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

The diesel engine produces 94 bhp at 4000 rpm and 140 lb-ft of torque at 1750-3250 rpm. This helps to power the car along at a reasonable speed for a car of this class, with acceleration from 0-62 mph taking 12.3 seconds and a top speed of 107mph.

The Corsa handles well with precise steering and a distinct lack of body roll. However, the ride is very harsh indeed and manages to seek out even small imperfections on the road.

Engine noise is fairly quiet and noise from the wind and road is largely excluded from the cabin although this does increase during motorway driving.

The SE trim offers more standard equipment than the more basic S model.

Standard features include power steering, central locking, electric door mirrors, electric front windows and stereo with CD player – the same as in the S model. However, on top of this, alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control and MP3 connectivity for the stereo also get provided as standard.

Some options which were unavailable on the S model also become available. Climate control, for example, is available for £305 whilst rear parking sensors, Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in sat nav all become options which cost £285, £315 and £750 respectively.

The car feels well built and Vauxhall generally have a good reputation for reliability. An impressive 100,000 mile warranty is offered across the Corsa range.

The boot is reasonably capacious at 285 litres with the seats up, increasing to 1,100 litres when the seats are folded down – offering an additional 50 litres of space over the three door models. As a five door car this model also offers increased practicality when it comes to gaining access to the car and increased headroom makes the cabin more comfortable – especially for the rear seat passengers.

The Corsa performed well in the NCAP safety tests, attaining a five star rating for occupant safety. The model is fitted with driver and passenger airbags as standard fittings as well as front side airbags.

Priced at £16,795 this model is more expensive than most of the petrol versions and the diesel S 1.3 CDTi model. Value for money is fairly high with the model benefitting from a fairly vast selection of in-car technology whilst running costs are manageable with road tax falling under a fairly low band (C) and insurance premiums also being manageable under insurance group 9.

However, the Corsa SE 1.3 CDTi model lacks the high efficiency rating of the S model which utilises Start/Stop technology to achieve much better fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions. The purchase price is also higher and whilst the range of in-car technology is more extensive many of these options still incur additional charges, diminishing the value which is offered. For those more interested in economic benefits, the Corsa S 1.3 CDTi 16v (95ps) ecoFLEX Start/Stop 5dr is the better option.