Summary
The Vauxhall Corsa is a small supermini-class hatchback available in three- and five-door body styles. This model was launched in 2014 and was replaced in early 2020 by an all-new model.
There is a higher-performance model called the Corsa GSi, which replaced an ever higher-performance model called the VXR. The reviews for the GSi have not been as positive as the regular range, which has dragged the overall score down by a couple of percentage points.
The Vauxhall Corsa received average reviews from most UK media sources, particularly in later years as newer rivals have arrived in the market. The Corsa remained one of the biggest-selling cars in the UK right up until the end of its production life, and remains a very popular first-car choice for young drivers.
Key specifications
Body style: Three- and five-door hatch
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £15,665 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2014
Last updated: Summer 2018
Replaced: Spring 2020
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
“Ticks all the boxes – many thousands of buyers are likely to be perfectly satisifed.”
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Auto Express
Score: 6 / 10
“If you’re looking for a stylish, practical and good value supermini, there should be a Vauxhall Corsa in the extensive lineup to suit.”
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Model reviewed: GSi
Score: 5 / 10
“To be blunt, Vauxhall needs to do better than this to compete at this price point – even if the GSi is cheaper to insure than most of the competition.”
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Autocar
Score: 8 / 10
“The Corsa does what it has always done well, providing competitive space in the rear seats and boot and a sound driving position.”
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Car
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s not hard to see why the CDTi-equipped Corsa is a niche option: it’s a very coarse engine that commands a hefty price premium over the smooth and quiet petrol engines on offer.”
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Carbuyer
Score: 6.4 / 10
“Offering excellent value, the Vauxhall Corsa is a practical and affordable supermini but its engines and interior fall short of rivals.”
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Model reviewed: GSi
Score: 6.2 / 10
“With a less powerful engine than the VXR, the Vauxhall Corsa GSi is more affordable to insure and run. It’s just a shame the GSi lacks the polish of the best ‘warm’ hatchbacks”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: GSi
“The new ST-Line trim Ford Fiesta is a better all-rounder if you’re not after a fully-blown hot hatch.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
“Not as near the top of its class as the Astra is, but the Vauxhall Corsa is still much improved in its current form, and offers a wide range of alternatives that is, if anything, a touch bewildering trying to identify the best option.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: GSi
Score: 5 / 10
“It’s an eager performer, but lifeless steering and overservoed brakes relegate expensive Vauxhall Corsa GSi to also-ran status”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SRi
Score: 7 / 10
“In isolation, the Vauxhall Corsa ticks all the boxes to ensure it appeals to its target market. However, the challenge occurs when you compare it to its rivals – such as the Ford Fiesta and Mini. Both of these cars are slightly more rounded than the Corsa.”
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Honest John
Score: 6 / 10
“If this Corsa has more than a hint of the old one in the design then that’s because it’s not actually ‘all-new’.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7.4 / 10
“Ageing, middle-of-the-road hatchback – replacement imminent”
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Top Gear
Score: 7 / 10
“A well rounded supermini, but not quite the pick of the bunch.”
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What Car?
Score: 4 / 10
“The Vauxhall Corsa is keenly priced if you choose carefully, but it’s outclassed by newer rivals in most other areas.”
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Which?
“It’s practical, has a comprehensive level of safety equipment for a small car and drives better than it did before.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: December 2014
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 79%
Child protection: 77%
Vulnerable road users: 71%
Safety assist: 56%
Note on safety rating
The Corsa was assessed by Euro NCAP in 2014 and awarded a four-star rating. This rating expired in January 2021, as it no longer met the requirements for a four-star score. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.
However, if you are comparing a used Vauxhall Corsa to vehicles of similar age, whose ratings will have probably also expired, its safety rating score is still useful.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
Model tested: 1.0-litre petrol manual
Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: July 2019
Read the full Green NCAP review
Energy Efficiency Index: 6 / 10
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 223
Average repair cost: £409.9
Last updated: October 2022
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
As of October 2022, the Vauxhall Corsa has a better-than-average reliability rating of 62%, according to warranty data provided exclusively to us by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This score applies to both this generation Corsa and also to both newer (2020 onwards) and previous (pre-2014) generations, which is good news if you are considering a used Vauxhall Corsa.
More than a quarter of all warranty claims to date have been for suspension issues, although these have so far proven to be relatively inexpensive. Average repair costs for engine and gearbox are well below average as well.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Vauxhall Corsa, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Mito | Citroën C3 | Dacia Sandero | Ford Fiesta | Honda Jazz | Hyundai i20 | Kia Rio | Mazda 2 | Mini hatch | Nissan Micra | Peugeot 208 | Renault Clio | SEAT Ibiza | Skoda Fabia | Suzuki Swift | Toyota Yaris | Volkswagen Polo
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