Even if you’ve never owned a Vauxhall Corsa, there’s a good chance you know somebody that has.
It’s safe to say this supermini has been a huge success for Vauxhall, and sales show no signs of slowing, with the latest model currently being the UK’s most popular new car. With its striking design, much-improved interior and new electric option, it’s not hard to see why it is proving so popular.
So if you’re looking at a new Vauxhall Corsa, here’s what you need to know.
What powertrains are available?
Whether it’s petrol, diesel or electric, the Vauxhall Corsa has plenty to offer.
Let’s start with the petrol options, with a choice of three 1.2-litre units. The first is naturally-aspirated and produces 74bhp. Though its 0-60mph time of 12.2 seconds isn’t especially impressive, this version is best for new drivers thanks to its low insurance group.
Those wanting something with a bit more poke should choose the turbocharged model, which also gets a six-speed manual gearbox (the 74bhp option only has five gears). Producing 99bhp, this model is able to go from 0-60mph in 9.1 seconds, while its 52.3mpg fuel economy figure matches that of its less powerful sibling. At the top of the petrol range is an automatic 128bhp version, which is able to reach 0-60mph in just eight seconds.
Long distance drivers will appreciate the 101bhp 1.5-litre turbodiesel option, which is available with a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, and delivers decent performance alongside an impressive fuel economy figure of up to 70.6mpg. CO2 emissions of 105g/km are also very impressive.
Then there’s the electric Corsa-e, which combines a 134bhp electric motor with a 50kWh battery. A 0-60mph figure of 7.4 seconds makes it the quickest Corsa in the range, while Vauxhall claims a range of 209 miles from it, too. The ability to rapidly charge at up to 100kW means you can top up its battery to 80 per cent capacity in as little as 30 minutes.
What trim levels are offered?
Vauxhall offers five main trim levels on the Corsa, though the electric model gets a slightly different range of equipment to the petrol and diesel versions. Equipment highlights and prices are as follows. Please note all prices for the Corsa-e include the electric car grant.
SE/SE Nav Premium – from £17,015 (Corsa)/£27,140 (Corsa-e)
Standard equipment on the Corsa is generous and includes a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning and cruise control. You also get electric and heated door mirrors, a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel, traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist and automatic emergency braking.
If you choose the Corsa-e in this grade it’s the SE Nav Premium, with this trim adding satellite navigation, keyless start, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and rear parking sensors.
Griffin – from £17,265 (Corsa)/£26,390 (Corsa-e)
Upgrading to the Griffin from the SE brings heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, automatic lights and wipers, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. In terms of styling tweaks,you get a black roof and A-pillars, tinted rear windows and 17-inch gloss black alloy wheels.
If you choose the Griffin on the Corsa-e, you can also add LED interior lighting and LED fog lights to the equipment tally.
SRi/SRi Nav Premium – from £20,265 (Corsa)/£28,390 (Corsa-e)
The SRi brings sportier looks to the range thanks to its revised bodykit, black diamond-cut 17-inch alloy wheels, LED rear lights and tinted windows. You also get rear parking sensors, a black headliner and sports-style front seats.
The spec on the Corsa-e’s SE Nav Premium grade is broadly the same, other than the addition of satellite navigation.
Elite Edition/Elite Nav Premium – from £18,930/£30,745 (Corsa-e)
Elite Edition models expand on the Griffin with leather-style seats, electric folding mirrors, front parking sensors and a front centre console.
The Elite Nav Premium then heads up the Corsa-e range, adding a larger 10-inch touchscreen, keyless entry and Matrix LED headlights.
Ultimate Nav – from £25,700
The Ultimate Nav model is only available on petrol and diesel Corsas and heads up the range. It’s brimmed with features, adding adaptive cruise control with lane positioning assist, perforated leather seats and a massaging driver’s seat. You also get a 10-inch touchscreen, climate control, Matrix LED headlights and Vauxhall Connect.
What about personalisation?
With such a broad range of trim levels to choose from, most Corsa models have a different look to the rest, with a range of alloy wheel designs on offer, and the Corsa-e available with unique wheel options, too.
Though seven colour options might not be as extensive as rivals, there should be something to suit most, ranging from the standard Navy Blue to bolder Power Orange and Hot Red shades.
Actual optional extras are few and far between, though, with a panoramic sunroof (£500) being one of the few things you can specify.
Enquire on a new Vauxhall Corsa
