► New Corsa get refreshed look inside and out
► Improved performance and range from Corsa Electric
► Mild-hybrid and regular petrol versions also offered
One of Britain’s best-selling cars has been given an overhaul with new electrified powertrains, updated styling and a revamped interior. The Vauxhall Corsa was one of Britain’s best-selling cars in 2023 and the facelift shows parent company Stellantis are prepared to double-down on affordable superminis while popular rival models – such as the Ford Fiesta – are taken off sale.
What’s new on the outside?
The most obvious change is the introduction of Vauxhall’s Vizor front end. First seen on the Mokka, the dark panel sits between the LED headlights and houses the Corsa’s suite of driver assistance tech as well as showing off the updated Griffin logo. What’s more, IntelliLux LED Pixel Matrix headlights have been upgraded on the Corsa and are capable of automatically protecting oncoming drivers from the main beam without reducing visibility.
Further updates include 17-inch alloy wheels with new black-effect detailing as well as a shark fin antenna towards the rear of the car. Finally, new ‘CORSA’ badging sits on the lower part of the tailgate.
And the interior updates?
The central infotainment screen has been upgraded with a new user interface and gets a larger 10-inch display, while the 7-inch digital instrument cluster benefits from refreshed graphics. Also, Over-the-Air updates now feature, as does Connected 3D Navigation and Intelligent Voice Control.
For those who’d rather use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto the Corsa is available with wireless compatibility for both, plus there’s the option of wireless smartphone charging for the first time. A new high-res panoramic rear-view camera helps with parking, while adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection are further safety features. Finally, a new steering wheel design, seat patterns and gear-lever also debut.
What about the powertrains?
The latest Corsa benefits from petrol engines that now have mild hybrid assistance, mostly designed to improve efficiency. The Corsa Hybrid models, as they’re named, benefit from a 99bhp or 134bhp three-cylinder engine and a 28bhp electric motor linked to a six-speed dual-clutch auto. Vauxhall claims only slight performance boosts over the non-MHEV engines also available (they’re just 0.1sec quicker to 62mph), and say te 99bhp and 134bhp engines are capable of up to 62.8mpg or 61.4mpg respectively.
The Corsa Electric, meanwhile, has also seen some revisions. In addition to the existing 136hp spec, the Corsa Electric now comes with a punchier 156hp unit with a 51kWh battery and 255-mile range – a 15% increase on the base offering.
An 11kW on-board charger comes as standard and allows a 0-100% charge in 5hrs 15mins, while 100kW rapid charging sees a typical 10-80% charge in around 30 minutes. For those using a 7kW home wallbox, the full charge is estimated to take 7hrs and 30 mins.
How much and when can I buy one?
Vauxhall is yet to confirm prices for the new Corsa and Corsa Electric, although as is normally the case a slight increase on the £19k and £34k respective starting prices is expected. Orders open in summer 2023, with first deliveries commencing in Q4 2023.