Vauxhall Corsa S 1.3 CDTi ecoFLEX

Membership of the sub-100g/km club isn’t reserved for new models. Vauxhall’s Corsa was our favourite supermini when it arrived in 2007, and while it has slipped down the pecking order since, it still squeezes under the tax-free emissions barrier.

In £13,490 three-door S trim, the ecoFLEX model produces 98g/km of CO2. A five-door version putting out 99g/km is available for £420 more, while there are three other specs. Our entry-level S is spartan inside, and does without air-conditioning, although buyers can select this from the options list for an extra £500.

Exclusiv versions start at £14,040, and add side and curtain airbags, rake and reach steering wheel adjustment, split-fold rear seats, plusher cabin trim and an aux-in socket. Special-edition Energy models get air-con, alloys and front foglamps, and kick off from £14,190. Yet this variety can’t disguise the Corsa’s dated underpinnings. EcoFLEX tweaks include lowered suspension, low-drag tyres, aero wheel covers and a gearshift indicator, but from behind the wheel drivers are likely to be
more concerned about road noise: refinement isn’t great.

The 1.3-litre diesel responds slowly, too, and the Corsa isn’t as much fun as the Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio and Peugeot 207.

Vauxhall’s 100,000-mile warranty provides peace of mind, but in every other respect, the car trails its rivals.

Rating: ***