2006 VAUXHALL Corsa 5 Doors 1.2i 5MT FWD (80 HP)

Vehicle Overview

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.