Version review

Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Turbo GS Line 5dr Auto Review

Fill out our 2022 Reliability Survey - and win a prize!

Vauxhall Astra 

Skoda Karoq

VW T-Roc

Peugeot 308

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Vauxhall Corsa

Audi A3

Volvo C40

/news/complete-the-2022-what-car-reliability-survey-for-the-chance-to-win-a-prize/n15554

New car deals >>

site ribbon config

If you’ve read about the other two engines and feel you need some extra power, this range-topping engine is the one for you. Ok, it’s not going to break any records with its output of 128bhp, but it’s the quickest fossil fuel-powered Corsa you’re going to get, sprinting from 0-60mph in just over 8.0sec. 


1.2 Turbo

Hatchback

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

CORSA

If you can stretch your budget slightly, we’d recommend going for the mid-range GS Line trim. If you do, you’ll be getting lots of standard equipment, including 17in alloy wheels, electronic climate controls, rear-parking sensors, LED front fog lights, automatic high-beam, a sport mode switch, a 7.0in digital instrument cluster, electronically adjustable/heated wing mirrors and some sportier styling elements. 

GS Line

1.2 Turbo GS Line 5dr Auto

12-turbo-gs-line-5dr-auto

Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors

Six airbags - Driver's dual stage airbag/front passenger's dual stage airbag/front seat side impact airbags/full size curtain airbags

Glazed tailgate and heated rear window with wash/wipe facility

Electrically operated front and rear windows with safety auto reverse and one touch up/down facility

The Vauxhall Corsa is a competent small car, but isn’t outstanding in any area. It's not as comfortable or as pleasant inside as the closely related Peugeot 208, not as fun to drive as a Ford Fiesta, nor as spacious as a Volkswagen Polo. It is at least well equipped and not too expensive in our recommended trim.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought almost exclusively as first cars or by people with no children – but the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.

The Fiesta remains a star of the class, thanks to its strong Ecoboost petrol engines and suspension settings that are beautifully judged for British roads. However, the latest Volkswagen offers even more practicality, decent performance and a classy interior that has the edge on the Ford’s for quality.

Any of these models will be a competent commuter car – especially if fitted with one of the increasingly popular small turbocharged petrol engines – but just remember that while you’ll be able to carry two adults and two children, it might still be a struggle to get all of their luggage into the boot.

New car deals >>

Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Turbo GS Line 5dr Auto Review

Get the best price with What Car?

The model

The trim

The engine

Buying with What Car?

Key information

Available colours

50.4

309

litres

123

g/km

Also consider

Kia Picanto

Dacia Sandero

Hyundai i10

MG 3

Quick search

Tools & services

Legal bits

Information