When Vauxhall launched the new Corsa in October 2000 it claimed it was the biggest small car it had built. At 3½in longer and 7in wider than the previous model it was one of the roomiest superminis you could buy.

In common with most cars in this class, it offered both petrol and diesel engines. The two diesels, a 1.3 and a 1.7, both turbocharged, produce 70bhp and 74bhp respectively. While they are undoubtedly economical neither is refined, and when you start them the noise is best described as agricultural. At higher speeds the noise subsides but is never as quiet or smooth as you’d like.

In contrast the petrol engines feel much smoother. Even the baby 1 litre unit feels eager to please and despite not matching the diesel in terms of fuel economy few buyers will complain at mpgs in the mid-forties. The pick of the petrol versions is the 1.2 litre. With 17bhp more than the 1 litre it is nippier around town and more comfortable on the motorway.

In day-to-day driving fuel consumption is virtually identical and the larger engine still manages to attract the same lowly group 2 insurance. Used examples cost around £400 more than the 1 litre but that money is well spent.

The Corsa also comes with a larger 1.4 litre but this offers few real advantages, and the range-topping 1.8 litre 123bhp model never feels as quick or as fun as its performance figures would suggest.

In terms of equipment all models come with power steering. However, the base model Club and GLS added only coloured bumpers to match the paintwork and a rev counter. More popular was the Comfort model which came with a split-fold rear seat and a sunroof.

But if you are buying second-hand it’s worth hunting down the Elegance model with its electric windows, alloys and the choice of either air-conditioning or a sunroof. Go for one with air-conditioning and you’ll pay about £250 more than the Comfort but most owners will agree it is money well spent. If you want a more sporty personality then the SXi and SRi models with their rear spoilers, sports seats, larger alloys and uprated brakes are a good option. Vauxhall sought to keep the Corsa fresh with a minor midlife freshen-up in August 2003. In addition to a confusing line-up of new model names the car gained some useful features such as a brake-assist system, while the rear fog lights were moved to a less vulnerable position. A new 100bhp 1.7 CDTi diesel engine also joined the line-up.

On the road the Corsa is a pleasant if uninspiring drive, one of the reasons it’s been so popular with car hire companies and driving schools. The steering is light, the handling predictable and while it’s not a car that encourages you to hustle through the bends it is reasonably responsive.

Interior fit and finish are a step up in quality from the previous model, although the extensive use of black plastic can make the cabin feel a little gloomy. The standard cloth trim is durable and hardwearing but check for wear on sports seats, which are prone to scuffing. It’s also worth checking the digital readout for the stereo, a classic Vauxhall weakness. If the display starts to fail it can be an expensive item to replace.

Previous owners Avoid former driving school cars, they may have low mileages but could possibly have suffered some pretty heavy abuse

Power steering Standard on all models but lacks feel

Engine 1 and 1.2 litre models have chain-driven cam, other engines have a timing belt and tensioners that require replacement every 40,000 miles

Facelift August 2003 saw changes to bumpers, interiors and the addition of a more powerful 100bhp 1.7 CDTi diesel engine

Bodywork Electrogalvanised body has 12-year no-perforation warranty

Safety A good four-star performer in the Euro NCAP crash tests but ABS is absent on 1 litre base models

Gearbox Optional Easytronic auto box can give problems on high-mileage examples so check carefully on test drive

Rear seat Three three-point seat belts on all models, split-fold seat standard on all but base models

Wheels Prone to kerbing, so check wheel rims and trims and tyres for uneven wear

Insurance groups Low rates for all models, including sporty derivatives, have made the Corsa popular with young drivers

THE ONE TO BUY



Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Elegance five-door 2002 52-reg with 30,000 miles. Pay £5,295 from a main dealer with 12 months’ warranty or £4,500 privately

OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY

2000 X-reg Skoda Fabia 1.4 Elegance



2000 X-reg Toyota Yaris 1.3 VVTi CDX



2002 51-reg Fiat Stilo 1.2 16v Active



2002 51-reg Ford Fiesta 1.25 Ghia



2003 52-reg Nissan Micra 1.0 E

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Elegance
Engine Four-cylinder, 1199cc
Power 74bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 44.8mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 12.0sec
Top speed 106mph