Skip advert
Advertisement

Vauxhall Corsa ecoFLEX

Cleanest-ever Vauxhall leads way in the value for money race

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£4,199 off RRP*
Find your Vauxhall Corsa
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Vauxhall already has an impressive range of ecoFLEX models, and this latest Corsa version is another star performer. With a bargain price tag, frugal fuel consumption and low emissions, it really is the best all-rounder in the Corsa line-up. It’s not as much fun as rivals to drive and it could be even more efficient if it had stop-start. However, it’s a well built, good looking machine that doesn’t require owners to make any real compromises in the search for low-cost, eco-friendly motoring.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It's the greenest car in the history of Vauxhall – but at first glance, this Corsa may not look particularly revolutionary. However, thanks to a host of subtle tweaks to the gearbox, aerodynamics and kerbweight, the super-frugal supermini is able to return 70mpg on the combined cycle.

Going into battle with other green small cars such as Ford’s Fiesta ECOnetic and the VW Polo BlueMotion, the Corsa ecoFLEX is on sale now for £11,295. With buyers looking for ways to save money, could it be the car of the moment?

In a few years, Vauxhall will launch the electric Ampera, but while the Corsa ecoFLEX doesn’t feature stop-start or any hybrid-style trickery, it’s still extremely clean, with emissions of 105g/km.

The gearbox boasts a shorter second gear – for better low-speed response – but fourth and fifth are longer, which reduces fuel consumption on the motorway.
Other changes include a 20mm lower ride height, narrower, low rolling resistance tyres and a 45kg weight reduction. These tweaks also mean that the little 74bhp 1.3-litre CDTI diesel returns 70.6mpg.

The unit is peppy around town, but can still hold its own on the motorway. Indeed, despite the longer gearing, the Corsa is still responsive, while Vauxhall quotes 85.6mpg on the extra-urban cycle.

Downsides? Well, the engine is noisy, and while the Corsa is agile, it lacks the fluidity and direct steering of the Fiesta.

Plus, it’s a shame Vauxhall couldn’t have dropped the Corsa’s CO2 emissions below the ‘magical’ 100g/km mark.

Both the Fiesta and Polo do exactly that, and don’t cost owners a penny in road tax as a result. However, 105g/km means a licence of only £35, and combined with a price which undercuts the Fiesta ECOnetic’s by £2,500, the ecoFLEX is clearly a winner when it comes to saving money.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,199 off RRP*Used from £15,337
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,848 off RRP*Used from £7,649
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,448
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025