Skip advert
Advertisement

Vauxhall Corsa: Fourth report

Is eco supermini our man’s best friend?

Meet the latest addition to the Fretwell family… No, not our Vauxhall Corsa (we’ve had that since last May), but Evie, the seven-year-old Border Terrier. She was in need of a new home, and since we picked her up shortly after Christmas, she’s been putting the Corsa through a series of tests. How is it coping?

Advertisement - Article continues below

Evie’s first challenge was getting into the boot. Our Vauxhall is no off-roader, but when you’re only 30cm tall, it’s still a bit of a jump to get aboard, especially with the hatch’s chunky rear lip. Still, once I lift her in, there’s space for her bed and for her to wander around. Stray dog hairs are easily hoovered up, too.

But while the dog has been comfortable, those sitting up front haven’t. The six-hour round trip to fetch Evie took its toll on my back. I hadn’t noticed this before, as the Corsa has been largely confined to its natural city habitat.

The 340-mile return journey from my home in Hertfordshire to North Lincolnshire gave H7 VXL a chance to stretch its legs, though, and the 1.3-litre diesel proved great over this distance. I spent most of the trip using the cruise control, and this helped boost overall fuel consumption to a decent 49.5mpg. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Corsa

2023 Vauxhall

Corsa

18,822 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £11,697
View Corsa
Corsa

2019 Vauxhall

Corsa

58,200 milesManualPetrol1.4L

Cash £6,200
View Corsa
Corsa

2017 Vauxhall

Corsa

17,635 milesAutomaticPetrol1.4L

Cash £11,400
View Corsa
Corsa

2017 Vauxhall

Corsa

63,028 milesManualPetrol1.4L

Cash £5,400
View Corsa

My New Year resolution was to get closer to Vauxhall’s claimed 78.5mpg, and in the 700 miles since, I’ve averaged 55.4mpg. This hasn’t taken much effort, although a few winter traffic jams are sure to put a dent in that figure.

The £495 optional green paint is a test-bed for the shampoos, polishes and waxes I review, and it always shines up well. In fact, snapper Pete Gibson reckons the Vauxhall photographs better than any other car on our fleet. 

Trouble is, when you look up close, the paint is flaking in places; the soft, eco-friendly finish hasn’t coped well with stone chips. I’ll keep an eye on this in the next few months, as it may soon need attention.

Another thing I’m monitoring is the weather. The Continental winter tyres have provided lots of traction on icy mornings, but haven’t been tested fully yet. I can’t wait to see what difference they make to the Corsa when we eventually get some snow. They should grip as well as Evie’s teeth around her favourite toy.

Extra Info

“This isn’t the first car we’ve run to suffer heavy stone chips. Our old SEAT Leon FR also had damage-prone soft paint, and it did lots of M-way miles, too.”

Stuart Morton, Chief sub-editor 

“I can’t believe anyone would consider paying so much for a Corsa. If you must have a low-emission car, there are cheaper options.”

PennCV3, via www.autoexpress.co.uk 

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,670 off RRP*Used from £14,998
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £15,675
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £13,328
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,271 off RRP*Used from £11,595
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught
Skoda Epiq vRS exclusive image

New Skoda Epiq vRS to headline brand’s hot-SUV onslaught

Every future Skoda will get the go-faster treatment, with the brand also working on making cars sharper and more engaging
News
27 Jun 2025
Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy
Marcos, interior

Marcos is back! British sportscar brand’s big plan, and swirling controversy

Development is already underway on the first all-new Marcos cars in roughly 20 years
News
27 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025