Item: Vauxhall Corsa-e
Rating: 3
Author: Steve Huntingford

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Vauxhall Corsa-e

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Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

The Vauxhall Corsa-e is priced roughly in line with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/electric/hatchback/review/n20910">Mini Electric</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n20228">Peugeot e-208</a> and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/zoe/hatchback/review/n152">Renault Zoe</a>. That makes it one of the most affordable <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric cars</a> on sale, although the entry-level <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4</a> costs quite a bit less.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/depreciation-what-is-it-and-how-do-i-avoid-it/n1122">Depreciation</a> is likely to be broadly on a par with the e-208 and Zoe, while the Mini Electric is expected to hold&nbsp;on to its value considerably better. If you're planning to buy outright&nbsp;rather than signing up to a PCP finance deal, that's something worth considering.

There are two main trim levels: GS&nbsp;Line and Ultimate. We'd stick with the former, because it's&nbsp;considerably cheaper and still comes with plenty of kit, including 17in alloys, climate control and&nbsp;LED headlights. Upgrading to Ultimate&nbsp;gets you heated front seats and a larger (10in) touchscreen infotainment system.

We say two 'main' trim levels because, at the time of writing, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/vauxhall">Vauxhall</a> was also offering a limited-run Anniversary Edition trim. It's worth considering because it's cheaper than Ultimate and&nbsp;comes with heated seats,&nbsp;plus black alloys and tartan seats (paying homage to the original Vauxhall Nova/Opel Corsa from the early Eighties).&nbsp;

Charging&nbsp;up from 0-100% using a 7kW wallbox at home will take around seven hours. The Corsa-e is&nbsp;capable of charging at speeds of up to 100kW from a public CCS point, so a 10-80% top-up can theoretically take as little as 26 minutes in ideal conditions.&nbsp;

The Corsa-e was awarded&nbsp;four stars out of five&nbsp;for safety by the experts at <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a>&nbsp;so it's not up to the standards of most new models.&nbsp;It lost points for doing a poor job of protecting front and rear seat passengers against whiplash. Thankfully, you get automatic emergency braking <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">(AEB)</a>, lane-keeping assistance&nbsp;and a driver drowsiness monitoring system as standard.

We don't have reliability data on the Corsa-e yet, but we can tell you that Vauxhall finished joint 23rd place (with Mercedes) out of 32 car makers in our 2022&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2021-what-car-reliability-survey-brands/n23418">What Car? Reliability Survey</a>. The model is covered by a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, while its battery gets an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter&nbsp;<a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

The Corsa-e is easily the fastest model in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/corsa/hatchback/review/n33">Vauxhall Corsa</a> range and has surprisingly brisk acceleration. In our tests, the Corsa-e managed 0-60mph in&nbsp;8.0 seconds, so it's comfortably quicker than the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/zoe/hatchback/review/n152">Renault Zoe</a>&nbsp;although&nbsp;not as nippy as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/electric/hatchback/review/n20910">Mini Electric</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

We’d stop short of calling the Corsa-e ‘sporty’, though. That’s because, despite having firmer suspension than petrol-powered Corsas, it leans significantly through the corners – a side effect of lugging around a heavy (45kWh) battery.

While the Corsa-e’s steering has been tuned for the extra weight, it’s still rather vague. In fact, the Mini Electric and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n20228">Peugeot e-208</a> are both more fun through corners, thanks largely to their sharper and more accurate steering set-ups.

The ride of the Corsa-e edges towards the firm side, which makes it a little fidgety over abrasive surfaces. Unlike the more supple e-208, it struggles to take the sting out of sharper intrusions, such as potholes and expansion joints. That said, its ride never becomes outright uncomfortable, and overall it's more agreeable along bumpy roads&nbsp;than the Mini Electric.

The brakes feel curiously spongy compared to those of most petrol cars, and even many <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric cars</a>, which can make it hard to slow down smoothly. And while the electric motor remains hushed at all times, there's some wind and road roar at faster speeds&nbsp;– plus you can hear the suspension working over away along poorly surfaced roads.&nbsp;

Officially, the Corsa-e can travel up to 222 miles between charges. That's similar to the closely-related e-208 and the entry-level <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4</a> but not quite as far as the Zoe.&nbsp;In the real world, though, you'll be lucky to get more than 180 miles – and that's in warm weather. In the depths of winter, 140 miles is more realistic.

Fuel 

Gearbox

0-62 MPH

We’re yet to try the entry-level 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine but expect it’ll be a little sluggish. In fact, the numbers support that theory, sporting an official 0-60mph sprint time of 12.4sec. If you can, we’d suggest that you upgrade to the 1.2 Turbo petrol.


http://example.com

OUR PICK

This mid-range engine is our pick of the bunch. With a little extra power (99bhp), it’s more willing to pull from low in the rev range and accelerates from 0-60mph in 9.3sec. For that reason, it’s far more flexible than the entry-level engine and more at home during motorway jaunts. Bear in mind that opting for the automatic gearbox adds almost a second to that sprint time. 



1.2 Turbo

12-turbo

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 [130]

This pure electric model has an impressive turn of pace – 0-62mph takes a spritely 8.1 seconds and it can officially manage 209 miles on a full charge. That's quite a bit further than the Seat Mii Electric’s 162 mile range, but still some way off the Renault Zoe’s official range of 245 miles.


100kW

100kw

The Vauxhall Corsa-e is the fully electric version of one of the most popular cars in Britain. Indeed, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/corsa/hatchback/review/n33">Vauxhall Corsa</a> is frequently at the very top of the sales charts.&nbsp;

Compared with petrol-powered versions of the Corsa, the Corsa-e has a slightly longer wheelbase (the distance between the&nbsp;front and rear wheels), with its rear axle pushed further back to help accommodate a big battery packaged&nbsp;under the&nbsp;seats. The suspension and steering have been tuned differently too, to cope with the substantial amount of extra weight.

The Vauxhall Corsa-e is actually very similar underneath to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n20228">Peugeot e-208</a> (both manufacturers are part of the Stellantis group), but it has plenty of other rivals, too. They&nbsp;include&nbsp;the similar-sized&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/electric/hatchback/review/n20910">Mini Electric</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/zoe/hatchback/review/n152">Renault Zoe</a>&nbsp;plus some&nbsp;larger&nbsp;but similarly priced&nbsp;alternatives, such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/leaf/hatchback/review/n17338">Nissan Leaf</a>.

With many <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric cars</a>&nbsp;you're faced with a choice of various battery sizes, numerous power outputs and two or four-wheel drive. Things are refreshingly simple with the Corsa-e, though, because there's only one battery and electric motor combination.

The only thing you need to decide is which of the two trim levels strikes the best balance between price and creature comforts for you.&nbsp;There's currently a&nbsp;limited-run Anniversary Edition too, to celebrate&nbsp;40 years since the Corsa's predecessor, the Nova, was introduced.

We've driven the Vauxhall Corsa-e, and over the next few pages of this review, we'll tell you how it squares up for performance, practicality, running costs&nbsp;and range between charges, as well as how long it takes to charge back up again. We'll also tell you what you get with each trim level and which one is our recommended choice.

Once you've decided which model to buy, head over to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">What Car? New Car Deals</a> pages to find out how much you could save on the brochure price. You'll usually find plenty of tempting <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/category/small-electric">new small electric car deals</a>.

Inside, the Vauxhall Corsa-e looks very different to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n20228">Peugeot e-208</a>&nbsp;despite the two cars being closely related. The Corsa-e's layout is far more conventional and conservative, although that does actually bring some benefits.

For example, you're unlikely to have any issues viewing the instrument dials behind the steering wheel. In the e-208, the instruments are mounted above the wheel, which doesn't suit everyone. Plus, the Corsa-e has proper&nbsp;dials and buttons to control its air-conditioning, while in&nbsp;the e-208 you have to faff around with the touchscreen to adjust the interior temperature.

In terms of seeing out of the car, the Corsa-e's thick windscreen pillars obscure some of your view through corners. The tapering roofline reduces your field of vision&nbsp;when looking back over your shoulder&nbsp;too. Nervous parkers shouldn’t be put off, though, because it comes with rear parking sensors as standard. The Anniversary Edition also gets a rear-view camera.

Interior quality is decent enough – roughly on a par with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/zoe/hatchback/review/n152">Renault Zoe</a>. If you want a small <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric car</a> with a genuinely plush interior, have a look at&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/hatchback/hatchback/review/n20910">Mini Electric</a>.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the&nbsp;infotainment system in the Corsa-e is merely adequate. Entry-level GS Line trim comes with a 7in touchscreen, while&nbsp;Ultimate and&nbsp;Anniversary Edition models get a larger 10in screen. Either way, you can sync up your phone using&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a> smartphone mirroring.

It's just a pity the screen resolution isn't sharper, plus the screen doesn't always react that quickly when you touch it. The Mini Electric and the Zoe have much better infotainment systems.

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

Relatively well priced, but there are better options for the money.&nbsp;

Vauxhall Corsa-e review

Although the Vauxhall Corsa-e is a relatively small car, even tall drivers aren't likely to grumble about&nbsp;the amount of space in the&nbsp;front. Head and leg room are decent, and the interior is wide enough that you won't risk an elbow fight between front-seat occupants.

In the back,&nbsp;it compares favourably with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/hatchback/hatchback/review/n20910">Mini Electric</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/zoe/hatchback/review/n152">Renault Zoe</a>, with more head room than either rival can offer. There’s enough space for children and anyone of modest stature, but two larger adults won't want to spend too long in the back because of the limited leg room. If you're looking for an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric car</a> in this price bracket that can more comfortably carry around four tall adults, check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/mg4/hatchback/review/n24916">MG4</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/leaf/hatchback/review/n17338">Nissan Leaf</a>.

Every Corsa-e has five doors, so access to the rear seats is no problem. And&nbsp;it doesn’t lose any boot space compared with the petrol-powered <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/corsa/hatchback/review/n33">Vauxhall Corsa</a> despite the&nbsp;sizeable battery. The only concessions are that it can’t carry a spare wheel. Overall, there's more luggage space than in the Mini Electric but less than in the Leaf and the Zoe.

If you want to keep costs to a minimum, this entry-level trim will be tempting. It ticks all the basic boxes with standard equipment including 16in alloy wheels, air conditioning, LED headlights, electric windows, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat and a 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring.

Design

design

Range-topping Ultimate trim comes with all the bells and whistles. Upgrading the standard kit to include matrix LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, a heated steering wheel, keyless entry and start, heated front seats with massage function for the driver, front parking sensors, a rear-view parking camera and a larger 10.0in touchscreen infotainment system with built-in sat nav. It’s pricey though, so we’d stick to one of the other two trims. 

Ultimate

ultimate

Anniversary Edition

anniversary-edition

The Corsa-e is a decent electric car and a worthy rival to the Renault Zoe and Mini Electric. If it were better to drive and had a longer range between charges it would be even more recommendable. 


<h2>What we're looking for </h2><ul><li>Generous enough real-world range to fit most lifestyles</li> <li>Plenty of charging options and quick top-up times </li> <li>Usable space and strong practicality</li> <li>Comfortable ride that isn’t hindered by a heavy battery</li></ul>

With so many electric cars now on offer, we've split the smaller models from the larger ones to ensure that we're able to compare direct rivals.

As well as being adept at coping with city life, small electric cars need to be roomy enough for a couple of adults and able to drive a decent amount of miles between charges.&nbsp;

There are some great small electric cars to choose from. The affordable Seat Mii Electric proves you don't have to have break the bank to go green, the Renault Zoe has been improved in every area, making it a great small EV prospect, and the Kia e-Niro was named our overall 2019 Car of the Year.

Small Electric

<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.

Small

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test </li> <li>Quick charging times and compatibility with the most ubiquitous types of public charging points </li> <li>Priced to be within the grasp of more than just the privileged few </li> <li>As with any car, ride comfort, practicality and ownership costs can’t be ignored</li></ul>

We define an electric car as one that runs purely on battery power and has no tailpipe to puff out nasty chemicals.

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/zoe/hatchback/review/n152">Renault Zoe</a> is one of the most affordable options and has a surprisingly long range of between 120 and 180 miles (depending on the weather and the road type). However, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/leaf/hatchback/review/n17338">Nissan Leaf</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id3/hatchback/review/n21832">Volkswagen ID.3</a> are more practical and more accomplished to drive, even if the latter doesn't have a particularly long range between charges.

At the other end of the scale, Tesla’s ground-up electric car&nbsp;philosophy – and the American brand’s network of super-fast chargers – makes the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/review/n150">Model S</a> a tempting choice. It has a classy interior, loads of tech and a long enough real-world range to make inter-city travel a real possibility.

Electric

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Inside, the Vauxhall Corsa-e looks very different to the Peugeot e-208 despite the two cars being closely related. The Corsa-e's layout is far more conventional and conservative, although that does actually bring some benefits.,For example, you're unlikely to have any issues viewing the instrument dials behind the steering wheel. In the e-208, the instruments are mounted above the wheel, which doesn't suit everyone. Plus, the Corsa-e has proper dials and buttons to control its air-conditioning, while in the e-208 you have to faff around with the touchscreen to adjust the interior temperature.,In terms of seeing out of the car, the Corsa-e's thick windscreen pillars obscure some of your view through corners. The tapering roofline reduces your field of vision when looking back over your shoulder too. Nervous parkers shouldn’t be put off, though, because it comes with rear parking sensors as standard. The Anniversary Edition also gets a rear-view camera.Interior quality is decent enough – roughly on a par with the Renault Zoe. If you want a small electric car with a genuinely plush interior, have a look at the Mini Electric. ,Meanwhile, the infotainment system in the Corsa-e is merely adequate. Entry-level GS Line trim comes with a 7in touchscreen, while Ultimate and Anniversary Edition models get a larger 10in screen. Either way, you can sync up your phone using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring.,It's just a pity the screen resolution isn't sharper, plus the screen doesn't always react that quickly when you touch it. The Mini Electric and the Zoe have much better infotainment systems.

Review of Vauxhall Corsa-e interior by the expert What Car? team. Compare in car entertainment system, driving comfort and visibility with similar cars.

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Vauxhall Corsa-e review

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