Vauxhall Corsa Pre Model Exclusiv 1.3CDTi 16v (95ps) ecoFlex Start/Stop 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The Vauxhall Corsa is a car that is generally good to drive and offers a suspension that takes the majority of the bumps out of the ride without being too soft and wallowing. The steering is sharp and very light meaning that it is good around town, but the steering remains light as the speed picks up, meaning that driving on the motorway does mean a lot of adjustments to the wheel. A good driving position can be adjusted to suit the individual driver, but one weak spot is that the thick windscreen pillars do impede visibility for the driver.

Considering that this engine is designed for efficiency, it is great to see that the engine also performs well when compared with the smaller petrol engines. Acceleration is reasonable rather than rapid, going from 0-62mph in 11.5 seconds, and the top speed of 110mph is enough to suit the needs of most drivers, but driving at speed will mean that the generally refined cabin does experience some engine noise.

The looks of previous generations of Vauxhall Corsa have endeared themselves to many people, and the grille has the curve of a smile, while the headlights match this nicely. The roof does start to slope towards the hatchback door at the back of the car, and on the whole this is a very attractive car. Inside the cabin the seats are comfortable and stylish enough, with a centre console that is simple and straightforward.

The Exclusiv level of trim is the mid-range offering in the Vauxhall Corsa, and does have a few luxuries such as a fully adjustable seat and steering wheel for the driver, and electric heated mirrors. The CD stereo is also good and has MP3 connectivity, but many people will find themselves looking towards the optional extras list, particularly for air conditioning and ESP.

One of the best things about the Vauxhall Corsa is that it is a car that balances practicality and small dimensions, meaning that it is ideal as a small family car around town. However, it does get a little tight if you try and fit five adults into the car, and the boot space isn’t huge, even when you lower the floor of the boot for a little extra space. Although the reviews of other drivers suggest that the reliability of the Corsa is questionable, it is backed up by an excellent warranty package.

The Corsa is also quite a safe car to drive, and this version has six airbags installed including the curtain airbag to look after passengers in the back of the car should there be an accident. One disappointing aspect is that ESP has to be paid for as an optional extra, but this didn’t prevent the car getting five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test.

Because of all the additional technology that is to be found in the diesel engine of this Corsa, the list price of £15,330 does appear to be quite high. However, this does balance as it also boasts some very cheap running costs.

The fuel efficiency of the 1.3 litre diesel engine is particularly impressive, as it can achieve an average 78.5mpg. The insurance costs are also very reasonable, and the low emissions mean that there is no road tax to pay. Depreciation in this version is better than in some other Corsa models, and Vauxhall also offer a superb 100,000 mile warranty which isn’t limited by time.