Used Vauxhall Corsa Review (2014-2019) MK4
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Affordable to buy and run
- Stylish looks
- Excellent level of equipment
- Rivals are more exciting to drive
- Sport suspension sacrifices comfort
- Interior is on the plain side
What's the Vauxhall Corsa like?
This Vaxhall Corsa is a good-looking supermini in both 3 and 5-door forms, and it has decent interior space with great comfort and refinement.
The 3 and 5-door models offer a version to suit almost every pocket and need, and of course, they are affordable.
All come with low insurance compared to some competitors, down as low as Group 3, making them more affordable for younger or new drivers.
Driving Experience and Practicality
The Corsa is nimble and safe through corners, with excellent grip and tenacious roadholding allied to neutral handling.
Peter Hayward
All are comfortable, have decent noise insulation, and good handling with well weighted power steering.
Some models have sports suspension and this can spoil the otherwise good ride, and while they might improve the looks to some eyes, larger wheels and lower profile tyres also have a detrimental effect on comfort.
Engines
In the last 2018 revamp, there are no diesels, but among the wide choice of engines was an impressive 1.3-litre with 73bhp or 95bhp, and capable of 74mpg.
Petrol power starts with the 69bhp 1.2-litre, and its government average is 52mpg. Next is the 1.4-litre already mentioned with either 75bhp or 88bhp that's slightly more economical and improves on acceleration, bringing up 60mph from rest in a best of 12.8 seconds.
Then there are two versions of the same 1.4-litre with added turbo giving either 100bhp or 150bhp and capable of 55mpg and 48mpg respectively. They sprint to 60mph in very respectable times of 10.6 and 8.6 seconds.
Finally, there's a 3-cylinder 1.0-litre turbo with 90bhp or 113bhp, and it has an official economy of 57mpg while reaching 60mph in 11.5 or 10.0 seconds.
Both 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre turbo units are smooth and peppy, but most models out there will have either the 69bhp 1.2-litre or the non-turbo 1.4-litre.
Equipment
Design models and above have Vauxhall's easy-to-use Intellilink touch screen for media, sat nav where fitted, USB connection, and Bluetooth.
There are eight trim levels plus all the special editions, and most come with a good level of equipment.
All have cruise control and a very useful heated windscreen for the winter months. Base Active also comes with remote locking, electric front windows, hill start assist, alloy wheels and USB and Bluetooth connections.
Energy models add air con, the Intellilink touch screen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, automatic lights and wipers and electric mirrors.
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Find your Vauxhall Corsa your way with CarStore
The Vauxhall Corsa is certainly a top competitor in the supermini class, offering low running costs and hi-tech equipment at a competitive price. If you’re after a stylish small car, there are many reasons why the Corsa should be at the top of your list.
