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 when new: From £15,665 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2014
Last updated: Summer 2018
Replaced: Spring 2020

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests 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.”
Read review

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.”
Read review

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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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: December 2014
Date expired: January 2021
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

Clean Air Index: 9 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 6 / 10

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 934
Average repair cost: £368.12
Last updated: January 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

As of February 2024, the Vauxhall Corsa has an average reliability rating of 71%, 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 third of all warranty claims to date have been for engine issues, with an average bill of just over £600. Average repair costs overall are very competitive, which is good news if you’re looking at buying a used Corsa.