Summary
The Vauxhall Corsa is a small, supermini-class, five-door hatchback. The current model was unveiled in late 2019 before going on sale in the UK in early 2020. It is the first Corsa built under PSA’s ownership of Vauxhall, and it is shares most of its components with the Peugeot 208.
Unlike previous Corsas, the new model is only available as a five-door hatchback, with no three-door model available. The regular model is available with a choice of petrol or diesel engines, while there is also a Corsa Electric (formerly known as the Corsa-e) model that we cover separately.
The Vauxhall Corsa received a mid-life facelift in late 2023. The most noticeable aspect of this is revised front-end styling that brings the Corsa in line with Vauxhall’s latest design direction.
The Vauxhall Corsa currently has a rather disappointing reviews for a brand new model. As of December 2023, its Expert Rating of 59% places it firmly in the bottom half of all the supermini hatchbacks that we have analysed to date. It’s also significantly lower than the mechanically-identical Peugeot 208, although it’s a clear improvement on the previous Corsa.
However, a relatively low score certainly hasn’t hurt the Corsa’s sales – it has been the UK’s best-selling car almost every month since it was launched, and became the first car to finally dethrone the Ford Fiesta from its 12-year reign as Britain’s best-selling car in 2021. Although it lost that title to the Nissan Qashqai in 2022, it continues to be one of the country’s best-selling new cars.
The Corsa has received praised for its exterior styling and improved handling, as well as for being generally more sophisticated than previous generations. However, there have been criticisms of the interior design and quality, an uncomfortable ride and high prices compared to its rivals.
Like its Peugeot cousin, the Corsa has a four-star Euro NCAP safety rating compared to the five-star scores of many other superminis. It also scored poorly in anti-theft security tests by Thatcham Research.
Corsa highlights
- Efficient engines
- Comfortable driving experience
- Well-equipped as standard
Corsa lowlights
- Fiddly infotainment
- Cramped rear seating
- Interior trim is cheap in places
Key specifications
Body style: Small five-door hatch
Engines: petrol (and previously diesel)
Price: From £19,275 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2019
Last updated: Autumn 2023
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual SRi Nav Premium
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The new Corsa is by far the most impressive new Vauxhall we’ve driven for a while. It looks good, performs well on the road and is efficient.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview (post-facelift)
Score: 7 / 10
“The new generation of Corsa has been completely reworked from the ground up to take on its rivals in what is one of the most hotly contested market segments.”
Author: Alastair Crooks
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Elite Nav
Score: 7 / 10
“Make no mistake: the Vauxhall Corsa is a massive improvement over the car it replaces.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Vauxhall Corsa has traditionally been one of the UK’s most popular cars, and we very much doubt that’ll change now that it’s better than ever. It’s fine to drive, with a good balance of comfort and sharpness, while its engines are impressive in both their perkiness and their efficiency.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview (post-facelift)
Score: 7 / 10
“Less practical than some, less fun than others, but smart, well equipped and decent value.”
Author: Matt Saunders
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Model reviewed: SRi Nav 1.2-litre petrol manual
“Make no mistake, Vauxhall’s new supermini is a fine, grown-up, likeable car that deserves to continue the outgoing car’s sales success.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Elite Nav
Score: 7 / 10
“Being the first mainstream Vauxhall developed under PSA ownership, the latest Corsa supermini is all-new.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The new Corsa isn’t vastly improved so it’s still no class leader. Instead, it remains a good all-rounder. The ride and handling balance is a good compromise, the 100hp engine proves frugal and performs well, and, for a supermini, there’s enough space inside – even if it’s still tricky getting in and out of the rear seats with those narrow rear doors.”
Author: John Howell
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual
Score: 9 / 10
“With the Corsa being by far Vauxhall’s most popular car, it’s not surprising that this is a model that’s improved across the board next to the old hatchback. Utilising the PSA Group’s many resources has made a lot of difference here – not least with the excellent line-up of new engines.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.1 / 10
“The Vauxhall Corsa is more sophisticated than ever, taking the fight to its many rivals.” (Charlie Harvey)
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Model reviewed: Range overview (post-facelift)
Score: 7 / 10
“The Vauxhall Corsa is a sharp-looking hatchback with plenty of kit on board, but it’s not the most practical small car on the market.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual SRi Nav
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The improvements are across the board for the new Vauxhall Corsa, with looks and driving dynamics the most obvious ones, as well as more efficiency and new tech.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic Ultimate Nav
“The Vauxhall Corsa is a competitive, stylish, decent-handling, efficient and well-kitted supermini.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic Ultimate Nav
“Would we choose a Vauxhall Corsa over a Ford Fiesta? The Fiesta is a more rounded car. It’s far better to drive, has a more eager petrol engine, and will hold its value better. As practical as the Corsa is, it’s still the runner up in our opinion.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual SRi Nav
Score: 6 / 10
“The new Vauxhall Corsa is an excellent choice – but it doesn’t look as good as its Peugeot 208 sibling and its interior is nowhere near as stylish.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Vauxhall Corsa is a quietly competent product compared to glitzier newcomers, particularly from Peugeot and Renault. Its most important role could be as a familiar-feeling first step into electrification once the EV arrives.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“Cheap to run, well-equipped and easy to drive, the Vauxhall Corsa is the embodiment of the supermini all-rounder. However, while Vauxhall’s latest small car instalment is easily the best Corsa yet, it still can’t match the fun of the Ford Fiesta or the everyday practicality of the SEAT Ibiza.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview (post-facelift)
Score: 6 / 10
“Cheap to run, well-equipped and easy to drive, the Vauxhall Corsa is the embodiment of the small car all-rounder.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
“Happily, the Vauxhall Corsa has grown up from being a teenager’s boy racer into a sophisticated small car.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Compared to the old model, the latest Vauxhall Corsa does represent a monumental leap forward in terms of handling and refinement. And much of this is down to its PSA partnership. However, while an undeniable improvement, the Corsa’s progress is hindered by its cramped and disappointing cabin.”
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Score: 8 / 10
“The Vauxhall Corsa has stylish looks, is cheap to run and good to drive.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“No doubt with its sharper looks, new infotainment and new features it has added showroom appeal, but that’s tempered by higher prices that make it less of the bargain it once was. It lags behind the class-leading Skoda Fabia and Renault Clio, but it remains a sensible buy nonetheless.”
Author: Luke Wilkinson
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual SRi
“THREE minutes. That’s all it took to decide this is the BEST CORSA EVER. Actually, I’ll go further. It trumps the Peugeot 208, Volkswagen Polo and SEAT Ibiza. And it goes straight on to my small car podium alongside the Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic Elite Nav
Score: 6 / 10
“The latest Corsa is a car that’s easy to like but hard to love, thanks to a combination of hit-and-miss interior finish, so-so practicality and an overly jiggly ride. But it will look and feel smart enough for many buyers.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol manual Elite Nav
Score: 8 / 10
“On paper and in the minds of a lot of the motoring press, the new Vauxhall Corsa is a rather boring version of the new Peugeot 208 with which it shares its platform. In practice, however, it has a maturity in its set-up, its details and its shape which might genuinely charm a lot of British buyers.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview (post-facelift)
Score: 6 / 10
“All previous Corsas have reeked of mediocrity, but this one drives with poise and precision, and it looks smart too.”
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Model reviewed: 1.2-litre SRi
“The Corsa isn’t radical, but it is well-arranged.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview (post-facelift)
Score: 6 / 10
“The Corsa is a competent small car, but isn’t outstanding in any area. It’s not as comfortable or as pleasant inside as the closely related Peugeot 208, not as fun to drive as a Seat Ibiza, nor as spacious as a Volkswagen Polo. It is at least well equipped and not too expensive in our recommended trim.”
Author: Dan Jones
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Model reviewed: Range overview
“Vauxhall has done a creditable job with the Corsa, which is easy and safe to drive and has a peppy and economical 1.2 turbo engine. However, its cramped rear seats and small boot lose it points and it doesn’t excel in many areas.”
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Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Adult protection: 84%
Child protection: 86%
Vulnerable road users: 66%
Safety assist: 69%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 1.2-litre petrol automatic
Clean Air Index: 3.7 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 5.9 / 10
Greenhouse Gas Index: 4.6 / 10
The Vauxhall Corsa 1.2-litre petrol automatic received a 2.5 star rating from Green NCAP in February 2021.
Green NCAP said: “The Corsa is tested here with a 1.2 litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine. In the past, such cars would have struggled to limit particulate emissions but, equipped as it is with a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), the Corsa does a fine job in this regard. Indeed, pollutant emissions are generally well controlled in most tests but the car struggles in the more demanding tests such as cold ambient temperature and, here, emissions of several gases are high.
“For such a small car, the Corsa does not excel in energy efficiency but its greenhouse gas emissions are generally low, especially those of the unregulated gases. Overall, the Corsa emerges from Green NCAP’s tests with a 2½ star rating.”
This rating only applies to the 1.2-litre petrol automatic version of the Vauxhall Corsa, and does not imply similar ratings for other engine and gearbox combinations in the range.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 784
Average repair cost: £351.57
Last updated: October 2023
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of October 2023, the Vauxhall Corsa has a below-average reliability rating of 33%, according to warranty data provided exclusively to us by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This score applies to both the current Corsa and also to previous generations, which is important if you are considering a used Vauxhall Corsa.
The average overall repair costs are quite low for the Corsa family, but the number of claims is high compared to other cars – hence the low overall rating. As such, a used car warranty may be more important than for vehicles with a higher reliability score.
More than a quarter of all warranty claims to date have been for suspension issues, although these have so far proven to be relatively inexpensive. Average repair costs for engine and gearbox are well below average as well.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 51 mpg | B | 49 – 53 mpg | B – C |
| Diesel models | 71 mpg | A | 71 – 71 mpg | A – A |
| CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| Petrol models | 119 g/km | A | 114 – 134 g/km | A – A |
| Diesel models | 107 g/km | A | 105 – 110 g/km | A – A |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 18 | A | 10 – 49 | A – E |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £167 | A |
| Year 2 | £460 | A |
| Year 3 | £721 | A |
| Year 4 | £958 | A |
| Year 5 | £1,392 | B |
| Overall | £3,698 | A |
The Vauxhall Corsa should prove to be a very economical car to own and run, according to running cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our commercial partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
The diesel models listed above have now been dropped from the range, but you can still find them from used car dealerships. Fuel consumption from the petrol models is good – although some other small cars are better.
In terms of servicing, road tax and insurance, the Corsa’s scores are exemplary.
Security rating
Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
Relay Attack: Fail
Date: March 2020
Model tested: Ultimate Turbo 100
The Vauxall Corsa automatically received a Poor rating from Thatcham because it failed a relay attack test, which measures the security of a car’s keyless entry and/or keyless start system. The Corsa is susceptible to thieves intercepting the car’s keyless signal and using it to steal the car.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Vauxhall Corsa has received
2023
- News UK Motoring Awards – Best Small/City Car
2022
- Carbuyer Awards – Used Car of the Year + Best Used Small Car
- Fleet World Awards – Best Fleet Supermini
2021
- Fleet World Awards – Best Fleet Supermini
- News UK Motoring Awards – Best Value Car
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Vauxhall Corsa, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C3 | Dacia Sandero | Ford Fiesta | Honda Jazz | Hyundai i20 | Kia Rio | Mazda 2 | MG 3 | Mini hatch | Mitsubishi Mirage | Nissan Micra | Peugeot 208 | Renault Clio | SEAT Ibiza | Skoda Fabia | Suzuki Swift | Toyota Yaris | Volkswagen Polo
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Vauxhall Corsa at The Car Expert
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