The 2008-2017 Ford Fiesta Mk7 and the 2014-2019 Vauxhall Corsa Mk5 are two of the best options for those seeking a cheap used car. The Fiesta is a long-standing favourite among British car buyers thanks to its low running costs and fun driving dynamics, while the Vauxhall Corsa fights back with affordability and broad choice. Which should you choose?
Ford Fiesta Mk7 vs Vauxhall Corsa Mk5: Budget superminis compared
Practicality
Both contenders are available in three- and five-door configuration, and score similarly in practicality, with our expert reviewers awarding each a respectable 3 out of 5 stars. The Ford Fiesta's boot capacity stands at 290 litres, and will hold a weekly supermarket shop without a problem. The rear seats offer enough headroom and legroom for a couple of average height adults, and there's middle seat if you need to squeeze in an extra passenger.
The Corsa Mk5 holds its own in the practicality department. Its 285-litre boot capacity is down on the Fiesta, but only fractionally. Rear seat space is on a par with the Ford, and do note that split-folding rear seats only feature in higher-spec models such as SE and Elite.
Driving Impressions
CarGurus experts rate the 2008-2017 Ford Fiesta with a flawless 5-star driving score, highlighting its dynamic prowess and agility. The Fiesta's steering precision, body control, and comfortable suspension make it a joy to drive. The engines offer willing performance, with the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder Ecoboost proving particularly impressive. The Fiesta ST meanwhile is one of the best hot hatches Ford has ever built.
The Vauxhall Corsa doesn't fare as well here, with an average 3-star driving rating. That said, while it might not match the Fiesta's driving excitement, it still offers a smooth and comfortable ride suitable for both city commutes and longer journeys. For thrillseekers, the VXR hot hatch offers very strong performance, although it's power delivery and ride comfort can be a little uncouth.
Technology and Infotainment
For a car of its vintage, the 2008-2017 Fiesta earns a solid 4-star rating when it comes to the technology and interior it offers. While its older infotainment system might not be the most intuitive, features like the 'Quickclear' heated windscreen (standard on Zetec trim and above) and decent storage options enhance the overall driving experience.
The 2014-2019 Vauxhall Corsa trails slightly with a 3-star rating for technology. Despite its reasonable touchscreen infotainment system and smartphone connectivity options on later versions, it doesn't quite match the Fiesta's overall level of fit and finish.
Note that lower spec models of both cars miss out on basics such as air conditioning.
Running Costs
As you'd hope given these are small, affordable cars, when it comes to running costs both the Fiesta and Corsa fare well, with each seucring a CarGurus rating of 4 stars out of a possible 5. The Fiesta's wide range of engines ensures a good compromise between performance and economy, making it wallet-friendly in the long run. Moreover, its insurance groups and repair costs are reasonable, appealing to cost-conscious drivers. Expect between 40-50mpg from petrol models.
The Corsa is similarly cheap to insure and run, and like the Fiesta it is easy to work on, meaning you can service it outside of the dealer network if desired. Or if you would prefer to take it to a Vauxhall dealer the fixed price servicing menu should keep costs down. Expect fuel economy that matches the Fiesta in normal driving, and for those doing big distances note that the diesel engine returned upwards of 83mpg in official tests.
Reliability
The Fiesta Mk6 has a reasonable reputation for reliability, although it can't match the high standards set by the Toyota Yaris and Honda Jazz. Niggling electrical issues have been reported, and diesel models require regular high-speed runs to maintain their particulate filters. As such, we'd only recommend these for high mileage drivers.
The Corsa Mk5 has a mixed record in terms of reliability, and Vauxhall as a brand tends to fall mid-table in dependability studies. With any car of this age, reliability will largely depend on how well a vehilce has been cared for. Look for evidence of regular maintenance such as a stamped service history book, and use the car's online MOT record to get an idea of its overall condition.
Verdict
According to our experts, the 2008-2017 Ford Fiesta receives an overall rating of 4 stars, while the 2014-2019 Vauxhall Corsa garners 3 stars. Both are good options for anybody seeking budget motoring, not least because there's lots of examples available on the used market. The Fiesta's polished driving experience makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy being behind the wheel. But if affordability is your primary consideration, you might have more joy with tracking down a cheap Corsa, simply because they don't tend to retain their value as well.
Choose the 2008-2017 Ford Fiesta if:
- You seek a supermini that combines practicality, comfort, and an engaging driving experience.
- Affordable running costs and cheap insurance are high on your priority list.
- You appreciate a well-established model with a wide range of options, making it easy to find a good fit for your needs.
Choose the 2014-2019 Vauxhall Corsa if:
- You're looking for a budget-friendly supermini with low running costs and abundant availability.
- Practicality and straightforward driving are your main requirements.
- The inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a crucial factor, in which case, look for a model from 2016 onwards.