What are the Pros and Cons of a Vauxhall Corsa?


The Vauxhall Corsa was introduced back in 1993 to compete with the Fiesta, Clio, 206 and other small cars from Citroen, Fiat and VW.
Today the Corsa is in the top ten best selling new cars list. I've never regarded this as evidence its one of the best small cars because new car sales are heavily influenced by manufactuters marketing and it doesn't account for the used car market which is over three times the size of new.  The Vauxhall Corsas popularity in this used car market and its huge strength being social proof it's regarded as a great little car.


The Corsas model range is probably the largest in the new small car market. It's available as a 3 or 5-door with a range of diesel or petrol engines, lots of trim levels and special editions. No matter what small car you might consider the Corsa has it covered from a 1.0 basic entry model to the VXR to take on the RenaultSport Clio and Mini Cooper.

The Ford Fiesta is the Corsas #1 competitor. If you compare the Corsa with a Fiesta, Clio, 207, Polo, they're all about the same size. There's small differences in engine efficiency on paper which may not be present or significant on the road, and they're all up to scratch for safety. The only difference is buyers tastes in style and comfort.

Style or image is probably what makes the Corsa so popular as a used car. Plus BSM learner drivers had their lessons in a Corsa. Young drivers love Corsas, Clios, 207s and there association with ultimate hot hatches which is also the attraction of the Mini.

There's a Corsa model for everyone. The sales pitch is the buyer has choice. The problem is it can confuse a buyer especially when new car marketing programmes are mixed in with discount and finance offers. It's too easy for the buyer to get switched from model to model.

Any objection from the buyer and the salesperson can just switch engines, trims, discounts and finance. It seems choice is arrived at by deduction. However too much switching and a buyer can forget their original desires. A buyer could be switched into a value limited edition special offer which looks good with its alloy wheels but may have the 60/40 split rear seat missing for example. Sports style trims can be attractive but sports seats may be a pinch for some. I know it's the buyers choice but it can be confused by too much choice.

Overall though the Corsa has strong performing engines, it's stable, sure-footed and sharp. It's got loads of street cred' plus fuel economy and 5-star Euro NCAP safety.

I've got three gripes:

• The two door visibility through the rear sides windows is poor.
• I can't calculate the diesel options to be viable given the premium price for the diesel Corsa.
• At any price the 1.0 entry model doesn't seem to be a contender against a Micra, Fabia, Swift or Special Limited Edition Fiestas and Clios.

Having said that the Corsa is one of today's great small cars. Mind you the Clio and 207 will probably be replaced before the Corsa and historically they change the game in style and engine efficiency. Hopefully they'll bring more advanced fuel saving technology to the everyday car.

Today, the Corsa is one of the top two small car contenders which ever way you look at it.

Regards
Ralph