Item: Used Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback 2000 - 2006
Rating: 3
Author: What Car? Team

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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

It's smart, cheap and has good engines, but is below par in too many areas

Used Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback 2000 - 2006

In common with many new cars that sell in such high numbers, the Corsa's heavy depreciation means weak residual values and bargain prices as a used car.

Generally low running costs are also in its favour. Our favourite 1.0- and 1.2-litre engines can return around 50mpg, for instance, while the diesels are capable of more than 60mpg. In fact, you should get 40mpg from pretty much any Corsa, except the hot 1.8-litre versions.

Insurance, too, will place relatively light demands on your wallet. Several models are in the lowest insurance group possible, and only a minority sit higher than group 4.

Routine servicing should be no great problem, either, and Warranty Direct tell us the costs at Vauxhall dealers are pretty much on a par with those at arch-rival Ford's. However, when an unscheduled stop is required, Vauxhalls take more time and money to put right on average

It's smart, cheap and has good engines, but is below par in too many areas

The Corsa has a fine range of engines, but the smallest, the three-cylinder 1.0-litre and four-cylinder 1.2-litre petrols, stand out. Neither makes the Corsa particularly quick, but they more than make up for any lack of pace with their willingness to rev and fine fuel economy.

The 1.7-litre diesel which was originally fitted is disappointing, particularly for refinement. However, the 1.3-litre CDTi engine which joined the range in 2004 is much better. It's still quite rare and expensive, though

Trim-wise, avoid the most basic Club and Expression models, as they are sparsely equipped. Step up to Comfort or (on models after the 2003 face-lift) Life, and you'll be better off.

That said, none of the trim levels is particularly well equipped, with air-con an option on most and some even doing without a passenger airbag. However, the high numbers sold as new cars mean you can shop around to find the package you want.

<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 by single people or couples with no children – but the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Seat Ibiza and Volkswagen&nbsp;Polo 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

Corsas have proved themselves very tough, sturdy little cars, and there are no particular areas of weakness, although we have heard of a few failures with the power steering rack.

However, it's vitally important to check that any prospective purchase (where necessary) has had its cambelt changed every 40,000 miles. Failure to do so could result in major damage, and an equally major bill.

According to What Car?'s reliability surveys, Vauxhalls as a whole are all-but tied with Fords in terms of their reliability, just below average. The only slight disappointment is that, when problems occur, Vauxhalls take more time and money to fix. However, the omens for the Corsa are good, as the previous generation was one of the 20 most reliable cars on Warranty Direct's fleet.

The biggest thing in the favour of the Corsa is its smart styling. That at least makes it quite distinctive because, in almost every other respect, it's thoroughly unremarkable - disappointing, even.

First, this is a supermini with the emphasis on mini. Whereas its contemporary rivals grew ever larger, the Corsa remains one of the smaller cars in its class. The driving position is cramped for taller drivers and even fitting in adults is a squeeze.

The boot, however, is a decent size, but it's disappointing that the split-fold rear seats don't fold completely flat.

There's little problem getting around town, as the Corsa's light power steering makes for easy manoeuvrability and the good rear visibility is great for parking. However, once you hit the open road, things aren't so good. The steering feels numb, too much road and engine noise enters the cabin and there's lots of body roll in corners.

Used Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback 2000 - 2006 review

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