Hybrid Corsa a super sipper

The Corsa is getting cleaner! This new hybrid version of the top-seller is the most economical Vauxhall super­mini ever built – and it’s coming to a showroom near you next year.

Under the bonnet is the same 75bhp 1.3-litre CDTI turbodiesel that powers the regular model, but the hybrid features a lithium-ion battery pack, an electric motor and the com­pany’s new starter-alternator.

This works with a stop-start system – which cuts power in traffic, but fires the engine again when the driver releases the brake – to give 75mpg economy and 99g/km CO2 emissions. That makes it exempt from road tax.

The Corsa also features a regenerative braking system which can claw back lost energy to charge up the battery, while Vauxhall’s clever electric motor assists the engine under hard acceleration to provide the newcomer with better performance than the regular diesel-powered car. The Hybrid will make its world debut in concept form at the forthcoming Frank­furt Motor Show, and is expected to arrive in UK dealers towards the end of next year.