Review
Underneath, the Corsa may sit on an old platform, but last year’s complete revamp brought the car up to a standard worthy of a seat at the top table of any supermini party.
The shape may be considered boxy compared to some rivals, but this offers some very practical advantages: visibility when parking and manoeuvring is great, and the amount of light in the cabin is particularly welcome. The boxy shape also allows for an easily accessible, well proportioned boot.
Against its predecessor, it’s those interior changes mentioned in previous reviews that pull it right up to date. A dash with soft touch plastic up top, a smattering of piano black finishing, and a really clear, modern speedo may not be particularly fancy or cutting edge, but these are likely to feel fresh for years to come.
The steering wheel’s new clear controls and leather finish almost put it in a premium class.
One of the Corsa’s biggest positives is the great 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine. Mated to a six-speed gearbox, it meant the car coped comfortably with motorway journeys. Driving smoothly, quietly and economically – with the car averaging 48-52mpg on good journeys – meant also that, over the four months we were driving the vehicle, it covered nearly 7,000 miles.
So the styling on the front end may be divisive, and it may not look as striking as other superminis, but great economy and practicality make the Corsa a strong contender in the segment.
