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

The diesel engine delivers a fairly decent power output of 94 bhp at 4000 rpm with torque figures of 140 lb-ft at 1750-3250 rpm. This helps to power the car along at a reasonable speed for a car of this class, with acceleration speeds capable of reaching 0-62 mph in an impressive 12.3 seconds delivered.

This gives the car a top speed of 110 mph which is more than sufficient for the average family hatchback. Handling and steering is firm and controlled and this means that driving this model around town is easy and comfortable. Unfortunately, motorway driving is not as comfortable and a lot of steering adjustments are needed to help the car cope with the higher speeds.

Refinement is high and the engine generates little noise, making the cabin a comfortable place to be. On top of this the Start/Stop functionality helps to increase the engines efficiency, limiting fuel consumption.

This model comes with a basic trim level and that means internal equipment is not as extensive as it could be. However, the arrangement of the dash is well organised and logical and that means that operating controls is easy for drivers.

Standard features include: power steering, central locking, electric door mirrors, electric front windows and stereo with CD player. MP3 connectivity is not available as an option for this model and neither is a built-in sat nav, leather seats, rear parking sensors, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, climate control or alloy wheels.

Small improvements can be made to the equipment of the car through chargeable extras but these are somewhat limited. Stability control is priced at £465 whilst air conditioning costs £510 and a metallic paint finish costs £495. Front side airbags are not offered as standard but cost £435 and an alarm is not available on this model.

The Corsa range prides itself on comfort and reliability and that means the quality of the build is high. Internal equipment, whilst lacking in this model, feels firm and robust and the exterior has a similar feeling. A warranty is provided for 100,000 miles with a service interval of 20,000 miles suggested to help drivers maintain the quality of their vehicle.

Practicality is fairly high within this model although the lack of interior equipment can be a drawback. The boot offers a reasonable capacity of 285 litres with the seats up, increasing this to 1,100 litres when the seats are folded down – offering an additional 50 litres of space on 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 seats.

The car also performed fairly 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 but front side airbags cost an additional £435 which could deter some buyers considering the large range of vehicles which offer these as standard.

To protect the car from theft there is an immobiliser fitted as standard but unfortunately this model lacks an alarm and there is no option to have one fitted.

Priced at £14,770, this model is more expensive than most of the petrol versions but, in the long term, offers a wider selection of financial benefits to owners. The high fuel economy is combined with free road tax and relatively low insurance premiums under insurance group 8 to give the model exceptionally low running costs which are sure to be popular with families and first time buyers.

On top of this, the performance offered by the diesel model is still high and outperforms the 1.2 litre petrol models. This means customers do not have to sacrifice power for efficiency. The only compromise which is made is on the in-car technology but those prepared to take a loss here will gain an efficient and reliable vehicle which is ideal for long term ownership.