Vauxhall Corsa (00-06) Tested Jan 2006

Rating

Quick Summary

Average. Ageing supermini that offers good kit and performance - but feels unpolished next to more modern rivals.

Full Road Test

As replacement approaches the Corsa still regularly tops the UK sales charts. And there's still plenty to like about it - it's well finished, well equipped and comes with a range of characterful engines. Unfortunately in other areas, especially refinement and driving dynamics, it feels increasingly off the standards set by the rest of the segment.

The handsome styling has aged well - with the Corsa still bearing a clear visual relationship with the fine-looking original 1993 version. Inside it now feels relatively tight compared to some key rivals - and the dark, gloomy plastics don't do much to lift the ambiance. Rear seat space is tight for bigger occupants and the boot is less than generously proportioned.

On the road the Corsa feels very old with stodgy driving dynamics and a crashy ride. Refinement is relatively poor with loud motorway cruising and lots of "bump-thump" getting into the cabin over rougher urban roads.

A good range of engines provide a decent spread of performance. The basic 1.0 litre three-cylinder petrol motor lacks performance, but it sounds nice, loves to be revved hard and costs peanuts to run. The larger 1.2 and 1.4 litre petrol motors are decent, but it's the excellent 1.3 litre CDTi turbodiesel engine that gets our nod as the pick of the range - combining sprightly performance with 60-plus mpg economy. The range-topping 1.8 litre petrol version can't get close to more powerful hot hatch rivals.

Breakdown

Styling

Handsome design is one of the Corsa's biggest strengths - and responsible for much of its continued sales success.

Handling

The stodgy chassis combines uninterested cornering, lots of body roll and limited grip.

Comfort

Crashy in town and loud out of it.

Quality + reliability

Well-screwed together, although you'll search in vain for any surprise or delight in the drab, cheap-feeling cabin.

Performance

The range features several decent engines, with the most basic 1.0 litre petrol being a likeable in-town companion. The 1.3 CTDi turbodiesel is far better than the crude, barely faster 1.7 CTDi.

Roominess

Front seat space is no better than average and the driving position doesn't have as much adjustment as we would like. Tight in the back for anyone larger than children.

Running costs

The more basic versions are very cheap to run thanks to low insurance, good economy and reasonably priced servicing. Sadly, though, steep depreciation offsets most of this advantage.

Value for money

Keen pricing and good equipment means the Corsa still makes a strong value-based case for itself - just watch out for those poor residuals.

Stereo / Sat nav

The basic system can't muster much in the way of sound quality - but upgrades are available. Factory fitted Satnav is poor but the optional TomTom clip-in is much better.

Need to know

NCAP Rating

JD Power stars

Replacement Date: 2006

Residual Value**: 40%
**percentage of list price retained after 3 years / 36,000 miles

We like:

1) Pleasing styling.
2) Rev-happy 1.0 litre engine.
3) Super-frugal 1.3 CTDi turbodiesel.

We don't like:

1) Desperately dull dynamics.
2) Dreary cabin.
3) Lack of refinement.

Best and worst:

Most fun: 1.3 CDTi SXi
Most sensible: 1.0 "Life"
Worst: 1.8 SRI

Car Magazine says:

Average. 'Hard to hate but hard to love.'

4car says:

Average. 'Corsas seem to be everywhere - and for good reason.'

Auto Express says:

'Up there with the best from the best of the competition.'

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