Four generations on and the Corsa has matured into a very sensible option in the super mini class. Available in two body styles, namely a sporty three-door or handsome five-door, the new Corsa offers something for everybody. The old drab interior is radically improved, bringing the German car in line with the best of today's offerings like Yaris, Clio, 207 and Swift.
My test car this week is the 1.2-litre petrol powered three-door. The car's interesting exterior easily won over my kids and I certainly didn't feel the need to park around the corner out of sight. The Corsa shares exterior DNA with the Opel Astra three-door that has already won many fashion-conscious hearts. The new headlight clusters and rear flared wheel arches are just a couple of the nicer visual elements.
The five-door is obviously the more practical choice for young families although a split-level boot is available. I spent a couple of days testing the five-door in Germany and it made a very decent impression. The Corsa is little on the outside but big on the inside!
On the go the Corsa is assured, predictable and safe when cornering thanks to CBC (cornering brake control) that is now standard. European cars get 'runflat' tyres as standard but here conventional tyres are used. The suspension set-up is firm by default and reasonably sophisticated. The standard five-speed manual gearbox at last feels nice and tight. A five-speed 'Easytronic' gearbox is an option with the 1.2, while a four-speed automatic is available with the 1.4. An extra you should tick the box for is the excellent 'ESP+' system that gives added stability when making emergency manoeuvres (€500). AFL (adaptive forward lighting) is a €400 option. AFL lights illuminate areas you are steering towards and not just straight ahead.
The new Corsa has a superb party trick that puts it to the forefront of its class: the Flex-Fit integrated carrier system. An additional €900 gets you a bike rack that pulls out directly from the rear bumper that can be put in place in about a minute. Ingeniously the illuminated number plate and rear lights all adjust rearmost in to place, making the car totally legal in the eyes of the Gardaí when loaded with up to two bicycles. The only downside to Flex-Fit is the loss of the spare wheel that is replaced by a puncture repair kit.
Petrol and diesel engines are available, starting with a 60bhp 1-litre petrol unit for €15,495. Next up is a 1.2 (80bhp) with a 1.4 (90bhp) being the petrol range topper in Ireland for the moment. The diesel star in the range is the 1.3 CDTi that is available with two power outputs of 75bhp (170nm) or 90bhp with 200nm of torque! Life, Club, Design and SXi make up the specification levels.
The new Corsa is one of the best super minis you can buy.
Michael Sheridan
