Peugeot 207 S v Renault Clio v Toyota Yaris v Ford Fiesta v Vauxhall Corsa

In its first British test, we line up Vauxhall's Corsa against four key rivals

Auto Express Car Reviews

Photos: Nathan Morgan September 2006

The Corsa’s arrival is huge news, as the car has been Britain’s best-selling supermini for 29 of the past 50 months, with just under 90,000 finding homes here last year alone
The supermini class is the toughest and most fiercely contested in Britain. New offerings from Renault, Fiat, Toyota and Peugeot have all arrived in the past 12 months, giving drivers more choice than ever.

And now, the buying decision has got even harder, as Vauxhall’s new Corsa hits dealers next month. There are three and five-door versions, each with their own distinct look, and six engines (1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 petrols, plus a 1.7 and two 1.3-litre diesels).

The Corsa’s arrival is huge news, as the car has been Britain’s best-selling supermini for 29 of the past 50 months, with just under 90,000 finding homes here last year alone. In its first UK test, the model meets three of its freshest rivals, plus Ford’s big-selling Fiesta. We covered more than 1,500 miles of varied roads to bring you our comprehensive verdict.

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Full Car Reviews

1st Renault Clio

Renault's Clio has cleaned up in our recent group tests. But how will it compare in this company?

View Renault Clio

2nd Vauxhall Corsa

The Corsa's been eagerly awaited. We compare it to the opposition

View Vauxhall Corsa

3rd Peugeot 207 1.4 S

The new 207 retains the look of the model it succeeds, although it’s marked out by bold bumpers and a gaping grille

View Peugeot 207 1.4 S

4th Toyota Yaris

The Yaris is the tallest of our test quintet, yet has the shortest wheelbase, ensuring great manoeuvrability

View Toyota Yaris

5th Ford Fiesta

Ford's Fiesta is the oldest major contender in the supermini class, but is still a big seller

View Ford Fiesta

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Facts and Figures

Open Table

Verdict

In the most fiercely contested sector of the market, it’s the Ford Fiesta which is first to fall. It’s fun, but showing its age. In fourth is the Toyota Yaris, which can’t match its rivals dynamically, but has good stowage space.

The Peugeot 207 is let down by its flimsy gearbox and tight rear seats – which leaves the Renault and Vauxhall. The Corsa is keenly priced, well built and refined. But the 1.4 engine isn’t the strongest, and the SXi’s ride is too firm. So despite our concerns over its residual values, in this test at least victory goes to the roomy, attractive Clio.