Vauxhall Corsa review (2006 - 2013)

Pros

  • Good value as a used car

  • Practical for its size

  • Lots of models and specs to choose from

Cons

  • Lacks the badge appeal of a VW Polo

  • Some examples do without air conditioning

  • Underpowered 1.0-litre engine

3/5Overall score
Practicality
Driving
Tech and equipment
Running costs
2006-2013 Vauxhall Corsa Generational Review summaryImage

The CarGurus verdict

Many turn their nose up at a Corsa, because it doesn’t have the premium appeal of a Volkswagen Polo or the fine handling of a Ford Fiesta. It shouldn’t be overlooked, though, especially if you’re on a budget; a good used example can be a sensible, honest, and practical car that’s ideal for families or commuters.

Because there’s such variety to the line-up, it’s easy to find one that suits your needs. The extensive Vauxhall dealer network and the car’s uncomplicated nature also means it’s just as easy to maintain a Corsa.

The VXR is an interesting hot hatch option, too, and offers serious punch and a fun driving experience. It doesn’t handle as well as a Renault Clio Renaultsport, nor is it as talented as the later turbocharged Ford Fiesta ST, but – as is the case with the standard car and its contemporaries – it’s often far more affordable.

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What is the Vauxhall Corsa?

The Vauxhall Corsa has long been the go-to choice for those seeking a straightforward, inexpensive, and economical family hatchback, and this, the fourth-generation model – dubbed the Corsa D – was unveiled in 2006.

You might not recall seeing three previous generations of Corsa here in the UK, and there’s a good reason for that. The first Corsa, as it was known in the rest of Europe, which ran between 1982 and 1993, was sold in the UK, but it was called the Nova.

When it was new, this version went head-to-head with top sellers such as the Ford Fiesta and the Volkswagen Polo, along with alternatives such as the Seat Ibiza and the Fiat Punto. Its successor was launched in 2014.

  • The aforementioned 2010 facelift was a big one, and included new headlights, a chrome grille, new exterior colours – among them lime green – an optional 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a refreshed interior to bring the Corsa in line with then-new Vauxhalls. These cars also continued to benefit from suspension revisions designed to improve their handling, which formed part of an update in November 2009.
  • The first high-performance Corsa VXR arrived in 2007, and featured a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that produced a stout 189bhp, and was good for 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds. It also received bespoke VXR exterior and interior upgrades, as well as uprated brakes and suspension. Like the standard Corsa, the VXR was easy to drive and to live with. Enthusiasts usually prefer the way a hot Clio or Fiesta drives, but the Corsa VXR is often cheaper to buy.
  • Seven engine options were offered when the Vauxhall was launched. The entry-level option was a 58bhp 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol. Customers could also opt for four-cylinder 79bhp 1.2 or 89bhp 1.4-litre petrol engines, as well as a more powerful 148bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol. There were also two 1.3-litre diesels, producing 74bhp and 89bhp, and a more powerful 123bhp 1.7-litre diesel. This line-up wouldn’t change much over the years, but the engines would all receive minor improvements over time, and the range would later be topped by the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine found in the VXR.

  • The best all-rounder: We’d go for a version with the economical, low-maintenance 1.2-litre petrol engine. A five-door is more practical, and we’d seek out a model with air conditioning. If you’re looking at early Corsas, you’d need at least a Design model, which will also benefit from 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic headlights.
  • If you want the best mpg: The early diesels are a good option for those on a budget, but the later ecoFLEX diesels with start-stop technology are more economical and cleaner. Get your hands on a 2010-on CDTi ecoFLEX, as a case in point, and it’ll average a claimed 80.7mpg in lightest three-door form and cost nothing to tax.
  • If you’re on a budget: The least expensive model in the Corsa range was initially the three-door Expression with the 1.0-litre engine. It didn’t even have front electric windows, so there’s not much to go wrong if you’re looking at inexpensive used examples. Stick to the petrols if you want a dirt cheap Corsa, but buy a well-maintained example to avoid costly repairs.
  • The sporty models: The SRi and SXi versions of the Corsa feature sports suspension, which makes them a bit more entertaining to drive. A range of engines was also available, which makes them a good choice for those looking to balance economy and fun. None have particularly good steering, though, so you’ll have to opt for the range-topping VXR if you want a truly engaging experience.
Lewis Kingston
Published 8 Sept 2021 by Lewis Kingston
Lewis Kingston is an award-winning freelance motoring journalist who has previously held roles at titles such as Autocar, Car magazine, What Car? and Parkers. He writes reviews, features, news and guides, and can often be found trawling the CarGurus classifieds for bargain buys.

Main rivals

Body styles

  • Three-door hatchback
  • Five-door hatchback