IF you want a car that looks good, is compact and well-equipped the Corsa should definitely be on your shortlist.
On the road: IT may have been around for a while now, but it hasn’t lost any of its allure. More than 12 million have been sold since its introduction, including 84,000 in the last full year prior to the launch of this, the fourth-generation car.
This latest car is almost identical in length to the outgoing model, but that’s about all that remains the same.
All the body panels are new, as is the design of the cabin and the dash.
The SRi has a sporty appearance, but this is no hot hatch in the true sense of the word. Underneath the bonnet is a 1.0 litre turbo-powered engine which is enough for a top speed of 112mph and a nought to 60mph time of 12 seconds.
It’s fun to drive, without being exhilarating, and it handles sweetly enough.
Around town, the light steering and small dimensions means manoeuvring is simple and easy.
On the inside: I LIKED the newly designed interior of the Corsa with its combination of soft to the touch materials and shiny plastic surrounds. The steering wheel, more ergonomically designed, is easy on the eye and to the touch.
The seats are comfortable and, having experienced the travelling chimps that are my three children, I can attest to the fact that they are eminently wipe-downable.
What do you get: THE new Corsa is available in nine trim levels, with the range having been simplified quite markedly. Our SRi came with standard features such as heated windscreen, Intellilink audio system with digital radio, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, leather covered steering wheel, rain sensitive wipers, 16ins black alloys and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors.
Additionally, it had air conditioning, front fog lights, steering wheel mounted audio controls, sports style front seats and sports pedals, trip computer and 60/40 split folding rear seat back.
How practical is it: THE Corsa might be classed as a supermini, but it’s big enough inside to seat four in comfort and five if necessary. Headroom and legroom aren’t an issue. The boot has 285 litres of space with the seats up, increasing to 1,050 litres in our three-door version with them down.
Running costs: VAUXHALL says our car should be capable of returning more than 65mpg on the combined cycle. We managed in the mid-40s. CO2 emissions for our car were 100g/km, which means no road tax.
Verdict: A SMART and sensible small car.
Alternatives: Ford Fiesta, VW Polo
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