Vauxhall Corsa Pre Model Expression 1.0i 12v ecoFLEX 3dr Car Review - February 2012

The interior of the cabin has an attractive sporty design to it, with some of the large controls illuminated in orange when the lights are on. It all has a nice solid feel to it and appears to be well put together.

Finding a good driving position is an easy task thanks to the adjustment available on the driver’s seat and steering wheel. Forward visibility can be hampered a bit by the thick windscreen pillars though.

The entry-level engine is a 66bhp 3 cylinder 12 valve petrol engine, producing a top speed of 96mph and 0-62mph in 18.2 seconds with maximum torque of 66lb-ft coming available midrange. It gives decent performance around the city with an average fuel economy of 55.4mpg, but if you spend a lot of time on the open road you’ll find it lacking in power. The five-speed manual gearbox fitted has a notchy feel to it, but the change is positive and in general it works well.

The Corsa’s handling is composed. It has plenty of grip in corners and gives you confidence in its ability to remain surefooted. Body control is impressively good for a small car. The steering would benefit from being more precise when cornering though, and vibrations from bumps can be felt through the column. It doesn’t possess the outright nimbleness of the Renault Clio, but it’s safe and comfortable. City driving and manoeuvring is straightforward and fuss-free.

Road and wind noise are well suppressed inside the Corsa’s cabin and it provides a comfortable and hushed ride over most surfaces.

The Corsa’s exterior styling is sleek and sporty looking – certainly an improvement over past versions, while the interior is also attractive and well designed.

The Expression comes with quite basic equipment including: power steering, central locking, electric door mirrors, an immobilizer and CD.

A stability control system (£465) and front side airbags (£435) are available as cost extras.

Higher-spec cars add air-conditioning, alloy wheels, MP3 connectivity, automatic headlights, trip computer and satellite navigation.

There’s room enough for four adults to travel comfortably, although in the three-door model the roofline may limit rear headroom for some. Boot space is impressive offering 285-litres with the rear seats in position, and this can be extended to 1,050-litres by folding them down, which gives you more space than in the Ford Fiesta or Peugeot 207.

EuroNCAP awarded the Corsa the maximum five-star rating in its crash-tests. Individual ratings were: occupant safety 5, child safety 3 and pedestrian safety 3. Twin front airbags are fitted as standard in the Expression and an electronic stability control system is available as an option.

Anti-theft measures are limited to an engine immobiliser on the Expression model.

While build quality appears excellent and everything seems to be well put together, there have been several recalls to attend to faults that have been identified. The Corsa comes covered by Vauxhalls 100,000 mile warranty, and with regular service intervals of 20,000 miles.

The Corsa Expression is an impressive small car and offers good value for money at £8,995. While the Ford Fiesta and VW Polo may be better options in some aspects, the Corsa’s mix of practical space, refinement and economy keep it competitive.

Good fuel economy and low CO2 emissions (120g/km) mean that running costs are quite reasonable. Insurance is in group 2 and Road Tax is VED band C.

There’s a lot of competition in this small car class – so look for discounts if buying new, and consider upgrading to one of the higher-spec cars with an even more efficient engine and air-conditioning which will make it more attractive when you decide to sell it on.