Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback Review 2021
First introduced back in 1993, the Vauxhall Corsa continues to be a popular choice in the competitive supermini class due to its good looks and range of efficient engines.
Rivals to the Vauxhall Corsa include the Ford Fiesta, SEAT Ibiza, Hyundai i20, Volkswagen Polo and the Peugeot 208.
Our Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback Review covers:
- Bold design with a distinctive grille and integrated daytime running lights
- First-class, refined interior with seven-inch touchscreen entertainment system
- 309-litre boot, which expands to 1,118 litres with rear seats down
- Range of petrol and diesel engines offering different outputs
- Four trim levels, including SE Edition, Elite Edition, SRi Edition and Ultimate
The latest Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback features an all-new bold design. Wider, lower, and more dynamic than the previous model, the new Corsa has a distinctive grille design, bigger air intakes and integrated daytime running lights across the range. Vauxhall has also added the option of a contrasting roof colour and super-bright LED headlights which help the Corsa stand out from its rivals in the competitive supermini class.
As expected of a supermini, space is tight inside and compared to rivals like the SEAT Ibiza and Hyundai i20, the Corsa can feel a little cramped. The low roof means that tall passengers might brush their heads against the ceiling. However, the seats inside are incredibly comfy.
Unlike previous Corsa models, which were offered with a choice of three and five doors, the latest model comes exclusively in a five-door body style. However, the door openings are quite narrow, particularly at the back, which means it's harder to get in and out, and more challenging to install a child seat.
At the rear, the Corsa's boot can hold up to 309 litres, increasing to 1,118 litres when you push the rear seats forward, which is more than you'll find in the Ford Fiesta. However, the Hyundai i20 (326 litres) and the SEAT Ibiza (355 litres) are more generous. That said, the Corsa's rear seat folds in a 60:40 split configuration, and there are plenty of clever storage cubbies inside, such as large front door bins.
The Corsa's interior is neatly laid out, with Vauxhall's familiar steering wheel sitting beside a new PSA-derived infotainment system. As standard, the Corsa gets a pair of large analogue dials with a small LCD screen between them, with top-spec models getting a full-digital readout. However, unlike the Peugeot 208, the Corsa has physical controls for the air conditioning system rather than digital dials, which some customers prefer.
All Corsas come with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with DAB digital radio and Bluetooth as standard. You also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. You can also use Vauxhall's voice control feature to call up your next music track and play it throughout the car.
The Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback comes in four trim levels models: SE, Elite, SRi, and Ultimate.
The entry-level SE Edition model comes with LED headlights with high beam assist, lane departure warning with lane assist, speed sign recognition and automatic emergency city braking. You also get climate control and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Elite Edition models come with auto headlights and windscreen wipers, front and rear parking distance sensors and electronic climate control. You also get a panoramic rear-view camera, heated front seats & steering wheel and 17-inch bi-colour alloy wheels.
The SRi Edition models add sports body styling, front seats, black roof, dark-tinted rear windows, and 17-inch bi-colour alloy wheels.
The top of the range Ultimate model comes with a 10-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system, adaptive cruise control and IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights with LED taillights. You also get driver seat massage function, Alcantara seat trim and 17-inch bi-colour alloy wheels.
Under the bonnet, the Corsa comes with a range of petrol and diesel engines offering different outputs.
Petrol choices include a 1.2-litre three-cylinder, with turbo for 100bhp or without for 75bhp. The entry-level petrol has a five-speed manual gearbox, while the turbo petrol gets a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. The smaller petrol engines are the most popular variants and make the most sense to buyers.
Diesel options include a 1.5-litre diesel with 102bhp and a six-speed manual transmission. The diesel engine is not as refined as the petrol engines, but way more economical.
Vauxhall also offers an all-electric Corsa-e with a 50kWh battery and a 209-mile range.
Out on the road, the Vauxhall Corsa is ideal for everyday driving. Around corners, it feels agile and responsive with a firm grip and body control while on the road.
While rivals such as the Renault Clio and the Volkswagen Polo are known for comfort and ride more smoothly, the Corsa isn't far behind, offering great comfort while driving.
Prices for the Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback start from £18,070.00 OTR* or to lease from £174.86 per month.
Want to learn more about the Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's best car leasing providers. All of our lease agreements include a manufacturer's warranty, road tax for the lease term, breakdown cover, and free mainland GB delivery (exclusions apply).
Leasing a Vauxhall Corsa Hatchback may be less expensive than you think, thanks to fixed monthly rentals, a low initial outlay, and variable mileage and contract lengths.
*'On the road' price is correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change. Always check with your nearest retailer.
