LIFESTYLE
James Stinson
Electrifying Corsa
The new Corsa-e aims to convert more of us to electric power, writes James Stinson.
You know this electric car business is getting serious when Vauxhall starts making an e-powered Corsa. It’s significant because while electric car sales are surging, volumes are still relatively small compared to conventionally powered cars. But as car makers start churning out electric versions of their biggest selling models then more and more of us are likely to make the switch. The electric Corsa isn’t cheap, but prices are coming down while range improves and charging rates speed up. Thanks to the recent merger with Peugeot/ Citroen, the Corsa-e shares most of its underpinnings with the Peugeot e-208. It’s powered by a 100kW motor and 50kWh battery which churns out a respectable
136bhp. As with all electric cars, acceleration is impressive with a 0-60mph time of less than eight seconds. That’s all the more remarkable when you consider the batteries add another 350kg to the Corsa-e over non-electric versions. And Vauxhall has done a good job of hiding the batteries in an H pattern under the floor. There’s still a decent-sized boot, with the absence of a full-sized spare wheel the only notable downside. On a full charge the official range is 209 miles. That’s more than rivals like the Seat Mii but less than the Renault Zoe. Real-world range will likely be somewhat less – between 150 and 200 miles depending on driving style and type of journey. Still, it’s more than adequate for most daily journeys and ideal for a second car. To charge up from 0-100% using a wallbox at home (Vauxhall will supply one and fit it for you as part of the asking price) takes seven and a half hours. The car is also capable of charging at 100kW, which will take it from 0-80% in just 30 minutes, though these types of charger are rarer than hens’ teeth at the minute. You can also charge it from a domestic three-pin socket, but this takes more than 24 hours. Inside, it’s the usual supermini fare. The cabin is fairly spacious with the front seats offering plenty of head, leg and elbow room. The rear is fine for this class and the boot is adequate. The interior isn’t as dashing as the Peugeot’s but it’s neat, comfortable and well put together. Like the 208, it has a nice, mean, low-slung stance.
Agnew Fleet Manager 88
Despite the extra weight, it’s really fun to drive in and around town especially with a 0-30mph time of three and a half seconds. It feels a little more laboured on motorways where you really have to sink the pedal to push it along, which in turn reduces the range. You can tailor how quick the car feels by choosing one of three driving modes – Sport, Normal and Eco – which improve performance at the expense of range or vice versa. You can also tailor the braking to gather more or less energy. One setting feels just like a normal car while the other increases the car’s regenerative braking system, harvesting energy that would otherwise be wasted during deceleration to replenish the battery. There are just two trim levels to choose from – SE Nav and Elite Nav. Standard equipment is pretty good, with SE Nav getting sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, plus rain-sensitive wipers, automatic LED headlights, high beam assist, keyless start and climate control. Elite Nav adds larger, 17-inch wheels, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, a rear-view camera, LED front fog lights, tinted rear windows and a larger, 10-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system. Entry level prices are roughly on a par with the Peugeot 208 though the Vauxhall has more standard equipment. The SE Nav starts from £27,140 which is still a hefty premium over petrol-powered versions, so it remains a lifestyle choice rather than an economic one. That won’t put off early adopters and the increasing number of buyers who think the time has come to make the switch to electric.
18 Boucher Way, Belfast, BT12 6RE W: agnewleasing.com T: 028 9038 6600
