Hatchback · 2014–2019

VauxhallCorsa

Britain’s default first car for a long time. Cheap to insure in low-power form; VXR is the opposite end of the spectrum.

Best for: New drivers and short-trip urban use.

Power: 75 hp
Economy: 45–55 mpg
Fuel: Petrol
Boot: 285–395 litres
0–60: 8.5–12.5 sec 0–60 mph
Torque: 170–250 Nm

Variants & trims

GTI / ST / R-Line / AMG Line are not the same thing — match the boot badge and V5C engine code.

9 listed

Variant	Engine	Power	Economy	Road tax
Life / SE Sting 1.2 Learner favourite. 1.2 petrol · 45–55 mpg	1.2 petrol	70–75 hp	45–55 mpg	~£195*
SRi / SRi Vx-Line Sportier trim, modest power. 1.4 petrol · 42–50 mpg	1.4 petrol	90–100 hp	42–50 mpg	~£195*
Limited Edition / Elite Kit packs. Various · 45–55 mpg	Various	75–100 hp	45–55 mpg	~£195*
1.3 CDTi diesel Diesel supermini. 1.3 CDTi · 60–70 mpg	1.3 CDTi	75–95 hp	60–70 mpg	~£195*
Corsa VXR Hot Corsa. Maps and clutch checks. 1.6 turbo · 32–38 mpg	1.6 turbo	205 hp	32–38 mpg	~£195*
VXR Clubsport / Arctic Special editions — verify paperwork. 1.6 turbo · 32–36 mpg	1.6 turbo	205 hp	32–36 mpg	~£195*
Corsa F 1.2 Turbo (2019+) New gen — different faults list. 1.2 PureTech-related · 45–55 mpg	1.2 PureTech-related	100–130 hp	45–55 mpg	~£195*
Corsa-e EV Corsa — battery health matters. Electric · ~3.5 mi/kWh	Electric	136 hp	~3.5 mi/kWh	£0–£195*
GS Line / Ultimate (F) Later trim names. Various · 45–55 mpg	Various	100–136 hp	45–55 mpg	~£195*

*Indicative annual UK Vehicle Excise Duty for typical post-April 2017 cars after year one (~£195 petrol/diesel standard rate at time of writing). First-year rates, pre-2017 CO₂ bands, electric rules and the expensive-car supplement can differ — confirm with the registration on GOV.UK.

Full specifications

Engine1.2 litre

Gearbox5- or 6-speed manual; automatic varies by trim

DimensionsApprox. 4.0–4.6m long · 1.7–1.8m wide

ServiceUsually 12 months or 10,000–20,000 miles; confirm by VIN and handbook

InsuranceTypically groups 12–28, depending on trim and power

Road taxDepends on first registration date, CO₂ band and fuel type — confirm on GOV.UK

CO₂Varies by engine, gearbox and trim — check the V5C or GOV.UK vehicle enquiry

Buying a used Corsa

1Timing chain on 1.0/1.2/1.4 — listen from cold
2VXR: investigate hard use
3Electric windows fail often — budget for regulators

· Confirm the exact engine code, trim and gearbox on the V5C before ordering parts
· Check the latest MOT history and advisories on GOV.UK
· Compare cold-start behaviour, warning lights and service invoices before buying

Common faults to check

Inspection prompts — not a diagnosis.

Timing chain stretch and rattle on cold starts
Electric window regulator failures
Front coil spring breakage

Owner handbook

Official Vauxhall manuals — oil grades, tyre pressures, fuses. We link out; PDFs stay with the manufacturer.

Vauxhall owner manuals ↗

Guides & tools

More Vauxhall

Astra

1.4 Turbo

Mokka

1.2 Turbo

Reviewed October 2026. Photos: Wikimedia Commons. Manufacturer handbook and UK model-year specifications GOV.UK MOT guidance and vehicle test standards Owner and workshop inspection patterns; verify against the specific VIN