The Vauxhall Corsa

Introduction

Vauxhall introduced the Corsa around 1992 - just before the launch of the Fiat Punto and not long after the launch of the Renault Clio. The Corsa replaced the Nova, and was one of the first superminis to be sold with the emphasis on safety.

Engines

During the first year, the Corsa came with a choice of seven engines - five petrol (all with catalysts and fuel injection) and two diesel units, one turbocharged. During the model’s lifetime, several engines were added to the range.

The entry level petrol engines are a pair of 1·2s. Whereas in the Nova, the 1·2 litre version offered reasonable performance from around 60 PS, the Corsa 1·2 is sluggish. Both the ordinary 1·2 and the 1·2 E-Drive offered just 45 PS. Both lack the torque to pull the skin off a rice pudding, but the E-Drive has slightly more (88 Nm rather than 85 Nm). The 1·2 takes 18·0 seconds to drag itself to 60 (18·5 as the E-Drive) - that’s slower than a 900cc Cinquecento. Worse, Vauxhall gave the 1·2 overly long gearing (more so the E-Drive) which dented acceleration on the hoof. It was economical on paper, but when driven with enthusiasm, economy suffers.

Next in the petrol engine line-up comes Vauxhall’s 60 PS 1·4 “Hi-Torq” engine, which offers a significant improvement over the 1·2 (not difficult). Even so, performance is hardly sparkling, and economy takes a dive with this engine.

Vauxhall’s other 1·4 litre engine is much better. Noted as the 82 PS version, it pulls much better than the Hi Torq (it also produces more torque, too). This unit was fitted to certain GLS models and to the SRi, all with a close ratio gearbox, and gives the car reasonably peppy performance. All 82 PS 1·4 litre Corsas also came with power steering.

The last petrol engine is the 1·6 16V, used in the GSi. This is a credible donk, which gives the Corsa decent acceleration and economy broadly similar to the more powerful 1·4 engines.

Of the two diesel engines, one is an atmo unit of 1·5 litres in capacity. It’s slow, it’s a bit rough and noisy, but it is reasonably economical. A much better prospect is the 1·5 turbodiesel. It may only offer 67 PS, but it performs very well in the small Vauxhall and is almost as economical as the “atmo.”

Later on, Vauxhall introduced a new smaller engine, the 1·0 litre, three cylinder, twelve valve donk with just over 50 PS. Although often critised, for what it is, the 1·0 donk is good. It’s very frugal, pulls reasonably well (despite rather overly long gearing) and a huge improvement over the 1·2 8v. It also sounds good, too!

Vauxhall also introduced a 16v version of the 1·2, which again is a huge improvement over the old 1·2, and replaced the 1·4 Hi-Torq engine. It pulls well over most of the engine range, it’s reasonably frugal, and it’s also reasonably subdued.

Earlier, Vauxhall replaced the 1·4 82 PS engine with a 16v version, producing 90 PS. This is an improvement over the 82 PS version in almost all respects.

Vauxhall also replaced the 1·5 litre “atmo” diesel with a 1·7 “atmo,” which offers greater performance, but higher fuel consumption and it was no more refined.

Handling & Ride

Early Corsas offered little improvement over the Ford Fiesta of the same age, which was introduced in 1989, except that some models had power steering (which greatly improved the feel of the car). However, power steering does nothing for outright grip. Base and mid-range model suffered from lots of body roll and a severe shortage of front end grip. Higher models are certainly better, and the SRi and GSi were fun for their time. However, even with power steering, the Corsa is not much fun to drive compared with the French competition, and the Mark Four Fiesta.

Interior

The Corsa comes in two body shapes with the three door having less room than the five (especially headroom). In both, there’s a decent amount of room in the car. Also, the front is quite well designed, with a separate high level display for the radio and external air temperature. Switchgear is reasonably solid and the car is well built.

Exterior

Vauxhall’s advertising made the Corsa out to be a glamorous supermodel, and to some extent it was one of the prettier cars about. It does look cute - more so the three door - and it is a shape that ladies tend to agree more than men.

Pert headlights and a bee-sting antenna are the highlights.

Equipment

Basic models really are basic. The earliest 1·2 models have a four speed gearbox (five speed gearboxes were introduced as standard later on). LS models had a sunroof, GLS had electric front windows and central locking. The SRi could have electrics as optional extras. ABS was an option on most models excluding the Merit.

Verdict

The Corsa offers little over and above the Mark Three Fiesta. It’s spacious, well built, and reasonably economical. But it’s no fun to drive. Later models did start address this, but the mark four Fiesta is much superior.

Even so, the older shape Corsa is not a bad car if all you want is transport, and you don’t want any entertainment en route. Whilst they lack acceleration, the original 1·2 models are acceptable for city use, they do feel a bit out of their depth on the motorway - even if they are economical at a cruise.

The 1·5 litre turbodiesel is my favourite of the range. It’s quieter than the “atmo” diesel, but performs very well for what it is. The TD shows its mettle when asked to climb a steep motorway gradient with four people aboard.

The sportier versions deserve a mention. The original SRi left off where the Nova SRi finished up. It is acceptable, but not really quick or refined. The GSi 16v performs well, but also has a notchy, poor gearchange - thus ruining what would otherwise be a decent - if not outstanding - hot hatch.