Motoring

Vauxhall Corsa Elite

The Corsa has been the bestselling vehicle in the Vauxhall range since its launch in 1993, and Shire’s motoring expert Bob Hickman sees no reason why this shouldn’t continue with its latest incarnation

When you first see the all-new Corsa, you can see that like many other cars in its range it has grown from the diminutive hatchback it once was. In fact, it now appears to be almost the same size as the next car in the Vauxhall family – the Astra. The Corsa Elite also has a new bold grille and huge super-bright headlights across the range. The roof colouring is an attractive option and the interior has been comprehensively improved, but it’s the external look that I think gives credit to the GM designers.

One area in which I think the Corsa will succeed is the availability of an electric version, especially in view of recent Government announcements on electric vehicles. You still have a choice between petrol or diesel; the test vehicle had a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine that produced 100PS, sufficient to give a top speed of a very handsome 119mph and 0 to 60 in just over 10.2 seconds. Vauxhall claims a combined fuel figure should be between 45.6 and 48.7 seconds, and during a week of varying testing I achieved 44.1mpg. CO2 emissions aren’t that low, however, at 134g/km.

Interior improvements

The level equipment on the test vehicle was quite extensive. The infotainment has a 10in colour touchscreen that is very easy to use, and six speakers. The satellite navigation was clear and simple to understand, and the DAB radio seems to lock on to a signal and not lose it like some others that I’ve used! Bluetooth comes as standard, as do Apple and/or Android features.

The interior has received a makeover and the standard level of equipment is quite good. I liked that the driver and front passenger seats can be adjusted in height as well as rake. The electronic climate control works admirably well and there is sufficient head, shoulder and knee room for front passengers, although the back isn’t too great for tall adults and can be a little on the tight size. The boot, meanwhile, is admirable for a vehicle of this size and much

“The eight- bigger than some of its competitors. speed Behind the wheel automatic I found the Corsa a good vehicle gearbox never to drive. It responded to the felt laboured or strained” steering, and turned and held the road wonderfully well. The eightspeed automatic gearbox seemed to know exactly what the correct ratio for the given circumstances was, and it never felt laboured or strained in its operation. This is the 10th generation of the Vauxhall Corsa and it’s difficult to express anything other than admiration for what Vauxhall has achieved. It was always a good car, but now with its excellent infotainment system, a larger boot and space for adults or three children in the back of the enlarged new version, the Corsa may suddenly be promoted on to your list rather than being dismissed as too small for the family. The Corsa has a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty and 12,500 miles or one year for servicing. The on-the-road price is normally £22,785 but the test car was finished with Quartz Grey two-coat metallic paint, which added an extra £550 to the bill.

The new Corsa is more spacious than its predecessors and has an impressive infotainment system

Bob is a devoted car and motorcycle fan. After a 30-year career as a police motorcycle patrol officer and latterly as a sergeant, patrolling the motorways of the Midlands, retirement beckoned and he embarked on writing about his love of transport.

Bob is a member of the Guild of Motor Writers and the Midland Guild of Motor the Midland Guild of Motor Writers. In his spare time he rides a Royal Enfield he rides a Royal Enfield Continental GT motorcycle and drives a 1994 MG RV8.