The Vauxhall Corsa has been a favourite of British drivers for a considerable time, and this year the nameplate celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Replacing the Nova – which was a rebadged version of the Opel Corsa – the Corsa has become a favourite of drivers across all demographics as a small car that is dependable and practical, while being compact and good to drive.
We take a look at the Corsa’s history in the UK.
Opel Corsa A – 1983 to ‘93
Although this model was called the Nova in the UK as a replacement for the Chevette, Opel’s Corsa for the European market was the first appearance of the moniker. Even if the name wasn’t present on British roads, this is where the Corsa brand began.
Vauxhall Corsa B – ’93 to 2000
Here is the first true Corsa to come to British shores, and with it a curvy shape that was a step up from the rather boxy Nova. Fitted with one of four petrol engines and an Isuzu-sourced diesel, the Corsa came with power units to suit everyone.
Updated later on in the 90s, the B’s downfall came from a two-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 1997, which meant Vauxhall and Opel had to ring the changes for the new model.
Vauxhall Corsa C – 2000 to ‘06
More of an evolution rather than a revolution, the Corsa C was a modernised version of its predecessor – coming with a tidier design on the outside. Vauxhall wanted to ensure that it remained popular with British buyers, and it was the most popular supermini for four years running between 2002 and 2005.
It was cheap as chips to buy, run and insure – as it is still – which made it a great choice for drivers in its key market of young drivers. Its dominance in the supermini market ended in 2006, when it was overtaken by the Ford Fiesta, which has gone on to become the most popular car in the UK.
Vauxhall Corsa D – ’06 to ‘14
2006 saw a complete revamp of the Corsa, with the new model coming on an all-new platform – shared with the Fiat Grande Punto – and a new design that moved away from the curvy look of the previous two generations.
Although it was never as popular as the modernised Fiesta that came out in 2007, the Corsa was a solid choice for those looking for a cheap run-around – with customers even able to choose the sporty VXR model, a favourite among younger drivers.
Vauxhall Corsa E – ’14 to present
The current Corsa was designed after feedback that motorists gave on the last generation, with new equipment being added to ensure it was better for all. Although the look is similar to the previous model, each panel on the body was new and gave a fresh take on the Corsa.
It has remained to be the second most popular supermini on the market, but will the ownership change to the French PSA Group change the model’s fortune? We’ll have to wait and see when the new model is revealed in the next couple of years.
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