For the past two decades there's probably been a Corsa at some stage of a new driver's life. Taking lessons, a first car or perhaps that of a friend, the Corsa and learners are inextricably linked
Hang on, this looks familiar
Now just two days after announcing a £99 insurance offer for 18-20 year olds on the current car, the latest Corsa has been shown.
Vauxhall are keen to stress it's 'new' but reading between the lines would suggest its a very significant facelift. Despite every panel being changed, the proportions are very similar to the existing Corsa. That's because it sits on a 'completely redesigned' rather than all new chassis but with a plethora of new components including a stiffer front subframe, revised dampers and new knuckle joints. The centre of gravity is also 5mm lower. Vauxhall states the emphasis for the chassis revisions has been on 'exceptional rolling refinement, ride quality, precise handling and stability'.
On first impression, the fourth-gen Corsa (are we onto Corsa E now?) looks an awful lot like the back of an Astra and the front of an Adam have been grafted on to the Corsa D. Too harsh? Others have suggested the Nissan Note from the front…
There's connectivity and things in here
The interior also draws inspiration from Vauxhall's city car with new displays and the IntelliLink infotainment system. Controlled through apps such as BringGo, TuneIn and Siri Eyes Free, it will surely prove very appealing to the Corsa's target market. It's compatible with Apple and Android phones, of course.
Though there's no news on a VXR replacement just yet, there is some PH interest under the bonnet. Vauxhall's new three-cylinder turbo makes its debut in the Corsa, Euro 6 compliant and producing either 90 or 115hp. Vauxhall claims it's the only production three-cylinder engine with a balancer shaft improving NVH. Can it match the famed 999cc Ford Ecoboost?
Paris showgoers will get the first look at the Corsa in October. Vauxhall will release full spec and price details nearer the time. Then possibly some very attractive finance deals a couple of months later.