Skip advert
Advertisement

Vauxhall Corsa ecoFLEX

Latest version of fuel-sipper gets superb diesel engine

Four years after its launch, the Corsa is still an attractive and desirable car. And this ecoFLEX version offers a welcome green boost, as well as a more capable chassis. Running costs impress, particularly the emissions, but crucially they don’t compromise the driving experience. Vauxhall needs to be very careful how it markets its eco brand, though – with so many variants, buyers can be confused by the figures.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Superheroes never seem to go out of style, and nor do their four-wheeled cousins – just take Vauxhall’s Corsa ecoFlex. Under its Clark Kent exterior lies a fuel-sipping powertrain good enough to ensure it’s been the best-selling model in the firm’s green-badged range.

The latest version went on sale on 1 April, but its running costs are no joke – combined fuel economy is an incredible 76.3mpg, and CO2 emissions of 98g/km are even better.

You need to be careful exactly what you are buying though. There are myriad alternative ecoFlex Corsas (even a 1.0-litre petrol version), and only the 94bhp 1.3-litre CDTI diesel three-door – in S, Energy or Exclusiv trim – hits the magic 98g/km mark, which means exemption from road tax.

Inside and outside, the new economy champ Corsa is identical to the previous car, so it’s an attractive if not particularly inspiring place in which to spend time. But it’s comfortable, spacious and still bang up to date.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Corsa

2022 Vauxhall

Corsa

11,198 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £12,699
View Corsa
Corsa

2023 Vauxhall

Corsa

5,152 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £15,800
View Corsa
Corsa

2022 Vauxhall

Corsa

5,155 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £13,884
View Corsa
Corsa

2019 Vauxhall

Corsa

27,253 milesManualPetrol1.4L

Cash £9,274
View Corsa

Under the skin, a number of revisions to the suspension and steering promise a new level of dynamic ability. While the old Corsa was safe and predictable, it was hardly the finest driving machine – and with stiff competition from the Ford Fiesta ECOnetic, it needed to raise its game.

So the dampers have been revalved, the electronic power-steering has new software to reduce the effort required at low speeds and the suspension has been softened at the front for smoother urban progress.

We weren’t able to fully rate these changes, as our car was an early prototype. But they should give the Corsa a sharper edge and more comfortable ride.

The new engine is a cracker, though, with plenty of low-end torque – so you don’t have to use lots of revs and ruin your fuel economy figures. Town drivers might find it worth waiting until the autumn for the introduction of a stop-start system on the ecoFLEX. In the right conditions, these set-ups can cut consumption by five to 10 per cent – a useful edge in the battle for fuel-sipping superhero honours.

Rival: Fiesta ECOnetic
Green-branded Ford features a 90bhp 1.6 turbodiesel engine, and offers similar pace, fuel economy and emissions to the Corsa. It handles and steers brilliantly – although it’s a pricey choice, at £14,962.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,901 off RRP*Used from £14,350
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,538 off RRP*Used from £13,908
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,406 off RRP*Used from £12,495
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £7,837 off RRP*Used from £12,700
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Open wide and say R, it’s a sporty Volkswagen Golf for £210 a month
Volkswagen Golf - front action

Car Deal of the Day: Open wide and say R, it’s a sporty Volkswagen Golf for £210 a month

The Volkswagen Golf has always been a quality choice, but now it won’t break the bank, even in R-Line trim. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 5
News
5 Sep 2025
Electric car battery repairs and health checks: how to keep thousands of EVs on the road
Battery health checks - Arnhem site 4 REVIVE MOBILE

Electric car battery repairs and health checks: how to keep thousands of EVs on the road

The truth about EV battery repair and why understanding state of health could revolutionise the electric-car market
Features
5 Sep 2025
New BMW iX3 to shake the EV world with huge 500-mile range
New BMW iX3 at the Munich Motor Show - front static

New BMW iX3 to shake the EV world with huge 500-mile range

The UK’s longest EV range at a tasty price: BMW’s game-changing iX3 is here
News
5 Sep 2025