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TOUR DE CORSA

Models Covered: Third Generation (2006-to date): 3 and 5 door hatchback, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6T, 1.3 CDTi, 1.7 CDTi diesel [Expression, Life, Club, SXi, Design, SRi, VXR]

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Although the Vauxhall Corsa had never attracted a great deal of critical acclaim, the British public have taken it to their hearts, won over by its pert styling and low running costs. The third generation car introduced in 2006 was a very different proposition to its predecessor. Bigger, more grown up and infinitely better built, it was the car you knew General Motors could build if the gloves came off. Here’s how to snag a decent used example.

Although the third generation car we examine here was a massive improvement over its predecessor, it pays not to denigrate that car’s achievements. In 2005, the Corsa was still the UK’s best selling supermini, easily outselling the likes of the Renault Clio, the Ford Fiesta and the Peugeot 206. Even with this level of success, Vauxhall realised it wouldn’t take long for the public to twig that the Peugeot 207, the Fiat Grande Punto and the Renault Clio III had easily overtaken the Corsa in terms of talent. Something needed to be done but rather than play a conservative hand, Vauxhall, for the very first time, set out to endow the Corsa with some genuine flair. It was a risky strategy to mess with a formula that had served them so well but it was one they had seen work with the Astra. The Corsa’s bigger sibling offered such a quantum leap in styling and build quality over its predecessor that it seemed that a generation was somehow missing between the two cars. Similarly, if you’re a dyed-in-the-wool Corsa buyer, the latest model will be a rude awakening. The reason why is that Vauxhall were one of the very first manufacturers to really buy into spreading so-called ‘utility’ models right across their range. The introduction of the super-practical Zafira and Meriva models means that those who want to do the flipping and folding thing with the seats have cars specifically designed for the task, freeing up models like the Astra, and now the Corsa, to get on with the business of looking rather good. The range was added to in April 2007 with the ripsnorting 189bhp Corsa VXR and in August this model was followed by the still rapid but only a little more restrained SRi variant, which used a detuned version of the same 1.6T engine. A 1.7 CDTi diesel SRi was launched concurrently.

No longer just a shopping trolley, the Corsa now has real impact. The front end features a deep Vauxhall V-grille with aggressive air intakes under the bumper and a pair of headlamps that smear back along the wings. Bigger than the model it replaces, the Corsa shares a platform with Fiat’s Grande Punto, the benefit of a rather complicated relationship between Fiat and General Motors that’s too convoluted to go into here. Suffice to say, you may be reminded of the pretty Fiat when you spot the window by the A-pillar and the rather unconventional door outlines. Climb inside and, if you’re used to the Astra, you’ll feel immediately at home here. The quality of materials used is leagues ahead of the old Corsa and like the Astra, there’s the bulletproof feeling of build quality that’s as good as anything in the sector. Just about the only criticism of the Astra’s interior was that, although well built, it didn’t offer a whole lot of slick design to catch the eye. The Corsa changes that particular script with translucent ambient lighting on the centre console switchgear, one of those ‘surprise and delight’ features that adds the all-important showroom wow-factor. The round air vents and big satellite navigation screen (available on high spec cars only) give the Corsa’s dash a far more modern, integrated look than the somewhat piecemeal integration of technology of the old car.

Prices start at around £5,575 for an 06 plate 1.0i 12v Life model with three doors, the five-door variant tacking another £150 to that figure. The peppier 1.2-litre models open at £5,750, again on that 2006 06 plate, but many will want air conditioning which will add £400 to that asking price. The 1.6-litre SRi kicks of at £9,100 on an 07 plate while the rorty VXR, only available in three-door form, opens at £12,600. The diesel Corsa models are very sought after and the 1.3-litre CDTi in 74bhp Life trim with air con starts at £6,500 with around 31,000 miles on the clock. Go for the bigger diesel engine and you’ll pay £8,100 for an 06 plated 1.7 CDTi SXi.

The third generation Corsa feels built like a rock but, as we have seen from certain other manufacturers, perceived quality doesn’t always translate into actual, quantifiably low warranty claims. In the Corsa’s case, however, what you see is largely what you get. There have been few reported issues with this car although the long service intervals mean a full service history is even more desirable than usual. Check for the usual parking knocks and scrapes and make sure the alloys aren’t kerbed. The sporty SRi and VXR models should be checked for tyre wear, suspension alignment and accident damage and a full HPI check undertaken.

(Based on a 1.2-litre three-door) A new clutch will cost you about £90 and a full exhaust system around £300. Front shock absorbers are about £50 a pair and rears around £35. An alternator is about £115 and a starter motor around £90. A radiator is about £115 and a replacement windscreen close to £105. A tail lamp is about £40, a headlamp about £65 and a front wing about £75. A catalyst is just over £200.

An appealing line-up of petrol and diesel engines is available to power the Corsa. First up on the petrol menu are the 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre units. Also available is a 189bhp 1.6-litre VXR variant that will certainly give the Clio Renaultsport 197 and the Peugeot 207 GTi something to think about. Able to hit 60mph in around 7 seconds and with a 140mph top speed, this should be the first Corsa to really appeal to hardcore car enthusiasts rather than pimply teens. There’s also a 150PS version of the same engine in a slightly more affordable SRi version. No modern supermini can get by without a decent diesel engine and Vauxhall fortunately have two at their disposal. The 123bhp 1.7-litre diesel spearheads the line up, with a budget 1.3-litre CDTi acting as the entry level option. It’s the Corsa’s ride and refinement that make the biggest impact the first time you get one out on the road. Superminis didn’t used to display this level of composure over tricky surfaces and undulations but the Corsa manages to feel like a far larger car than it is in this respect. Engine noise is also well controlled even from the diesel contingent but the 1.0 and 1.2-litre petrol engines struggle at times to get the Corsa moving. They’ll do the job around town but the 1.4-litre petrol or a diesel are the engines to go for.

The third generation Vauxhall Corsa is a car that barely puts a foot wrong. Although there will still be some buyers who prefer the badge of a Renault or a Peugeot over the somewhat more proletarian Griffin, they’d be fooling themselves if they thought they were buying a better car. The Corsa feels solidly built, has proven extremely reliable, is very cheap to run and is even decent to drive. It could be a little bigger in the rear but aside from that, there aren’t too many ways in which Vauxhall could have improved this car. It looks set to become one of our used car stars.

PAR FOR THE CORSA?
With the impressive Corsa supermini as a base vehicle, it was always going to be difficult for Vauxhall’s latest Corsavan to go far wrong. Steve Walker reports.

The car-derived van sector is an interesting one. Unlike with larger purpose-built commercial vehicles, we usually have a reasonably accurate picture of how each new entrant into this market is going to turn out. After all, its arrival will usually have been clearly heralded many months beforehand by the emergence of the passenger car on which it is based. It’s a state of affairs that begs the key question: do the same qualities that make a good passenger car also make a good car-derived van? If the answer is yes, then it all bodes rather well for Vauxhall’s latest Corsavan.

Obviously, if you want to shift large and/or heavy payloads, a commercial vehicle based on a supermini is not going to be the model for you. Where this kind of van comes into its own is with operators who only ever have small cargos in tow, who do a lot of their driving around towns where road and parking space is at a premium and who may value the image projected buy a trendy supermini as opposed to a bluff panel van. Vauxhall’s Corsa is certainly one of the most stylish superminis amongst the current crop. Fiat’s Grande Punto might have the edge in terms of unfettered elegance but the Corsa’s edgy lines offer a snappy, sporty flavour that has definite appeal. The Corsavan utilises the body shape of the three-door Corsa supermini with the roof and window lines parting company at the B-pillars and falling away separately towards the tailgate. The Corsavan’s rear windows are panelled over, of course, but the curve of the passenger car’s glasshouse remains clearly visible and the arched roofline adds to the coupe-like tension in the styling. The five-door Corsa’s higher roof would have boosted the space available inside the Corsavan but there’s still 0.92m3 of volume back there and operators who find this model’s capacity on the lower limits of what they can get away with would be better advised to go for a larger model anyway – Vauxhall’s own Astravan or Combo perhaps. This load volume is actually 0.2m3 smaller than what was available in the rear of the pervious generation Corsavan but the 550kg maximum payload is an impressive 85kg improvement and looks competitive next to rival models.

"Another Vauxhall van comes in well above par"

Vauxhall have done a thorough job on the load area itself, commendably resisting the financial pressures that might have led them down the crude ‘chop out the rear seats, chuck in a load mat’ route that’s sometimes followed in car-derived commercials. The Corsavan does suffer from significant intrusion into the load area at the sides but the space is lined with tough grooved plastic up to the window line so there’s nothing to catch your cargo on as it’s slid inside. The protection offered by this plastic lining against knocks and scrapes to the van or what it’s carrying is first class and there’s a full-height mesh bulkhead that combines decent rear visibility with further protection - this time for the backs of the driver and passenger’s heads. The Corsa supermini set new standards for interior build quality and the front of the Corsavan shares this class-leading cabin design that feels all the more superior in a commercial vehicle. Operators harbouring concerns about the kind of soft touch materials and fancy design features that manufacturers include to titillate supermini buyers coming off second best following a few years of hard commercial usage can relax. The Corsa is a sturdily-built customer with chunky controls and durable materials that should cope with all the dust, dirt, rough treatment and spilt tea that your drivers can dish out. All Corsavan models feature a CD stereo, central locking, electric mirrors and tinted tailgate glass, while space for driver and passenger is generous and there’s a reasonable amount of storage space for a supermini-derived model. The nation’s van drivers can harass their fleet managers as much as they like but no amount of bribery or blackmail is going to land them a Corsavan with the 190bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine from the Corsa VXR hothatch. Vauxhall, quite sensibly, won’t be offering it. Parsimony not pace, is the name of the game where small vans are concerned, hence the 1.2-litre petrol (79bhp) and 1.3-litre CDTi diesel (74bhp) units that Corsavan customers can select from. There’s a £400 premium for the diesel model and this will be worth paying if your Corsavan will be covering high mileages. Operators can expect around 48mpg from the petrol but over 60mpg is well within the realms of possibility if you select the oil-burner. The diesel feels quicker too with 170Nm of torque available from 1,750rpm compared to 110Nm at 4,000rpm in the petrol. The CDTi powerplant is noisier, however, with the petrol unit only sounding harsh when you enter the upper limits of the rev-Range – something you’ll be forced to do quite regularly given the modest pulling power. The Corsa rides and steers very adroitly. The suspension does a superb job of soaking up bumps on the flat and dispatches speed humps with suitable distain. It’s not the sharpest handling supermini platform you’ll encounter but its close enough for that exemplary ride comfort to give it an overall edge. Visibility is also very good, aided by the small windows cut in below the A pillars which help minimise the blind spot on roundabouts. You sit a long way back from the base of the sharply raked windscreen and without practice, it can be a little difficult to pinpoint where the front of the car actually is but a tight turning circle and light steering help to simplify tricky parking tasks. If we’re talking about compact dimensions, affordable running costs, manoeuvrability and pugnacious good looks, then the characteristics that constitute a successful supermini transfer very nicely into the car-derived van arena. The Corsavan displays the lot with the twin added benefits of impressive comfort and a high quality construction. Just as rival superminis have struggled to match it in the passenger car arena, rival car-derived vans have themselves a tough act to follow. Another Vauxhall van comes in well above par.

Facts At A Glance VAN: Vauxhall Corsavan ENGINES: 1.2-litre 79bhp petrol / 1.3-litre CDTi 74bhp diesel MAXIMUM PAYLOAD: 550kg LOAD VOLUME: 0.92m3 LOAD LENGTH: 1,257mm

SOLD BY THE LITRE?
Is Vauxhall’s super supermini worth buying with a minuscule 1.0-litre engine? Andy Enright decides

"Quality, quality, quality: never waver from it, even when you don’t see how you can afford to keep it up. When you compromise, you become a commodity and then you die." So says Gary Hirshberg a US writer and keynote speaker on corporate social and environmental responsibility. The timeline he has described was never meant to be reversed but that’s what Vauxhall’s Corsa has done, rising from nothingness to become a commodity product and only now becoming a desirable item of unimpeachable quality. We were curious to see how the cheapest model translated the quality mantra.

After all, if there’s anything we’ve learned from modern car production, it’s that the price of quality can be directly measured in lbs and ounces and pounds sterling. Quality cars weigh more, they are consequently thirstier and slower than flimsier lightweights and they cost more too. Therefore, it would seem rather rash to put a tiny 998cc engine that develops just 59bhp into a car that weighs a big-boned 1,070kg in five-door form. Compare that to a 58bhp Daihatsu Charade 1.0EL which does without the feel-good soundproofing and doors which thunk instead of clang and which tips the scales at just 720kg. The difference against the clock also speaks volumes, with the Japanese car requiring 12.4 seconds to breach the 60mph barrier while the Corsa will detain you for 17 seconds. Compare the fuel consumption and the Daihatsu is again streets ahead – 58.9mpg compared to the Vauxhall’s 50.4. If you’re looking for an effervescent little fizzer, don’t choose this Corsa. Yet despite these apparently unflattering comparisons, the Corsa is the far more satisfying car. It’s a car that makes you feel good about your investment for every second of the journey, not just those moments when you’re stood filling up or giving the car death from a T-junction.

"You now no longer need to buy a big car to get a reassuring degree of quality"

It’s a car that offers so much more than lowest common denominator motoring. Priced from just £7,995 in three-door Expression guise or £9,895 for a five-door Life model, the Corsa 1.0 serves up big car values in a truncated package. Climb inside and, if you’re used to the Astra, you’ll feel immediately at home here. The quality of materials used is leagues ahead of the old Corsa and like the Astra, there’s the bulletproof feeling of build quality that’s as good as anything in the sector. Just about the only criticism of the Astra’s interior was that, although well built, it didn’t offer a whole lot of slick design to catch the eye. The Corsa changes that particular script with translucent ambient lighting on the centre console switchgear, one of those ‘surprise and delight’ features that adds the all-important showroom wow-factor. The round air vents and big satellite navigation screen (available on high spec cars only) give the Corsa’s dash a far more modern, integrated look than the somewhat piecemeal integration of technology of the old car. No longer just a shopping trolley, the Corsa now has real impact. The front end features a deep Vauxhall V-grille with aggressive air intakes under the bumper and a pair of headlamps that smear back along the wings. Bigger than the model it replaces, the Corsa shares a platform with Fiat’s Grande Punto, the benefit of a rather complicated relationship between Fiat and General Motors that’s too convoluted to go into here. Suffice to say, you may be reminded of the pretty Fiat when you spot the window by the A-pillar and the rather unconventional door outlines. Like its progenitor was, the Corsa is built in the same Zaragoza factory in Spain but breaks from tradition in offering a resolutely high-tech approach. Halogen Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) alters the beam of the headlamp according to speed and steering input, allowing the Corsa to see further round dark corners. There’s also an innovative Enhanced Understeer Control (EUC) function and convenience features such as MP3 compatibility and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Variable progressive sports power steering aims to offer finger light steering at parking speeds with a properly meaty feel when you’re really in the groove. The Corsa 1.0 is offered in a choice of Expression and Life trim levels should you opt for the three-door variant and Life in the five-door guise. Even the entry-level Expression trim is fairly well-equipped, with a CD stereo, electric door mirrors, twin front airbags and a neat folding ignition key. Step up to the Life and you’ll also benefit from welcome lighting, remote central locking and power front windows. You’ll get more toys from a south-east Asian cheapie but again it’s a trade off. Do you want gadgets or a well built car that’ll last the course? It’s almost a no brainer. Take safety for instance. Whereas some manufacturers will offer you little more than a soft touch dashboard to smash your head into in the event of a shunt, the Corsa offers chapter and verse. As well as the many active safety features demonstrated by its dynamic chassis design, the Corsa has been designed to offer the best levels of protection in even the most extreme circumstances. Under heavy braking, when the ABS is activated, the brake lights flash five times per second to warn following motorists, while if airbags or seatbelt pre-tensioners are activated in an accident, the car’s safety system will automatically switch on the hazard warning lights. Should an accident occur, the Corsa has been designed to offer the best protection for its occupants. Two-stage front airbags help cushion any impact, while the passenger airbag can be deactivated if using a rear-facing baby carrier via a button on the instrument panel. Seatbelt pre-tensioners secure the seatbelts to hold passengers in position, while the Pedal Release System automatically drops the pedals away from the driver’s feet in the event of a heavy frontal collision. The Corsa has also been designed to meet the latest stringent passenger safety test criteria. Suddenly the 1,070kg kerb weight seems a little more excusable. True, it’s no ball of fire but if you are more concerened with safety, design and peerless build quality, the Corsa 1.0-litre comes strongly recommended. Speed is not always of the essence.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Vauxhall Corsa 1.0 range PRICES: £7,995-£11,110 – on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 1 CO2 EMISSIONS: 134g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 17s / Max Speed 93mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 50.4mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ABS, seatbelt pretensioners, twin front airbags WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height 3990/1710/1490mm

DO YOU THINK IT’S SXi?
With sharper steering and firmer suspension, the SXi Corsas are sporty superminis without the prohibitive costs of a performance hatch. Steve Walker reports…

The hot hatchback arms race of the past few years has resulted in the fastest models now routinely nudging and surpassing the 200bhp barrier. It’s a sign of the times that nothing with much less than 150bhp will gain any sort of respect from the gaggle of Burberry-clad youths loitering outside your local McDonalds Drive-Thru. Given this current state of affairs, one could easily forget that cars with the potential to launch you from idle to illegal in the blink of an eye aren’t the sole purveyors of driving enjoyment. This is a fact of which Vauxhall hope the Corsa SXi models can remind us.

The reason fast small cars have become so much more powerful is that they aren’t all that small anymore. The extra weight of all the safety measures and electronic gadgetry that today’s market demands means that shifting a modern supermini around is no longer a job for engines of a fragile disposition. Doing so at the substantial rate of knots normally associated with a proper hot hatchback really does take some gumption on an engine’s part. Anyone insisting on this brand of genuinely serious performance will be disappointed by the Corsa SXi models we look at here and they should probably save up for the step up to one of the quicker SRi models or a barnstorming Corsa VXR derivative. What the SXi trim level aims to do is replicate some of the fun of a hot hatchback without the less enjoyable expense. Let’s get the power struggle out of the way first and in the case of some of the powerplants on offer, ‘struggle’ is the operative word. The SXi trim is offered with a choice of two petrol engines and a diesel with prices starting at around £11,000. The entry level unit is a 1.2-litre 16v that generates its 79bhp maximum power output at a lofty 5,600rpm. This engine is fine for shopping duties and dropping the kids off at school but buyers seeking a sporty drive are likely to find it a little underwhelming. The 1.4-litre petrol option is £500 more and a little bit better with 89bhp to call upon. The 0-60mph sprint takes 11.8s here rather than 13s in the 1.2 and fuel economy is just 1mpg inferior to the smaller petrol at 47.9mpg. There’s a £700 price jump from the 1.4 to the 1.3-litre CDTi diesel but if you’re attracted to the SXi by its sporty dynamics rather than by its sporty looks, it’s a jump worth making. With 89bhp, this common-rail diesel unit has an identical power output to the 1.4 but that power is available 1,600rpm lower in the rev range at 4,000rpm and there’s 200Nm of torque from 1,750rpm compared to 125Nm at 4,000rpm in the meatiest SXi petrol. This makes the 1.3 CDTi a far more enjoyable car to drive, despite a 0-60mph performance figure that is virtually identical to the 1.4. It also gives the added benefit of 61mpg average fuel economy.

"The differences between these SXi Corsas and the less sporty models in the range extend well beyond mere cosmetic add-ons"

The diesels are definitely the more satisfying units but you do pay for the privilege and if you’re only interested in the Corsa SXi for its looks, the petrol alternatives shouldn’t be disregarded. The Corsa SXi models are differentiated from their less athletic brethren by 16" alloy wheels, a chrome exhaust pipe and front fog lights, while the interior benefits from sports seats with figure-hugging side bolsters and a leather steering wheel. It’s a nice package that tallies well with the dynamic styling of the latest Corsa, particularly the 3-door versions with their coupe-like sloping roofline. The differences between these SXi cars and the less sporty models in the range extend well beyond mere cosmetic add-ons. The SXi models feature modified suspension and steering to help them live up to their sporty billing. The standard Corsa is a fine handling supermini with well-weighted and accurate steering thanks to the speed-dependent electronic power steering system (EPS). The SXi models, however, feature the more advanced VPPS (Variable Progressive Power Steering). As well as giving the steering a heavier feel at higher speeds to enhance driver confidence, this set-up also adjusts the steering ratio in response to the way the wheel is turned. As the steering angle increases, the steering gets quicker so that there’s more scope for small directional adjustments around the straight ahead and a sharper feel on the turn-in. In situations were tight, low speed manoeuvres are called for, the steering adjusts again, reducing the effort required and making lighter work of the whole process. This clever steering set-up on the Corsa SXi is matched to uprated springs and dampers for a firmer ride and improved body control when cornering, as well as a ride height that’s lowered by 20mm to give the car a more purposeful stance on the road. The package gels together very impressively, making the most of the Corsa’s already impressive dynamic attributes. The ride may be a little too firm for some tastes and buyers in doubt should sample one of the smoother, less sporting derivatives before taking the plunge but it definitely adds to the experience from the point of view of the keen driver. The quality of materials used is leagues ahead of the old Corsa and like the Astra, there’s the bulletproof feeling of build quality that’s as good as anything in the sector. Just about the only criticism of recent Vauxhall interiors was that, although well built, they didn’t offer a whole lot of slick design to catch the eye. The Corsa changes that particular script with translucent ambient lighting on the centre console switchgear, one of those ‘surprise and delight’ features that adds the all-important showroom wow-factor. The round air vents, the stereo and big satellite navigation screen (available on high spec cars only) give the Corsa’s dash a far more modern, integrated look than the somewhat piecemeal integration of technology of the old car. The Vauxhall Corsa SXi successfully sportifies the standard Corsa package, sharpening up the driving experience in a manner that will appeal to those who enjoy spending time behind the wheel. The petrol engines will occasionally have you longing for more power to fully exploit the lithe chassis but the diesels are almost punchy enough to make you question whether those 200bhp hyper-hatchbacks are absolutely necessary. More importantly, none of the SXi engine options will break the bank in terms of upfront, insurance or running costs and that’s the key to the Corsa SXi – affordable fun.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Vauxhall Corsa SXi range PRICES: £10,955-£12,970 – on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 3-4 CO2 EMISSIONS: 139-142g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.7CDTI] 0-60mph 10s / Max Speed 118mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.3 CDTi 90] (urban) 48.7, (extra urban) 74.3 (combined) 61.4mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ABS, seatbelt pretensioners, twin front airbags WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height 3990/1710/1490mm

CROSS HATCH
Vauxhall’s VXR products have a reputation for being real tearaways but the Corsa VXR has some sophistication to go with its brutal performance. Steve Walker reports

The hot hatch arms race has escalated once more and Vauxhall’s Corsa VXR has the arsenal to win it. 189bhp and 0-60 in 6.8s was the stuff of lottery winners’ performance saloons until recently. Now you can get it all in a souped-up supermini along with a well-judged handling package and some superb detailing. The Corsa VXR is an engaging drive with real quality and depth to back it up.

Purists might still shed an occasional tear for the passing of the original hot hatch heyday back in the 1980s but the current clutch of fiery small cars is arguably just as remarkable, if for different reasons. Vauxhall’s smallest VXR-badged rocketship generates nearly 190bhp, requires less than seven seconds to punch a Corsa-shaped hole the 60mph barrier and will eventually hit the wall at 140mph. While the appeal of old classics like the Mk1 Golf GTI and Peugeot’s 205 GTi remains strongly felt, the capabilities of the Corsa VXR and its rivals demand respect. This Vauxhall takes the turbocharged route to achieving its formidable performance, the 1.6-litre engine fitted with a BorgWarner turbo unit to help it achieve a 189bhp maximum power output. Like the best modern turbocharged engines, power and torque are served up in a progressive fashion from low in the rev range with no discernable lag. The 230Nm maximum torque output is available from 1,980rpm to 5,850rpm but a clever overboost facility actually gives the driver 266Nm for a period of five seconds when full throttle is deployed. It all helps the VXR generate searing pace with rapid responses to throttle inputs. The engine doesn’t reward excursions into the upper rev range vocally in the way that the normally-aspirated powerplants of some rivals do but it’s got serious shove down low where you want it and there’s the added bonus of strong refinement on the open road. The standard Corsa serves up class-leading ride quality but the VXR takes a firmer line with springs that are 12mm lower at the front and 19mm lower at the rear as well as specially-tuned gas-pressure shock absorbers. Information about the road surface is transmitted to the driver more effectively with the VXR staying flat and planted in corners but the ride remains highly compliant, making the VXR a perfect companion for blasts down Britain’s poorly-surfaced B-roads.

"VXR products don’t tend to be shrinking violets and true to form, there’s very little that’s low key about this one…"

The ESP stability control system has its work cut out reining the VXR in under hard acceleration and wheelspin is never far away when you switch it off. The variable-progressive steering system increases the level of assistance the more you turn, giving a reassuringly weighty feel around the straight ahead and faster response with more assistance as the steering angle increases. This helps with parking and urban driving but the level of feedback at speed is a lacking a little. VXR products don’t tend to be shrinking violets and true to form, there’s very little that’s low key about the Corsa VXR. The bodywork is riddled with scoops and vents with much of the styling addenda taking triangular form. There’s triangular mesh in the grille with its body-coloured V-bar and under bumper, while each of the fog lights is housed at the end of its own vaguely triangular chrome funnel. The fetching wing mirrors (that Vauxhall will be selling as an accessory so all Corsa buyers can get in on the VXR act) have a triangle hole beneath and at the back of the car. Plus there’s a triangular exhaust finisher as a final retort to those left in the VXR’s wake. Some of the detailing both inside and out is exquisite and Vauxhall has certainly pulled out the stops to differentiate the VXR from humbler Corsa offerings. The cabin is dominated by the specially-designed shell-backed Recaro seats which offer outstanding support and comfort. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is another upmarket feature that will set the enthusiast’s heart aflutter and you have the general build quality of the standard Corsa which is as good as anything in the segment. The Corsa is priced competitively against key rivals like the Clio Renaultsport 197 and the MINI Cooper S. You’ll pay around £16,000 for the privilege which looks expensive for a bespoilered supermini but a bit of a bargain for a 189bhp, 140mph performance hatch – a lot depends on your point of view. Standard equipment includes ESP stability control, air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric front windows and door mirrors, a CD stereo and 17" alloy wheels. Vauxhall is offering massive 18" alloy wheels as an option, the biggest ever offered on a supermini, and they really add something to the exterior with little detrimental effect to the ride quality. As well as the 18" rims, buyers can dip into a wide range of further options to personalise their car with the manufacturer confident that very few VXR Corsas will be sold in standard guise. Tick the boxes marked climate control, leather, halogen head lights, Bluetooth and metallic paint and you’ll be shelling out nigh-on £18,000 for your Corsa. The available paint colours are Flame Red, Arden Blue, Star Silver and Black Sapphire with the blue looking particularly swish as it matches the brake callipers. While it might be a shade extreme for some, both in looks and personality, there seems little doubt that the VXR’s target market will lap it up. They’ll have to be quick though because production capacity constraints mean just 2,500 will be available in the UK each year. This promises to make the Corsa VXR a relatively exclusive sight on the road and help protect its residual value. Once you’ve got your hands on one, running costs should be agreeable for a car in this class with a combined average of 35.8mpg and 190g/km CO2 emissions. Vauxhall has done a thorough job of making the Corsa VXR feel special. Whichever way you look at it, it’s obviously no ordinary Corsa and at the wheel, its power and poise never fail to entertain. It’s the car’s ability to deliver indecent pace when roused but still remain comparatively mild-mannered in everyday circumstances that marks the Corsa VXR out. It’s not the absolute head-case that its styling suggests and beneath that snarling bodywork is a comfortable, beautifully-detailed interior that you’ll rarely tire of sitting in. There’s no real comparison between the Corsa VXR and the 1980s shopping rockets that started the whole hot hatchback thing off, the Vauxhall’s size and sophistication see to that. The whole genre has evolved, bringing more power and performance but also adding comfort, practicality and safety. In Vauxhall’s hands, the hot hatchback has become more of a performance all-rounder that’s adept in a range of driving conditions but just like the old masters, it’s still at its best when shown a winding lane and given its head.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Vauxhall Corsa VXR PRICE: £16,200 – on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 16 CO2 EMISSIONS: 190g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 6.8s / Max Speed 140mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: 26.9mpg (urban) / 44.1mpg (extra urban) / 35.8mpg (combined) STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: front and side airbags, ABS, ESP WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 4040/1713/2511

CLASS ACT
Vauxhall’s Corsa is a supermini with ideas above its station. Just as well that the 1.4-litre 16v engine can punch above its weight too. Andy Enright reports

It used to be very simple. Superminis were once a distinctly perishable commodity. They were built of thin plastics, tinny metal and were powered by engines that did the trick for city driving but which were useless for anything more demanding. In recent years that has changed but it’s taken the launch of the latest Corsa to really punt things to another level. Like big cars but hate big bills? Try one of the latest Corsa 1.4-litre models for size.

The 90bhp 1.4-litre 16v engine features Twinport technology which builds on the standard four-valve technology of Vauxhall’s ECOTEC engines. Fuel savings are achieved by a special intake manifold in combination with a high rate of exhaust gas recirculation. The advantages of Twinport technology are achieved through a combination of fuel injection and exhaust emission control by a three-way catalytic converter. This reduces technical complexity and consequently the cost to the customer, making the Twinport solution particularly attractive for superminis like this Corsa, as power output and efficient fuel consumption are maintained. Talking of which, this Corsa will achieve a combined fuel figure of almost 48mpg which makes it probably the pick of the petrol models, although the 1.3-litre turbodiesel features identical performance figures, the same power output and another 13.5mpg on top of the consumption figure. Still, you do need to pay another £700 for the privilege and much of that fuel saving comes courtesy of the six-speed gearbox fitted as standard to the diesel car. In this 1.4-litre you’ll have to make do with a mere quintet of cogs to stir but it’ll still get to 60mph in 11.5 seconds and run on to 107mph. The emissions figure of 124g/km isn’t too shoddy either, especially when considering the amount of weight the Corsa has piled on down the years. First 855kg, then 999kg and now 1,085kg; the Corsa certainly has piled on the pounds since its 1993 launch, managing to supersize itself over the course of three generations. It’s by no means unusual either, rather like the nation’s telly-addict offspring, our superminis have been growing steadily porkier before our very eyes with today’s Peugeot 207, Renault Clio and Fiat Punto all weighing-in far heavier than in earlier iterations. This isn’t simply redundant bulk, the product of too many or after school McDonalds detours. The extra weight is accounted for by increased dimensions that facilitate greater interior space and superior safety measures to meet tightening legislation, not to mention the technology and all-round quality that we now demand in our small cars. As the weight has crept up, the engines have had to become stronger and more efficient too. A key measure of how things have changed is the torque figure for this 1.4-litre petrol engine. When the Corsa was introduced in 1993 its 1.4-litre engine managed 60lb/ft of torque. The current car’s 92lb/ft clearly demonstrates that while weight has crept up by 27%, the ability to haul that bulk has outstripped that growth by a factor of two, the current Corsa 1.4 boasting 54% more pulling power. You also get better fuel economy, more space, more equipment and a massively improved safety provision. You’ve got to love the progress.

"The 1.4-litre unit is the best of the petrol engines in the current Corsa line up"

Both three and five-door bodystyles are available and the difference between the two versions is pronounced. The three-door offers a coupe-like silhouette with a side window line that falls away from the roof at the rear to maximise the sporty look without minimising rear headroom. As it is, headroom in the back isn’t spectacular and the low window will have adults ducking down to see out but legroom is quite adequate. The five-door is a very different looking car that yields more space for back seat passengers. Both models give generous space in the front seats with a very comfortable driving position courtesy of the height and reach adjustable steering wheel and the supportive seating. The quality of materials used is leagues ahead of the old Corsa and like the Astra, there’s the bulletproof feeling of build quality that’s as good as anything in the sector. Just about the only criticism of recent Vauxhall interiors was that, although well built, they didn’t offer a whole lot of slick design to catch the eye. The Corsa changes that particular script with translucent ambient lighting on the centre console switchgear, one of those ‘surprise and delight’ features that adds the all-important showroom wow-factor. The round air vents, the stereo and big satellite navigation screen (available on high spec cars only) give the Corsa’s dash a far more modern, integrated look than the somewhat piecemeal integration of technology of the old car. Vauxhall offer a particularly wide array of trim options for buyers to personalise their model range but it’s all very tastefully done with quality materials throughout. The 1.4-litre engine is offered in Club, SXi and Design trims in both the three-door and five-door body styles, with prices ranging from £10,105 to £12,375. An automatic gearbox is also offered but this should really only be selected if you’re planning on subjecting the Corsa to a particularly onerous commute on a regular basis. Normally the diesels would be better in this regard but seeing as none of the diesel models are offered with the self-shifter this is as good as it gets. If you’re set on buying a petrol Corsa, this is the engine to choose. Bigger is usually better when it comes to petrol engines in superminis and this one is no exception. Although I’d still probably recommend the 90bhp 1.3-litre diesel if pressed to make an editor’s pick, this 1.4-litre is a very capable alternative.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Vauxhall Corsa 1.4 16v Twinport range PRICES: £10,105-£12,375 – on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 4-5 CO2 EMISSIONS: 124g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 11.5s / Max Speed 107mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 47.9mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ABS, seatbelt pretensioners, twin front airbags WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height 3990/1710/1490mm

A MATTER OF CORSA
If you associate the Vauxhall Corsa with middle of the road mediocrity, you may need a sit down after checking out the latest version. Andy Enright reports

I must admit, if I was in the market for a supermini, one of the old Vauxhall Corsas would never have made my shortlist. It’s a cutthroat market and while the Corsa covered all the bases adequately, there was just too much excellence among the opposition to make it stand out. That said, I realise that I’m an exception and the Corsa was the UK’s best selling supermini of 2005, easily outselling the likes of the Renault Clio, the Ford Fiesta and the Peugeot 206. Even with this level of success, Vauxhall realised it wouldn’t take long for the public to twig that the Peugeot 207, the Fiat Grande Punto and the Renault Clio III had easily overtaken the Corsa in terms of talent. Something needed to be done but rather than play a conservative hand, Vauxhall, for the very first time, set out to endow the Corsa with some genuine flair.

It’s a move they had already made with the latest generation Astra, a car that offered such a quantum leap in styling and build quality over its predecessor that it seemed that a generation was somehow missing between the two cars. Similarly, if you’re a dyed-in-the-wool Corsa buyer, the latest model will be a rude awakening. The reason why is that Vauxhall were one of the very first manufacturers to really buy into spreading so-called ‘utility’ models right across their range. The introduction of the super practical Zafira and Meriva models means that those who want to do the flipping and folding thing with the seats have cars specifically designed for the task, freeing up models like the Astra, and now the Corsa, to get on with the business of looking rather good.

"No longer just a shopping trolley, the Corsa now has real impact…"

Compare this approach to that of, say, Peugeot who didn’t have a small MPV to speak of and had to develop the 307 family hatch as a sort of compromise. Sales stagnated while the combined weight of Zafira and Astra registrations have helped Vauxhall to a buoyant set of sales figures. The latest Corsa is offered in two different body styles. The five-door version features a more conservative profile with a flatter, longer roof section while the real scene stealer is the three-door version. No longer just a shopping trolley, the Corsa now has real impact. The front end features a deep Vauxhall V-grille with aggressive air intakes under the bumper and a pair of headlamps that smear back along the wings. Bigger than the model it replaces, the Corsa shares a platform with Fiat’s Grande Punto, the benefit of a rather complicated relationship between Fiat and General Motors that’s too convoluted to go into here. Suffice to say, you may be reminded of the pretty Fiat when you spot the window by the A-pillar and the rather unconventional door outlines. Climb inside and, if you’re used to the Astra, you’ll feel immediately at home here. The quality of materials used is leagues ahead of the old Corsa and like the Astra there’s the bulletproof feeling of build quality that’s as good as anything in the sector. Just about the only criticism of the Astra’s interior was that, although well built, it didn’t offer a whole lot of slick design to catch the eye. The Corsa changes that particular script with translucent ambient lighting on the centre console switchgear, one of those ‘surprise and delight’ features that adds the all-important showroom wow-factor. The round air vents and big satellite navigation screen (available on high spec cars only) give the Corsa’s dash a far more modern, integrated look than the somewhat piecemeal integration of technology of the old car. Four petrol engines and two diesels are on offer. First up on the petrol menu are the 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre units. Also available is a 189bhp 1.6-litre VXR variant that will certainly give the Clio Renaultsport 197 and the Honda Civic Type-R something to think about. Able to hit 60mph in around 7 seconds and with a 140mph top speed, this should be the first Corsa to really appeal to hardcore car enthusiasts rather than pimply teens. There’s also a 150PS version of the same engine in a slightly more affordable SRi version. No modern supermini can get by without a decent diesel engine and Vauxhall fortunately have two at their disposal. The 123bhp 1.7-litre diesel spearheads the line up, with a budget 1.3-litre CDTi acting as the entry level option. Like its progenitor, the Corsa is built in the same Zaragoza factory in Spain but breaks from tradition in offering a resolutely high tech approach. Halogen Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) alters the beam of the headlamp according to speed and steering input, allowing the Corsa to see further round dark corners. There’s also an innovative Enhanced Understeer Control (EUC) function and convenience features such as MP3 compatibility and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Variable progressive sports power steering aims to offer finger light steering at parking speeds with a properly meaty feel when you’re really in the groove. Despite its strong sales figures, Vauxhall needed to give the Corsa a good whack up the backside and the latest model shows the benefits of this corporal approach. Smarter, prettier and a whole lot more sophisticated, the Corsa could well dominate sales charts for quite some time.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Vauxhall Corsa range PRICES: £7,995-£16,200 – on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 1-16 CO2 EMISSIONS: 124-190g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.3CDTi] 0-60mph 11.9s / Max Speed 107mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.3CDTi] (urban) 49.6mpg / (extra urban) 74.3mpg / (combined) 62.8mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ABS, seatbelt pretensioners, twin front airbags WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height 3990/1710/1490mm

QUALITY COUNTS
It’s hard not to be impressed by the latest Corsa, reviewed here in CDTi diesel form. Andy Enright reports…

Although Vauxhall probably won’t thank me for reminding them, you don’t have to wind the clock back too far to the days when the Corsa represented everything that was run of the mill about the company. At its best, Vauxhall can produce some wonderful cars. When they’re freewheeling, you get vehicles like the old Corsa, barely average in most every regard. The company’s issue had long been that it did the niche products well but the potentially big revenue earners were never anything to get excited about. In recent years this has changed, and the latest Corsa hammers that point home with real exuberance. The diesel model seen here unceremoniously elbows aside its established rivals in aiming at the supermini top spot.

Before we start getting too harsh on the old Corsa, lets not forget that it’s only petrolheads like us that turn our noses up at it. The vast majority of the public found it perfectly acceptable and even made it the UK’s best selling supermini of 2005, easily outselling the likes of the Renault Clio, the Ford Fiesta and the Peugeot 206. Even with this level of success, Vauxhall realised it wouldn’t take long for the public to twig that the next generation of superminis such as the Peugeot 207, the Fiat Grande Punto and the Renault Clio III would put a number on the Corsa and have responded with a serious broadside. Three diesel engines are offered, as are two body styles and a host of trim levels that aren’t actually too difficult to get to grips with. The engines comprise a 75bhp 1.3-litre CDTi unit and a 90bhp version that uses much the same oily bits, with a flagship 125bhp 1.7-litre CDTi rounding off the range. The figures for the 1.3-litre 90bhp car that most customers will end up choosing are very creditable indeed. While it’s no ball of fire, getting to 60mph in 11.9 seconds, midrange poke is more than acceptable. Engine refinement isn’t quite as good as with its big brother.

"The Corsa diesel is genuinely knock your socks off impressive"

Recompense comes in the form of excellent fuel economy, registering the same 61.4mpg figure as the 75bhp version. Vauxhall has deliberately configured the Corsa’s trim, transmissions and pricing structures so that 75bhp and 90bhp engines are never offered in the same body style, with the same gearbox and in identical trim, making it hard to gauge how big the step up in price between the two engines is. Trim levels run through Life, Club, SXi, Design and SRi. The 75bhp engine available in the first two trims, the 90bhp in the next two and the 125bhp is offered in the last two. Opening price for the 75bhp engine is £9,810 which will buy you a three-door Life with a five-speed manual, whereas you’ll need £11,490 to get your hands on a CDTi 90, in this instance in three-door SXi trim with a six-speed manual box. The five-door version features a more conservative profile with a flatter, longer roof section, while the real scene stealer is the three-door with its sweeping roofline and big C-pillars. The SRi mimics the looks to the VXR hot hatch and starts from £14,235. No longer just a shopping trolley, the Corsa now has real impact. The front end features a deep Vauxhall V-grille with aggressive air intakes under the bumper and a pair of headlamps that smear back along the wings. Bigger than the model it replaces, the Corsa shares a platform with Fiat’s Grande Punto, the benefit of a rather complicated relationship between Fiat and General Motors that’s too convoluted to go into here. Suffice to say, you may be reminded of the pretty Fiat when you spot the window by the A-pillar and the rather unconventional door outlines. Climb inside and, if you’re used to the Astra, you’ll feel immediately at home here. The quality of materials used is leagues ahead of the old Corsa and like the Astra, there’s the bulletproof feeling of build quality that’s as good as anything in the sector. Just about the only criticism of the Astra’s interior was that, although well built, it didn’t offer a whole lot of slick design to catch the eye. The Corsa changes that particular script with translucent ambient lighting on the centre console switchgear, one of those ‘surprise and delight’ features that adds the all-important showroom wow-factor. The round air vents and big satellite navigation screen (available on high spec cars only) give the Corsa’s dash a far more modern, integrated look than the somewhat piecemeal integration of technology of the old car. Other smart ideas include ‘chameleon-style’ Velcro and zip-off dash and trim parts that can be changed to alter the personality of the Corsa’s cabin. Like its progenitor, the Corsa will be built in the same Zaragoza factory in Spain but breaks from tradition in offering a resolutely high tech approach. Halogen Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) alters the beam of the headlamp according to speed and steering input, allowing the Corsa to see further round dark corners. There’s also an innovative Enhanced Understeer Control (EUC) function and convenience features such as MP3 compatibility and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Variable progressive sports power steering aims to offer finger light steering at parking speeds with a properly meaty feel when you’re really in the groove. Few industry observers would have put money on the Corsa turning out this good. None would have tipped it to be a class leader but in the diesel models, Vauxhall may well have exactly that. The response should be interesting.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Vauxhall Corsa CDTi diesel range PRICES: £10,475-£16,155 – on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 3-6 CO2 EMISSIONS: 128-132 g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.3 90] 0-60mph 11.9s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.3 90] (combined) 61.4mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Full UK specifications to be announced. WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height 3990/1710/1490mm

CORSA CHARGED A LITTLE LESS
The astonishingly rapid VXR model may be the most desirable Corsa but in the real world, more buyers are going to turn to the slightly less potent SRi models. Andy Enright explains why

You’ll be forgiven if you equate the notion of a sporty Corsa as something like this. An ageing hatchback with neon lights underneath it and a loud bean can exhaust parked outside your local McDonalds, complete with a spotty youth at the wheel regaling anybody who’ll listen with details of his sub-eight minute lap of the ‘Nuremburgring’. The old Corsa never really established itself as a credible performance hatchback but Vauxhall certainly wasn’t taking any chances with the latest car, setting down a formidable marker in the form of the 189bhp VXR. Slotting in just beneath this flagship sportster are the SRi models.

Vauxhall has enjoyed notable success with the SRi badge in the past but it has never had a small hatch quite as talented as the Corsa. Going head to head with some talented rivals such as the Ford Fiesta ST and the Volkswagen Polo GTI, this Corsa needs to be at the top of its game. Those looking to leave their rivals for dead off the line will doubtless plump for the 1.6-litre turbo version of the Corsa SRi. This engine is effectively a detuned version of the powerplant found in the VXR and will punt the Vauxhall from zero to 60mph in just 7.6 seconds and, where conditions allow, will top out at 130mph. Neither the Ford Fiesta ST, the Volkswagen Polo GTI, the Peugeot 207GT or the Renault Clio 2.0-litre Dynamique S are quite as rapid away from the mark. Go for the diesel and you get a very different powerplant, feeling far stronger when it comes to mid-range overtaking muscle but not quite so punchy on paper. The 1.7-litre oil burner hits 60mph from rest in 9.3 seconds and runs out of go at 121mph. The sports chassis has been lowered by 18mm at the front and 15mm at the rear, the ESP stability control being optimised for spirited driving. The power steering features variable assistance, which means that when you’re really pressing on, there’s some serious heft and feedback coming through the wheel. There’s a little more body roll than you might expect but the flipside of this is that ride quality is very good. Vauxhall has certainly learned a lot of lessons regarding ride/handling since the first generation Astra VXR and most owners will enjoy the combination of smooth ride with some real firepower up front.

"…now there are some very solid reasons why this Corsa is a rather informed choice"

Don’t be surprised if drivers of far more expensive tackle seem unwilling to tangle with the Corsa SRi. With its lowered suspension and purposeful stance, it’s easy to mistake it for the VXR model. But only in three-door guise. Unlike the racy VXR, the Corsa SRi is also offered in a more family-friendly five-door body style as well, broadening its appeal significantly. With a front spoiler, body-coloured side sills, 17-inch alloy wheels, a chromed exhaust and a small tailgate spoiler, there’s no doubt that the SRi looks the part and as the performance figures attest, this is no sheep in wolf’s clothing. The interior benefits from red-detailed sports seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with red inserts, alloy pedals and contrasting red seat belts. I must admit to a pang of nostalgia for the red belts. These were all the rage in the Eighties and then vanished without trace when the Greed is Good decade ended. Without getting all Gordon Gekko on you, it’s good to see Vauxhall reinstate them. The rest of the SRi offers all the good things that have made this generation Corsa such a big seller. It feels better built than any small car to date bar none and can seat four adults reasonably comfortably. In other words, it does all the basics brilliantly. The so-called ‘warm hatch’ market is anything but tepid and there are all manner of very good cars scrapping for a piece of the action. The Corsa SRi stands a very good chance of claiming a significant slice of the pie due to the fact that not only is it a very convincing product in its own right, but it’s also a good deal more versatile than many immediate rivals, offered as it is in both petrol and diesel formats, as well as three and five-door body styles. Then there’s Vauxhall’s massive dealer network to fall back on, a benefit that’s eyed jealously by most rivals. The SRi is also very well-equipped. Aside from the racy bits that are specific to this model, there’s translucent ambient lighting on the centre console switchgear, one of those ‘surprise and delight’ features that adds the all-important showroom wow-factor. The round air vents, the stereo and big satellite LCD screen with the option of satellite navigation give the Corsa’s dash a far more modern, integrated look than the somewhat piecemeal integration of technology of the old car. Prices start at £14,060 for the petrol and £14,670 for the diesel, with a premium of around £600 if you want five rather than three doors. The Corsa SRi benefits from relatively cheap insurance (7E for the diesel and 13A for the petrol model) thanks to excellent safety and security ratings and relatively inexpensive crash repairs. Fuel economy of the 1.6-litre turbo model is good but the 1.7-litre CDTi version is the model to go for if you need to stretch a gallon a long way. The car averages 58.9mpg and it’s hard to top its blend of performance and economy. The Corsa range has held up extremely well in terms of residual values, the public quickly catching on to the fact that this car is a world away from its rather underwhelming predecessor. The SRi versions are no exception and will continue to appeal due to their affordability especially among younger drivers unwilling to pay the insurance premiums of the VXR. So why should you plump for a Vauxhall Corsa SRi over any one of a bunch of very talented warm hatches? This question would probably have elicited a blank look or possibly some perplexed chin stroking if asked a couple of years ago but now there are some very solid reasons why this Corsa is a rather informed choice. The most important reason is that both the petrol and diesel models are just plain good fun to drive. Factor in the build quality, the giant dealer network, the aggressive pricing and modest running costs, not to mention the sharp styling and the big equipment list, and you’re left scratching around for reasons why not. It might take a bit of a leap of faith for an enthusiast driver to swallow the realisation that accompanies a commitment to buy a Vauxhall Corsa but most keen drivers are nothing if not meritocratic. The Corsa SRi does the job and does it well. That’ll be enough.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Vauxhall Corsa SRi range PRICES: £14,060-£15,370 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 7E-13A CO2 EMISSIONS: 130-189g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.6i 16v] 0-60mph 7.6s / Max Speed 130mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.7 CDTi] (combined) 58.9mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ABS, seatbelt pretensioners, twin front and side airbags, ESP stability control WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height 3975/1710/1490mm

WORTH THE WEIGHT?
Vauxhall’s Corsa is a grown-up supermini both in terms of size and quality but can the modest 78bhp 1.2-litre engine do an adequate job of powering it? Steve Walker finds out…

The supermini is growing. The quest for greater interior space and the necessity of complying with ever more stringent safety criteria has seen these once tiny cars expanding in every direction. In fact, probably the only key area where the modern supermini isn’t significantly upscale from its predecessors is that of the engine. This should set alarm bells ringing. Can the latest small capacity petrol engines shoulder the burden of propelling the latest crop of not so mini superminis? This is just one of the burning questions as we check out Vauxhall’s 1.2-litre Corsa.

First 855kg, then 999kg and now 1,085kg; the Corsa certainly has piled on the pounds since its 1993 launch, managing to supersize itself over the course of three generations. It’s by no means unusual either, rather like the nation’s telly-addict offspring, our superminis have been growing steadily porkier before our very eyes with today’s Peugeot 207, Renault Clio and Fiat Punto all weighing-in far heavier than in earlier iterations. This isn’t simply redundant bulk, the product of two many turkey twislers or after school McDonalds detours. The extra weight is accounted for by increased dimensions that facilitate greater interior space and superior safety measures to meet tightening legislation, not to mention the technology and all-round quality that we now demand in our small cars. Inevitably though, it’s weight that puts a greater strain on the engines saddled with shifting it all about. The Vauxhall Corsa’s 1.2-litre engine sits one rung off the bottom of the range, the base level being occupied by a 59bhp 3-cylinder 1.0-litre unit that really looks to have its work cut out. The 4-cylinder 1.2 is certainly stronger, developing 78bhp and 110Nm of torque at 4,000rpm but the Corsa is a big vehicle these days. The performance figures are quite respectable: 0-60mph takes 13 seconds and there’s a 104mph top speed, but to achieve this kind of progress you’ll really have to work the engine. Here lies the problem: the Corsa 1.2 is exceptionally refined at modest cruising speeds and around town but as you let the revs rise, the engine note becomes harsh and a touch overbearing with little appreciable gain in terms of forward progress.

"The 1.2-litre unit uses Vauxhall’s Twinport technology to conserve fuel without cutting back too much on performance"

Of course, if you prefer to do your driving in the vicinity of the redline whenever possible, a 1.2-litre Vauxhall Corsa will not be the car for you. Far more important to typical buyers of this model will be issues of refinement, where the Corsa scores well, and economy. The 1.2-litre unit uses Vauxhall’s Twinport technology to conserve fuel without cutting back too much on performance. The system uses two fuel intake ports for each cylinder, one of which is closed under limited throttle loads to reduce the quantity of unleaded being burned. Through this, the Corsa can achieve 48.7mpg on the combined cycle, an identical figure to that to the previous generation model which used the same engine and was nearly 100kg lighter. Co2 emissions are measured at a very commendable 139g/km. The 1.2-litre engine is available in Life, Club, SXI or Design trim with all models benefiting from a CD stereo, twin dual-stage front airbags, ABS with Emergency Brake Assist, electric door mirrors, central locking, speed sensitive power steering and body-coloured bumpers. The SXI is particularly worthy of note as it features sports suspension that lowers the car by 20mm and variable ratio power steering. These modifications have a pronounced effect on the driving experience, quickening the steering for sharp responses and firming up the ride. The Corsa becomes great fun to zip about in and can really engage its driver on the right road even if most buyers will find the ride too firm to live with day to day and the 1.2-litre engine isn’t ideal for exploiting the car’s sportier side. Both 3 and 5-door bodystyles are available and the difference between the two versions is pronounced. The 3-door offers a coupe-like silhouette with a side window line that falls away from the roof at the rear to maximise the sporty look without minimising rear headroom. As it is, headroom in the back isn’t spectacular and the low window will have adults ducking down to see out but legroom is quite adequate. The 5-door is a very different looking car that yields more space for back seat passengers. Both models give generous space to front seat passengers with a very comfortable driving position courtesy of the height and reach adjustable steering wheel and the supportive seating. The quality of materials used is leagues ahead of the old Corsa and like the Astra there’s the bulletproof feeling of build quality that’s as good as anything in the sector. Just about the only criticism of recent Vauxhall interiors was that, although well built, they didn’t offer a whole lot of slick design to catch the eye. The Corsa changes that particular script with translucent ambient lighting on the centre console switchgear, one of those ‘surprise and delight’ features that adds the all-important showroom wow-factor. The round air vents, the stereo and big satellite navigation screen (available on high spec cars only) give the Corsa’s dash a far more modern, integrated look than the somewhat piecemeal integration of technology of the old car. Vauxhall offer a particularly wide array of trim options for buyers to personalise their model range but it’s all very tastefully done with quality materials throughout. Yes, the 1.2-litre Twinport engine does have a big job on when it comes to shifting the substantial mass of the latest Vauxhall Corsa around but it should prove quite adequate for buyers who stick mainly to shorter, urban journeys or who simply aren’t interested in performance. The CDTi diesel engines are undoubtedly a better choice but at a £900 premium even for the least powerful 1.3-litre CDTi, you really are paying for that extra firepower. It’s best to make a decision based on the kind of driving you do and if you pick a 1.2-litre, the shinning all-round competence of the latest Corsa is unlikely to leave any lingering regrets once you’ve signed on that dotted line.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Twinport range PRICES: £9,000-£11,700 – on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 1-5 CO2 EMISSIONS: 139g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 13s / Max Speed 104mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 48.7mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ABS, seatbelt pretensioners, twin front airbags WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height 3990/1710/1490mm