The New Vauxhall Corsa
Published: 16th September 2006
Flexibility
New Corsa introduces two new features to the market, the likes of which have not been seen before.
The first is a DualFloor boot, which offers a double load floor. In normal form, the boot is level with the lip of the rear bumper, making the luggage bay especially easy to load and unload. Alternatively, the DualFloor can be lowered to the bottom of the boot to allow larger items to be carried.
What’s more, the rear parcel shelf has been designed to allow easy stowage if you need to use the full height of the load bay. Instead of unclipping and leaving you nowhere to put it, it can be stowed vertically on special clips, against the back of the seat, meaning it is never in the way and unlikely to sustain damage.
Perhaps the most significant flexible feature of New Corsa though, is its innovative Flex-Fix system – an integrated rear carrier, which stows neatly away into the back bumper. When pulled out, Flex-Fix can carry up to two bicycles, while the additional rear lights required to use it are stowed away with the system itself and simply clip into place when needed.
We believe Flex-Fix sets new standards for on-board functionality, much in the same way as Zafira’s Flex7 seating did when it took the MPV market by storm in 1999.
Engines and Economy
At launch, three petrol and two diesel engines will be on offer. Petrol choices will be a 1.0-litre three-cylinder, developing 60PS; a 1.2-litre four-cylinder with 80PS is next up, while the leading petrol unit will be a 90PS 1.4-litre.
Diesel engines will initially both be 1.3-litre CDTis, in either 75PS or 90PS guise. Soon after launch, an all-new 1.7-litre CDTi will appear, with an impressive 125PS and 280Nm of torque.
All of the units are efficient, with the petrol engines taking advantage of GM’s celebrated TWINPORT technology to allow minimum fuel use with no compromise to performance. The diesels are especially fuel efficient, with the 1.3 CDTi 75PS returning upwards of 70mpg on an extra-urban cycle.
A choice of transmissions is available, with six-speed manual gearboxes fitted as standard to 1.3 CDTi 90 and 1.7-litre CDTi models, and optional Easytronic transmission on 1.2-litre TWINPORT versions. A conventional automatic is offered on 1.4-litre TWINPORT models.
Driving Dynamics
Excellent driving dynamics and outstanding handling were very much the key factors behind the development on New Corsa.
Extensive development on the car was carried out on British roads and at the Vauxhall Engineering Centre in Millbrook, Beds, as well as Opel’s dedicated proving ground at Dudenhofen, Germany, to ensure it offered the best combination of sharp handling responses and ride comfort.
Vauxhall Corsa
Our Vauxhall Corsa Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Corsa range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £7,995 - £16,200
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 36
We have road tested the Vauxhall Corsa, to read our in-depth car review:
Vauxhall Corsa Review - Feb 2007
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 28th Nov 2008
