Vauxhall CORSA
Vauxhalls Corsa Hasnt Lost That Streetwise Edge. June Neary Gets Behind The Wheel
Out on the road, you cant help but notice the little Corsa. In the throngs of city traffic, there is very little else that can cut its way deftly through the queues, and still leave you unruffled at the other end. The first time I met the Corsa, it begged me to drive it and I did, with great enjoyment. This latest version promised to be something special from my first glimpse of it in the car park.
The latest model features a modified face with chrome around the grille and striking clear-lens headlights. Theres a more aggressive air-intake at the front too and body coloured bumpers are standard across the range. Theres been an influx of engine technology too with CDTi diesel engines and petrol units that have been revised to incorporate the latest Twinport technology for greater fuel economy. On a safety note, ABS brakes with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) are standard on all models.
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Around town, the Corsa is a joy to drive and while settled on longer trips, something a little larger could come in handy. The suspension is well balanced between sporty handling and comfort, giving a smooth, quiet ride even on the most potholed of country lanes. I also continue to admire the Corsa's image. It manages to avoid looking like a cartoon and, at the same time, its
smart enough for business use. Whats more, for short journeys, this little
Vauxhall is suitable as a family run-around. Some very clever packaging has meant that plenty of space has been freed up inside the car.
And given that the wheelbase is the longest in the Supermini class, you get the feeling that you are actually in a much larger vehicle. Nice touches? The Corsa is full of them. Theres plenty of storage space, with large door bins and a shallow tray beneath the front passenger
seat. Plus theres a sunglasses holder by the drivers head.
I also like the way the rear wash and wipe activates when reverse is selected in the rain. And the infotainment system which I could upgrade to include everything from a telephone to satellite navigation, if purse permits. Safety is a big consideration for me in this little car. Double side-impact protection beams are installed in the doors; and the anti-submarine ramps installed into the seats stop you sliding under your seatbelt under heavy braking.
Add to this reinforced rear seats (to give protection to occupants from any luggage in the boot) and full seat-belt pre-tensioners and the Corsa looks like a package that I would be happy to transport my whole family around in.
I felt at home straight away. The 1.4-litre Design model I was driving was beautifully upholstered, and the interior was light and airy. The driving position was very comfortable, and the controls clear and easy to read.
A centre console housed a logical nest of controls for the heater and stereo, all easy to use. In the five-door model I borrowed, there was room for two adults in the back. The payback for their legroom was the smallish boot space, but take out the parcel shelf and you could still fit in some luggage if you needed to.
I really liked the power steering as it made running around town easy it is only three turns from one lock to the other. Where it really came into its own was in my office car park however the spaces are a little on the narrow side, but the compact Corsa slid in and out without any problems. The accelerator was just about right enough zip to get me away from the lights but not so much that the front wheels spun on quick getaways. When the car was loaded, the added weight didnt seem to make that much difference, either.
For £6,995 you can get your hands on a 1.0-litre Expression, which might not have as many nifty features as the next model up, but is frugal, relatively nippy and economical. If you want the 1.8-litre 16v SRi, then youll have to ask your bank manager for at least £11,795, which still isnt bad for something as well appointed.
An advanced SRi 1.7 CDTi diesel is also available, priced at £12,490 for the three-door and £13,150 for the five-door version. With a huge choice of trim levels and options available on the range, youre sure to find something that suits you.
For day-to-day driving, the Corsa was brilliant and I would recommend the 5-door version if you are carrying passengers, especially children, as loading is much easier. For something fun, frugal and cheap to run, I cant think of a better small car.
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