Read the full 4Car Road Test
2002 Top Ten position
All UK car sales: 2
Fleet car sales: 4
Supermini
Introduced: 1993, major facelift 2000
Bodystyles: Three- and five-door hatchbacks, mini-MPV (called Meriva) on the way, as well as hot 1.6 turbo GSI model, dual-fuel (LPG-petrol) versions and a two-seater roadster.
Price band: £6,995-£13,995
NCAP crash test rating: 4
The Corsa is: a favourite amongst private motorists, large fleets, hire companies, older drivers, driving schools and first-time buyers alike. Cheap to buy and run (though the larger-engined versions do come with a hefty price tag) and cheap to insure, it's particularly popular with younger drivers, as it is easily accessorised and modified. However, the diesels are hardly state-of-the-art, and the Corsa is beginning to feel its age when compared to some newer rivals.
For
Curvy body, roomy cabin, very easy to drive, good value, huge variety.
Against
Old diesel engines, not particularly inspiring to drive.
Sum up
Not the most prestigious or most fashionable choice in its class, but a relatively safe bet.
Engines, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
Petrol:1.0i 12v ECO Easytronic (58bhp): 50.4mpg, 118g/km
1.0i 12v (58bhp): 51.4mpg, 135g/km
1.2i 16v (75bhp): 44.1mpg, 154g/km
1.4i 16v (90bhp): 35.8mpg, 173g/km
1.8i 16v (125bhp): 35.8mpg, 190g/km
Diesels:1.7 Di 16v (65bhp): 60.1mpg, 127g/km
1.7 Dti (75bhp): 60.1mpg, 127g/km
Spec rundown
Entry-level model is the Expression, only available as a three-door 1.0i 12v; this has power steering, a driver's airbag and a radio/cassette - it's back-to-basics supermini motoring. Also pretty basic is the 1.0i 12v Club ECO Easytronic, which is stripped of all non-essentials to save weight and improve fuel consumption; if that's too hair-shirt for you, the clutchless Easytronic transmission is optional on other, better-specified models. There's a wide choice of Club models, which have central locking, front electric windows and a split/folding rear seat; GLS models are similarly specced but with upgraded interior trim. Elegance versions are the luxury Corsas, with air conditioning, a passenger airbag, electric mirrors and a CD player - options even include satellite navigation. SXi (1.2i 12v, 1.7 DTI engines only) and SRi (1.4i 16v, 1.8i 16v) are the sporty ones, with alloy wheels, special trim, passenger airbags, central locking and a CD player; SRi models also have air conditioning and an alarm, but the 1.8 SRi is the only model in the Corsa range to have standard ABS anti-lock brakes - a must-have option on all the others.
Market info
Current special offers include a year's free insurance and various 0 percent finance deals. It's always worth haggling over a new Corsa as you can buy pre-registered or nearly-new ones at large savings from the independent retailers and car supermarkets. The Corsa is an easy car to sell on, though the large numbers of ex-fleet and ex-rental examples mean that residual (resale) values can be disappointing. The hot 1.8i 16v SRi is an exception to this rule, however - the boy racers love it. SXi models are also popular. Watch out also for special edition models that pack in extra equipment.
