Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 16v Club 3dr

Date: 23 August 2006

The fourth-generation Corsa is a big car for Vauxhall. Previous versions - starting in 1983 with the Nova (badged Corsa abroad) - have racked up a total of 9.4m European sales and been a consistent hit.

The bigger, all-new supermini follows in the tyre tracks of one of the firm's biggest success stories, with fleets the most faithful fans

of the baby Vauxhall. Just two years ago, they bought enough to make it the second best-selling car to fleets, while last year it was third, despite the car's age and a business decision to wind back short-cycle business.

Picking up on a trick or two from the larger Astra, the new three-door model looks very different to the five-door by aping a coupe.

Modern technology like Bluetooth and full-screen satnav is available, although we found the latter frustratingly poor, bleating out inaccurate directions. While we're complaining, the thick A-pillars also restrict your vision and a chrome strip running along the dash reflects in the screen.

Inside, the Corsa feels spacious, although the coupe-like slope of the roof in the three-door model restricts rear headroom and will make some passengers feel claustrophobic because of the restricted vision.

None of the engines will cost the earth to run. Petrol models will take 90% of sales, and we preferred the 80PS 1.2 to the 90PS 1.4 - it's a bit more eager to rev. However, both supply admirable refinement and 48.7 and 47.9mpg respectively on the combined cycle. The two diesels are good, too, with the 125PS 1.7 comfortably the quickest model in the range, but they're less refined.

Before we even began to drive the car, our hopes were high that the new Corsa would be a fine drive, as the much-praised Fiat Grande Punto shares the same underpinnings. We were not disappointed, with only the electric steering short of feel.

Sportier SXi models have a power steering rack that gets quicker for parking and for B-road blasts. But, the problem is that, if you plump for this trim, along with the variable rack, you also get a sporty suspension that's too stiff for UK roads. However, the car we drove did have optional 17-inch alloys, and the standard 16-inch wheels may improve things. A better bet is the standard suspension, although even then, the ride is on the firm side.

Confident whispers on launch rumoured the Corsa will lead the class for safety.

Overall, the Corsa has returned with style and refinement, all wrapped up in a package with much improved quality. For costs, too, we expect it to cut the throat of Ford's Fiesta, which now looks old and cramped next to the new breed of 'minis.

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