VAUXHALL Corsa 5 Doors Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

-This is the sixth generation of the Corsa and the model's roots go way back to 1982. Now, the German brother of the PSA group has launched a new generation of its small car, but some might say that it is very close technically to the new Peugeot 208. The new generation of the Vauxhall Corsa is the same vehicle as its german sibling with Opel emblems

The styling, of course, is genuine Opel and, for the first time, it is available with LED headlights on the whole range, regardless the engine type.

For the bodywork, the manufacturer decided to put the car on a drastic diet, reducing its base model weight bellow 1000 kg (2204 lbs), which is impressive if we take into account that the vehicle is equipped with all the mandatory modern safety features.

For the engine department, Opel offers a small range of variants, gasoline and electric. The base model has a 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with 75 HP, while the top version is a pumped-up turbocharged version of its base model, but offers 130 HP. They worked hard to keep the fuel consumption low. According to the newest WLTP form, the new Corsa can use between 3.6 and 6.1 liter/100 km (65.3 mpg – 38.5 mpg) depending on the engine.

For those who are willing to pack a full list of options on a city car, the Corsa can be equipped with an 8-speed AT transmission. The base models has a 5-speed manual transmission, though.

The fourth generation of the Vauxhall Corsa was an important moment for the GM small vehicle. It appeared after an important struggle of the company after the world economic crisis. But it managed to come with important upgrades compared to the previous generation.

The major design changes can be seen especially at the front, where the smiling grille sits higher, encompassing a chrome ornament and the Vauxhall badge, new headlights, and foglights surroundings as well as a new hood. The side profile is more accentuated by two sharp lines, while the rear got new taillights and bumper.

The biggest change is said to be felt when you actually step inside and drive, the new Vauxhall Corsa is more space-efficient, with better materials, new electronic features as well as an improved ride, thanks to a redesigned chassis and steering system.

Its engine range consists of four gasoline and one turbodiesel units with displacements between 1.0-liter and top-of-the-range 1.4-liter turbocharged. The 1.3-liter CDTI turbodiesel comes from FPT (Fiat Powertrains).

For transmission, Vauxhall offered three choices: a manual, an automatic and an Easytronic. The latter is something which a lot of people consider it useless. It is a manual gearbox but without a clutch. And the driver has to shift without a clutch pedal. It is cheaper than an automatic, but easier to use than a manual. Or it is harder to use than an automatic and more expensive than a manual. Whatever works.

Vauxhall introduced the fourth generation of the Corsa in London for both brands: Vauxhall and Opel, and it was a clear case of badge engineering.

The Corsa was a joint development between General Motors and Fiat. While the Italians produced the Fiat Punto and the Alfa Romeo MiTo, Vauxhall got the Corsa. It even had some engines from Italy, but not the design. GM Europe designed the small-segment car exterior.

Compared to its predecessor, the new generation was bigger and its headlights swept-back on the fenders left the impression of a compact-sized car. The side view resembled its bigger sibling Astra. The rear doors had that specific cut at the C-pillar that brought that idea. In the back, the elliptic taillights were mounted above the rear bumper to be protected from parking, low-speed crashes.

Inside, the Corsa offered good space for four adults. The rear doors made access to the bench easier. The two seats were placed higher in the front so the driver could better view the road. But the rather dull dashboard, with a center stack that looked like a sad robot with the round vents in the middle, was not as pleasant as the rest of the car.

With a McPherson suspension in the front and a semi-independent one for the rear, the Corsa was a typical city vehicle. It was offered with a choice of gasoline and diesel engines from both car-makers. It was available with a 5- or 6-speed manual, depending on the engine. There was also an option for a 4-speed automatic or a 6-speed automated, with an electronically controlled clutch.

The third generation of the Corsa was unveiled in 1999 as a 2000 model, and it was the smallest car offered by Vauxhall on the British market.

The Vauxhall Corsa was a big success in the U.K, despite the stiff competition offered by the Japanese, French, and Italian car-makers. But with a little help from the Opel, the Vauxhall was back on track and started to perform better in comparison tests.

The new "edge" design trend affected the little 5-door Corsa, and the designers installed bigger headlights with an angle toward the grille. The small doors provided access for both front and rear seats. Right behind the rear doors, a small and narrow, vertical side window was included in the C-pillar. That was a Corsa-specific feature in the small-segment. To protect the taillights from scratches and parking bumps, they were installed on the C-pillars.

Inside, the car featured good amenities for its segment, even though the base model didn't feature power-windows or air-conditioning. The Corsa was fitted with a good sound system with CD-player, on-board computer, and four power-windows moving up to the trim level and options list.

The Corsa was available with a wide choice of engines ranging between 1.0-liter and 1.7 liters, gasoline, and two turbodiesels. The standard transmission for the entire range was with a 5-speed manual. There was an option for a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed automated (Easytronic). The top of the range engine, 1.8-liter gasoline, was available only for the 3-door version.