These are the first images of Vauxhall’s Fourth-Generation Corsa, which will reach production later this year and is set to raise the class benchmark for driveability, comfort and practicality in a model which has become a household name for British small-car buyers.
Still one the UK’s top-selling and best-loved cars, the current model continues to garner affection from its owners thanks to its perfect combination of compact exterior dimensions and clever use of cabin space – major considerations when the new car was conceived.
As a result, the new Fourth-Generation Corsa is near-identical in length to the current model and retains its enviable space utilisation for occupants.
But almost every other element of its design and engineering has changed, significantly improving the car’s driveability, efficiency, connectivity and overall ownership experience.
All of the car’s body panels are new, and provide greater definition between the ‘sporty’ look of the three-door and the ‘premium’ five-door models. For the first time on a Corsa the car’s striking profile has been overlaid with Brit Mark Adams’ sculptural design, including elements such as the ‘blade’ running across the lower door-sections.
Almost every element of the Corsa’s generous cabin is completely new, including a completely re-designed instrument panel and dashboard, and greatly improved levels of functionality, highlighted by Vauxhall’s sophisticated IntelliLink system – its first use in a high-volume application.
Under the bonnet, new engines and transmissions will be available from launch. A 1.0-litre, three-cylinder ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo – just one of a raft of new engines from Vauxhall’s new powertrain offensive – will headline in the petrol offerings, while a much-improved 1.3 CDTi, which meets stringent Euro-6 regulations, will appeal to diesel buyers.
Improved driveability to class-leading standards has been a key goal during the New Corsa’s development, and to achieve this it has a completely re-designed chassis, with no carry-over componentry, and an emphasis on exceptional rolling refinement, ride quality, precise handling and stability.
‘Corsa remains the best-selling car in Vauxhall’s range, which is testament to the continued appeal of the current model to UK buyers, supported by a raft of innovative sales programmes that make the car even more enticing,’ said Tim Tozer, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. ‘So New Corsa has its work cut out – both as a worthy replacement for the existing car later this year, and as a new challenger in a highly competitive class. We’re confident that it will jump both hurdles with ease.’
