Motoring
Vauxhall Corsa Elite The Corsa has been the bestselling vehicle in the Vauxhall range since its launch in 1993, and Shire’s motoring expert Bob Hickman sees no reason why this shouldn’t continue with its latest incarnation
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The interior has received a makeover and hen you first see the all-new Corsa, you can see that like many other cars in its range it the standard level of equipment is quite good. I liked that the driver and front passenger seats has grown from the diminutive hatchback it once was. In fact, it now appears to be almost the same can be adjusted in height as well as rake. The size as the next car in the Vauxhall family – the electronic climate control works admirably well and there is sufficient head, shoulder and knee Astra. The Corsa Elite also has a new bold grille room for front passengers, although the back and huge super-bright headlights across the range. isn’t too great for tall adults and can be a little on The roof colouring is an attractive option and the the tight size. The boot, meanwhile, is admirable interior has been comprehensively improved, but it’s the external look that I think for a vehicle of this size and much gives credit to the GM designers. bigger than some of its competitors. “The eightOne area in which I think speed the Corsa will succeed is the Behind the wheel automatic availability of an electric version, I found the Corsa a good vehicle especially in view of recent gearbox never to drive. It responded to the Government announcements on steering, and turned and held the felt laboured electric vehicles. You still have a road wonderfully well. The eightor strained” choice between petrol or diesel; speed automatic gearbox seemed to the test vehicle had a 1.2-litre know exactly what the correct ratio three-cylinder engine that produced 100PS, for the given circumstances was, and it never sufficient to give a top speed of a very handsome felt laboured or strained in its operation. 119mph and 0 to 60 in just over 10.2 seconds. This is the 10th generation of the Vauxhall Vauxhall claims a combined fuel figure should Corsa and it’s difficult to express anything be between 45.6 and 48.7 seconds, and during a other than admiration for what Vauxhall has week of varying testing I achieved 44.1mpg. CO2 achieved. It was always a good car, but now with emissions aren’t that low, however, at 134g/km. its excellent infotainment system, a larger boot and space for adults or three children in the Interior improvements back of the enlarged new version, the Corsa may suddenly be promoted on to your list rather than The level equipment on the test vehicle was quite extensive. The infotainment has a 10in being dismissed as too small for the family. colour touchscreen that is very easy to use, and The Corsa has a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty and 12,500 miles or one year for six speakers. The satellite navigation was clear servicing. The on-the-road price is normally and simple to understand, and the DAB radio £22,785 but the test car was finished with seems to lock on to a signal and not lose it like Quartz Grey two-coat metallic paint, which some others that I’ve used! Bluetooth comes as standard, as do Apple and/or Android features. added an extra £550 to the bill.
The new Corsa is more spacious than its predecessors and has an impressive infotainment system
Bob is a devoted car and motorcycle fan. After a 30-year career as a police motorcycle patrol officer and latterly as a sergeant, patrolling the motorways of the Midlands, retirement beckoned and he embarked on writing about his love of transport. Bob is a member of the Guild of Motor Writers and the Midland Guild of Motor Writers. In his spare time he rides a Royal Enfield Continental GT motorcycle and drives a 1994 MG RV8.
September/October 2021 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 107
Cars SeptOct 2021 FINAL.indd 105
27/08/2021 08:54
