Vauxhall Corsa (2006-) Review

Safety and Security

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Admittedly, this is an entirely subjective judgement, but the Corsa does feel solid and substantially-built - it's amazing how some good-quality cabin plastics, decent sound-proofing and doors that clunk shut nicely can imbue you with the certainty that a car will also be safe in the event of a crash. This is what the likes of Volkswagen have been so good at, and Vauxhall/Opel has finally caught up on this score.

Rather more objectively, this notion is backed up by excellent Euro NCAP crash test results: like the Grande Punto, with which it has many shared components beneath the surface, the Corsa has scored the full five stars for overall adult occupant protection. It has also scored three out of four for child protection, and three for pedestrian protection.

The usual ABS anti-lock brakes (mandatory, these days) and twin airbags are standard-fit on the cheapest models, with Club versions adding side and head-protecting curtain airbags (much-advised). The ABS also incorporates cornering brake control to aid balance, electronic brakeforce distribution and a system called Straight Line Stability Control, which evens out brake pressure between the front and rear wheels so the rear end doesn't lighten up under hard braking. Another notable feature is the LED brake lighting, which flashes quickly under emergency braking to warn drivers travelling behind.

The ESP-plus stability control system with traction control is a £250 option. Also optional are adaptive forward halogen headlamps for extra vision round bends (£250) and ISOFIX child seat mounting points for the front passenger seat (£100); though most safety experts these days strongly recommend that babies and children travel in the back, if you really have to put a little 'un up front then use a specifically-designed car seat (i.e. one bought from a Vauxhall dealer with the car) and ISOFIX to secure it properly.