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The Corsa name first appeared in the UK in 1993 and has been troubling the top of the sales charts ever since. As a result the Corsa is a ubiquitous sight on Britain’s roads and will have been the first car for many drivers thanks to its popularity with driving schools and private buyers alike. So the Corsa has undoubtedly been a success, but is it there by merit or habit?
Thankfully there have of course been several iterations of Corsa since 1993, and the current model is one of the better-looking efforts. Step inside and you’ll find a dashboard which is both intuitive to use and well built. It is slightly surprising that a reach-adjustable steering wheel is an option when it is standard on more expensive models, but if you can live without it there is much to like.
The excellent official fuel economy is down to the 1.3-litre turbodiesel engine which provides a good balance between efficiency and performance thanks to 140 lb. ft. of torque available from 1,500 rpm, and 94 bhp at 3,750 rpm. In addition engine Start/Stop helps to keep fuel consumption in check in town whilst a six-speed gearbox helps everywhere else.
On the move the Corsa offers admirable refinement and ride comfort, but it isn’t particularly engaging to drive. If you don’t regularly take the long way home and you haven’t even got a favourite B road, this will matter little. If this is the case, the day-to-day comfort offered by the little Vauxhall is hard to beat in this class.
The Corsa remains one of the country’s favourite buys because it blends contemporary looks with a trusted name and a big bucks advertising campaign. It is pitched firmly at the mainstream where cutting-edge driving dynamics are less important than low running costs, practicality and comfort. In this context the Corsa is a winner.
Read the Green Car Guide Vauxhall Corsa Review
