Vauxhall is set to give its Corsa supermini a major facelift this year, with new electric and hybrid powertrain options and a bold new grille design. The British brand hopes that these updates will help the Corsa regain its position as the country’s most popular car, after being overtaken by the Nissan Qashqai SUV last year. The new design features a more muscular and slimline LED headlights, coupled with the company’s bold ‘Vizor’ grille. The Vauxhall Corsa will continue to play a major role in rebuilding brand awareness for Vauxhall, and coupled with the new Astra released last year, “certainly ties in with the familiarity”, said Vauxhall boss James Taylor.
The new Corsa will feature fresh powertrain options, which have taken the car a “significant step forward” according to Mark Adams, Vice President of Design at Vauxhall. The Corsa Electric will now offer a 51kWh battery and upgraded 154bhp motor – both shared with sibling brand Peugeot’s updated e-208 – for an improved 255-mile range. The current car’s 134bhp motor and 50kWh battery, with 222 miles of range, is still offered. A 1.2-litre mild-hybrid engine, the Corsa’s first hybrid powertrain, joins the range with two power levels: 99bhp and 134bhp. An entry-level petrol engine, with a choice of 74bhp or 99bhp, remains.
The visual changes to the Corsa are significant, making the car look much more modern and sporty. The Vizor grille is a single, solid black panel that sits between the slimline LED headlights, giving the car a more aggressive look. The changes also make the car look more efficient, more aerodynamic and more electric. The Corsa has been a phenomenal success since it landed in the market, and it has been a really important car for Vauxhall, according to Mark Adams.
The updated Corsa line-up pricing is still under wraps, although it is likely to increase from the current £18,015 starting point yet stay below £20,000 – keeping it positioned as Vauxhall’s entry-level model. The current electric variant starts from £31,931, so a premium, especially in longer-range form, is expected.
The Corsa has been a popular car for Vauxhall since it was first introduced to the market. The new updates are aimed at making the car even more popular and ensuring that it remains a top choice for drivers in the UK. The new powertrain options, coupled with the bold new grille design, are sure to make the Corsa stand out from the competition and help it regain its position as the country’s most popular car.
