The New CORSA From VAUXHALL




Look closely at the new Corsa. Can you spot the difference from the old one? No, because apart from the new corporate grille and the colour coded bumpers, it's the same as the old model. Lift the bonnet though, and you will be looking at a far more important change.

A 1.0-litre engine is not all that unusual, and we have sung the praises of Vauxhall's ECOTEC engines many times. But the real secret is this is a three cylinder power plant, unique among european manufacturers. Compared with the outgoing four-cylinder, 1.2-litre unit, it produces more power, lower emmisions and better fuel economy.

But if you hadn't been told, you wouldnt realise that it was anything out of the ordinary. There's a brief cough before it settles into a rough idle and only after you have driven a few miles do you discover that all is not how it was.

First some obvious vibration comes into the cabin through the gearlever and, when you use the full rev range there is a funny whirring. At times the car can sound more like a washing machine than a modern supermini.

Around town there's no obvious lack of performance and, if you throught that having a 1.0-litre engine with four valves per cylinder was a recipie for a gear change every five seconds, thing again! That's welcome news, because the revised gearchange is much bettter, allthough it's still not what you'd call slick

Any awkwardness becomes more apparent on the open road when you're forced to drop down a gear to keep up with the changing speed of traffic. With long gearing in fourth and fifth, it's all to easy to find yourself needing a few more mph, as you put your foot down and nothing much happens.




Whats Changed
Where the old Corsa lost all its friends was on the road, it may have looked fine outside people's homes, but out on the open road it all went flat. Stodgy handling and lifeless steering meant the driving left a lot to be desired, thankfully with the new Corsa, all that has now changed.

With lots of help from Lotus, who developed the new set-up, both ride and handling have improved a great deal. There's a more solid feel to the car, while its eagerness to negotiate corners and stay on line is very satisfying.

However, despite all of the work which without doubt does make a big difference - ultimately we were dissapointed, as the Corsa still falls short of the competition. Of course, a 1.0-litre supermini is no sports car, so its not on-the-limit handling which will decide the Corsa's fate. What will push people away from it though, is the poor steering. It's very heavy for parking and weighs up badly as you turn into tight corners. Things do improve though as you get above town speeds, but ultimately the Corsa's steering has by far the heaviest steering of all the cars tested here.


Inside, the Corsa's cabin has not changed. The dash is a model of good design, and you'll struggle to find clearer dials or controlls with a more solid feel.
The other great strength of the old Corsa was its accomodation and again, nothing has changed. As before, the wide, airy cabin gives enough head and leg room for a six footer in the front.
In the back, space is just as generous, making the Corsa one of the few cars here that will genuinely take four adults. Excellent cabin stowage includes an assortment of doorbins, glovebox, shelves an cubbies, plus there's a deep, spacious boot. The Corsa is certainly one of the most practical superminis.

Unfortunatekly, for all its chic looks and excellent practicality, the Corsa still can't compete with its rivals. Ride and handling may be inproved, but they still aren't up to scratch, while engine refinement leaves a little to be desired.

The Corsa is good, just not good enough!

On the road price:
�7,895
Engine:
3 cyl in-line
Capacity:
973cc
Transmission:
5-spd manual fwd
Dimensions (L:H:W):
3,729:1,420:1,768mm
Fuel tank capacity:
46 litres
Insurance group:
TBA
Basic Warranty:
1 year unlimited mileage
Service intervals:
12,000 miles/12 months
Recovery:
1 year vauxhall assist
Test Results:
0-60 (secs):
15.1
30-70 thru gears:
17.0
30-50 in third:
8.3
30-50 in fourth:
10.8
50-70 in fifth:
21.0
Top speed:
93mph
Braking 30-0mph:
12.3m
What You Get For Your Money:
  1. Electric Windows: �425 option
  2. Central locking: �255 option
  3. Sunroof: �500 option
  4. Driver's/Passenger airbag: �315 option
  5. Immobiliser
  6. RDS Radio Cassette
  7. Rear wash/wipe
  8. Seatbelt pre-tensioners

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