Vauxhall Corsa (2006 – 2014) Review

Vauxhall Corsa (2006 – 2014) At A Glance

3/5

+Solid and decently equipped. Reasonable handling and some frugal engines.

-Boot too narrow for standard size pushchair. Dash reflects in screen. DPF problems with 1.3 CDTi. ECU faults. Fewer faults than a Polo but not as reliable as a Fiesta.

Insurance Groups are between 1–34
On average it achieves 82% of the official MPG figure

"Cmon!" The new Corsa was pipped at the post by just two points for the coveted title of European Car of The Year 2007.

At the end of the day, though, despite all the hype, the Corsa is just a car. And the winner had the advantage of being a ‘multi-purpose vehicle'. (The Ford S-Max.)

There's no doubt that the new Corsa is well made. It feels strong and solid. The sort of small hatchback the Germans would build in Germany. Though in fact it's assembled in Zaragoza, Northern Spain, a few hundred kilometres from the VW Polo plant at Pamplona to the West and also few hundred from where they put the bitz of the SEAT Ibiza together, at Martorell to the East.

Vauxhall Corsa 2007 Road Test

Real MPG average for a Vauxhall Corsa (2006 – 2014)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

82%

Real MPG

24–77 mpg

MPGs submitted

1821

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

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Ask Honest John

Should I buy an OEM air-con condenser or aftermarket?

"I need a new air-con condenser for my 2008 Corsa 1.3 diesel. I appreciate OEM parts can be of higher quality etc but the OEM price quoted is £398 + VAT. All over the internet there are quotes for the same part from as little as £38 to £180 and prices inbetween. Can you give me your thoughts on why there's such a massive price difference, is this just blatant profiteering by the OEM, (it's not exactly a complicated part)? The car runs like a dream but is quite old now. "
An OEM part is produced in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and to the same standard, so this comes with a degree of reassurance in terms of its longevity. However, aftermarket parts can provide better value and quality that is close to, or in some cases better than the OEM specification. It is a matter of balancing cost versus quality - there will always be the option of very cheap parts that will not last as long. We would suggest looking for an aftermarket part for a reputable manufacturer that should provide a good balance of quality and value.
Answered by David Ross

Does the Vauxhall Corsa have adjustable power steering?

"I'm looking for my granddaughters first car, she is set on a Vauxhall Corsa around 2012-13. Can you tell me, do all Corsa models have dashboard adjustable power steering?"
The Corsa D (2006-2018) has electric power steering and all models have adjustable steering columns for both rake and reach. If you refer to whether or not steering effort is adjustable, then 'City Mode' is offered on models from 2014 onwards (identifiable by their facelift headlights), where a button on the dash makes the steering lighter when parking or manoeuvring at low speeds.
Answered by Craig Cheetham

How do I get a number plate for a car that has only ever had a private registration?

"My partner will be looking to sell her car in the near future and is struggling to find out how to deal with number plates. She bought her current 2012 Corsa brand new. It has only ever had a private plate on it, as she transferred this over from her previous car. She will be looking to sell the car within the next year and will be retaining her private plate. How do we manage to get a age related number plate for the car, as it never had one?"
If you car was first registered on its private plate, the DVLA should provide an age-appropriate plate when your private plate is transferred as there is no original registration number. You can apply to have your private plate via the DVLA online or by post for £80.
Answered by David Ross

Will my car fail the MoT due to broken front fog light?

"The nearside front fog light on my 2013 Vauxhall Corsa doesn't work, I have changed the bulb but still not working, will my car fail its MoT because of this?"
Front fog lights are a testable item on cars first registered on or after 1 March 2018 only. Due to the age of your vehicle, the faulty front fog light will not affect its MoT test result.
Answered by Dan Powell
More Questions

What does a Vauxhall Corsa (2006 – 2014) cost?