On the road with the Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall CorsaWhen you are thinking about buying a new car – you need to consider quite a few things.

For instance – is it fuel efficient, does have a DAB Radio and does it come with plenty of space for all those quick weekends away. But the most important question here really is; will it stack up against what VW, Peugeot & Ford have to offer.

Well, the Corsa has been around a very long time, and I remember passing my driving test in one, it was the same for my wife, and all our friends. Plus let’s not forget the Corsa has to be one of the most modified cars of all time. My brother also had one and I remember him spending most of his spare cash on large wheels and go faster stripes.

So, does the new model have what it takes to fight off all the competition? Well, let’s find out.

Power and Efficiency:
The 1.4-litre Turbocharged petrol engine produces 100PS with a maximum torque figure of 147Ib/ft, making it incredibly good at getting a sprint on from the lights or nipping around those country lanes. 0-62mph is dealt with in around 11seconds – and if you add in the Start/Stop system it will at a push, return over 50mpg on the combined figure. Max Speed also tops out at 115mph

On the road:
The handling good – but I feel it’s not as much fun to drive as the VW Polo and although the steering is direct which is one better than the Polo, the Corsa still feels a little heavy for my liking. Saying that – grip levels are good and it has no problem dealing with our ever increasing poor road network of potholes and uneven surfaces.

Design & Technology
The interior is fresh and all the buttons and dials are clear. The front seats have plenty of adjustment to them and feel well made, and very comfortable. Rear leg room is also good and the boot space is fantastic. I like the wide boot opening – this will help facilitate getting a large item inside the boot a doddle.

But, some of the plastics do look cheap – although in the end, this is a car that was designed to be cheap to own and cheap to run – it’s still as good as what VW has come up with recently, so in my book, the Corsa stacks up really well.

Some of the standard equipment across the range is good – and the SRI version I had on test comes with; IntelliLink audio system, 7-inch colour touchscreen, AM/FM/DAB digital radio, Bluetooth® audio streaming, Bluetooth® mobile phone portal, Apple CarPlay™ / Android Auto™, USB audio, Air conditioning, Leather-covered steering wheel, Sports-style front seats, Rain-sensitive windscreen wipers, Automatic lighting control, Electrically adjustable / heated door mirrors, Front fog lights with chrome-effect surround, 16-inch black 4-twinspoke alloy wheels (3-door) and LED daytime running lights.

To sum up:
As good as a Volkswagen Polo in the same like for like form – but it’s a better pick when it comes to price, space and equipment. So, let’s say no more. If I was you – I would go and check out the new Corsa – it’s a great first-time car to buy.

£13,930 OTR (from) 3 Door – SRi) By Anthony Yates

 

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