Performance

Choose between a one-, 1.2 or 1.4-litre petrol or pick one of three diesels, a 1.3 with either 75 or 89bhp and a 130bhp 1.7. The 1.3 diesel is expected to be a big seller, but the 75bhp doesn't have the grunt to expose too many flaws in the car's handling. Instead what you have is a fairly sedate and surprisingly refined economy chugger. There's no obvious diesel rattle when you fire it up, and that modest power output feels more than a match for the Vauxhall Corsa's equally modest weight. It pulls rapidly to a proper cruising speed, and with 125lb ft of torque to work with, this diminutive thing can stay comfortably among the big boys without straining you or it.

Driving

On twisty country lanes there's an accuracy to the steering that encourages you to push on. Short overhangs front and rear give the car a feeling of real stability and poise under braking and acceleration. The chassis seems taut and communicative, up to coping with a lot more power. Turn-in is sharp and there's much less body roll than in the old model. However, the low-speed ride can also be harsh. Not just on country lanes, but on properly sorted urban asphalt there's a significant vibration.

Space

In the five-door there is a superb amount of room for rear passengers, and the boot is both spacious and versatile with a removable flat floor and neat stowage system for the parcel shelf.

Build quality

On board, there are parallels with the Astra, from the soft-touch plastics on the dash and door trim to the meatiness of the steering wheel and gearstick. Inevitably, however, there are some aspects of the interior that highlight the car's junior status. The odd bit of trim isn't quite as impressive as it would be in the Astra, and there's a simplicity to the overall design that is clearly dictated by cost rather than by some sort of less-is-more philosophy.

Equipment

For basic motoring, the Expression fits the bill, boasting a stereo radio/CD player and central locking. The Life adds electric windows but you need to specify the Life a/c for air conditioning. The Design has a leather covered steering wheel and the SXi receives 16in alloys. On the five-door, you can also specify an in-built bike rack called Flex-Fit that pulls out from the rear bumper.

Safety

Every model comes with ISOFIX child seat anchors for the outer rear seats and anti-lock brakes. The Club adds full-size curtain airbags, and the car is a five-star superstar at EuroNCAP.

Owning

Good fuel economy (the diesel offers 61mpg), low insurance ratings and clean engines all help the little Corsa to be cost effective to run.

Value

Much cheaper than many of its rivals. The one-litre Expression for example is £1k less than the equivalent Yaris and Fiesta.

Verdict

It's stylish, reasonably good to drive and nicely put together - can this really be a Vauxhall Corsa? Yes it can, especially when you see how much it costs. Only the boffins at Luton know how to make cars this good for such little money.

Fancy something hotter?

Corsa VXR

The VXR rides well and, thanks to its 1.6 turbo, goes with enough confidence to deserve the sporting moniker. Yet it doesn't feel as tight as the Clio 197; not steering or changing gear as sharply, and falling short of the immediacy that makes the Renault so involving.

Vauxhall Corsa rivals
Peugeot 207
Renault Clio
Fiat Punto

Vauxhall Corsa road tests
Vauxhall Corsa - August 21, 2006
Vauxhall Corsa 1.7 DTi Elegance - December 21, 2001
Vauxhall Corsa Easytronic - October 1, 2001
Vauxhall Corsa - February 22, 2001
Vauxhall Corsa - May 1, 1997