Skip advert
Advertisement

Vauxhall Corsa automatic

What to look out for if you're after a Vauxhall Corsa with an automatic gearbox

Vauxhall corsa automatic
Overall Auto Express rating

2.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£4,780 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

The Vauxhall Corsa automatic has a jerky gearbox and lags behind its rivals in many areas, so it's hard to recommend - unless you get a great deal on the price.

The Vauxhall Corsa has been around for a while now - it was launched in 2006 - but while there are plenty of newer and more stylish models around, the Corsa still scores well for its quality, and it’s reasonably well priced, too.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There are a wide variety of models available, although if you want an automatic gearbox, your engine choices are very limited. Vauxhall offers its Easytronic automated manual on Corsas powered by the 1.2 VVT petrol, while 1.4 VVT petrol cars get a four-speed auto. Unfortunately, there’s no auto option for any of the diesel models.

Despite feeling its age, the Vauxhall Corsa still has an eye-catching design, a decent interior and plenty of big-car features. The Corsa still looks reasonably fresh thanks to its swept back headlamps, rakish nose and neat detailing. The five-door looks a bit square, but the three-door has a rakish roofline and steeply angled tailgate.

The Vauxhall Corsa automatic is only available with two engines, but there are a variety of trim levels on offer. These include sporty SRi and SXi versions, while Energy, Excite and the aptly named Limited Edition special editions offer reasonable kit.

The entry-level Vauxhall Corsa S is also available with the auto box, although you have to upgrade to optional air-conditioning, and you can only get the 1.2 VVT petrol, while mid-range cars add 16-inch alloys, front fog lights, steering-wheel mounted controls, heated door mirrors and Bluetooth connectivity. The higher-end Vauxhall Corsa SE comes with big-car features like a heated leather steering wheel, heated seats and cruise control, as well as automatic lights and wipers.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Corsa

2022 Vauxhall

Corsa

38,402 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £10,900
View Corsa
Corsa

2019 Vauxhall

Corsa

59,694 milesManualPetrol1.4L

Cash £6,300
View Corsa
Corsa

2021 Vauxhall

Corsa

42,220 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £10,690
View Corsa
Corsa

2021 Vauxhall

Corsa

15,155 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £11,600
View Corsa

The Vauxhall Corsa really shows its age when it comes to driving as a result of its lifeless steering, slow responses and average front-end grip – and the auto gearboxes do nothing to help. The 1.2 Easytronic uses an automated single clutch system, which requires a special technique when changing gears.

While most autos, Corsa 1.4 included, simply change gear slowly but without drama, the Easytronic is very jerky unless you lift off the throttle and allow the gearbox to shift up a gear. It can be very frustrating, and of course blunts the 1.2-litre engine’s already modest performance even further.

The lacklustre driving dynamics are further hampered on the SRi and SXi models by a ride that’s neither firm enough to be sporty nor supple enough to be comfortable.

At least the petrol engines are smooth, although the 84bhp 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre engine with 98bhp are penalized by high emissions when you add the auto option. It's not all bad news, though, and the Corsa’s comfortable driving position, light controls and compact dimensions ensure it’s a stress-free urban runabout.

As the Vauxhall Corsa has sold in such big numbers, most of the glitches and bugs have now been ironed out. What’s more, the first owner of the car benefits from a unique warranty that lasts the lifetime of the car, or up to 100,000 miles.

It also has a five-star Euro NCAP crash test result. Most models get six airbags as standard, but curtain and side bags are only available as an option on entry-level S trim, while electronic stability control is only available as an expensive option.

Practicality is one of the Corsa's trump cards, as it's one of the most spacious cars in the supermini class. Opening the tailgate reveals a low load lip and a 285-litre boot. Fold the rear bench and capacity increases to 1,100 litres, or 1,050 in the three-door.

A false boot floor provides extra flexibility, but it’s only available as an option on higher specification versions. As is the clever bicycle rack, that slides out from behind the rear number plate at the touch of a button. There is a decent amount of head and legroom for rear seat passengers, and the cabin is packed with useful storage.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior test editor

Dean has been part of the Auto Express team for more than 20 years, and has worked across nearly all departments, starting on magazine production, then moving to road tests and reviews. He's our resident van expert, but covers everything from scooters and motorbikes to supercars and consumer products.

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,780 off RRP*Used from £14,350
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,153 off RRP*Used from £15,600
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £10,499
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £7,568 off RRP*Used from £12,800
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details
Range Rover Velar EV - front (watermarked)

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details

JLR is getting ready to unveil a mid-size electric Range Rover to end its four-year new model drought, and our exclusive images preview how it could l…
News
10 Sep 2025
Avoid the MG3, says Euro NCAP after critical safety failure in crash test
MG3 - front cornering

Avoid the MG3, says Euro NCAP after critical safety failure in crash test

The MG3 has caused the automotive safety body to review the way it scores crash tests
News
10 Sep 2025
New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal
Honda Civic facelift - front

New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal

The Honda Civic was already a great car, but updates for 2025 have elevated it even higher
Road tests
11 Sep 2025