Corsa improvements just keep on coming

VAUXHALL’S Corsa has made significant efficiency gains in its engine line-up.

The ultra-economical engines – all of which, bar the VXR model, exceed 50mpg combined when fitted with a manual gearbox – are joined by a raft of improvements to the Corsa’s chassis.

While the economy star of the range is the new 93bhp diesel ecoFLEX model, which achieves 76.3mpg on the combined cycle (and 88.3mpg on the extra urban cycle), each of the Corsa’s petrol engines is now more economical, yet more powerful, with five out of six engines emitting less than 125g/km of CO.

To maintain the Corsa’s success in the small car class, Vauxhall’s engineers have made revisions to the car’s steering and suspension set-ups, improving ride and control characteristics.

The SE, SXi and SRi now get cruise control and an on-board computer at no extra charge, while the SRi – which now starts at a lower price point – also gets revised suspension settings, air-conditioning, 17in five-spoke alloy wheels and a VXR styling kit included in its price.

But the SE also packs a standard feature unique in this class: a heated leather steering wheel, complemented by heated front seats.