on most models. Anti-skid control is an option on all versions, but is affordably priced.
-
Behind The Wheel
The Corsa has a big-car feel, with clear controls and a fine driving position. There's one proviso here, though: you'll need Exclusiv, SXi or SE trim to get driver's seat-height adjustment and two-way steering column movement. Thick windscreen pillars restrict forward visibility.
-
Space & Practicality
Three- and five-door cars are the same size, but the three-door's only a four-seater because its sides taper towards the back. The five-door's big enough for a family, though, with good head and legroom. The luggage area's small, but from Exclusiv trim upwards you get split-folding rear seats and a boot floor that can be lowered.
-
Equipment
Standard kit is reasonable, but no more than that, with a CD player, remote central locking and electrically adjustable door mirrors fitted across the range. Mid-range Exclusiv trim represents the best balance between price and equipment, offering more driver’s seat and steering wheel adjustment, an easier-to-expand boot and luxuries like an MP3-compatible stereo.
Corsa used car reviews
Ads by Google
-
advertisement
Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback 1.4 Exclusiv (AC) 5dr
Our favourite Corsa. Exclusiv (AC) trim is the best compromise on price and equipment and, unless you do the mileage to warrant a diesel, this 1.4 petrol is the engine to go for.
Read review -
What Car?
is brought to you by
Haymarket Consumer MediaWhat Car? is part of Haymarket Motoring
© Haymarket Media Group 2010
