Price surge for electric Corsa

AFTER the best part of a year of hype, the first electrically-powered versions of the new Vauxhall Corsa will hit the roads soon. The battery-powered version of Vauxhall’s latest supermini was first revealed in May last year and the Luton-based company opened the order books and announced what the new Corsa-e would cost last June.

But a lot of electricity has passed through the grid since then and the price of the entry level version has now gone up by £1,125 from £26,490 to £27,615 after the government’s plug-in car grant has been applied.

The Corsa-e is available in two trim levels – SE Nav and Elite Nav – and comes as standard with automatic climate control, electric parking brake, keyless entry and start, a seven-inch colour touchscreen and a digital cockpit as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A suite of the latest driver convenience and safety aids will be available dependent on trim level.

Official testing under the WLTP system credits the Corsa-e with a range of up to 209 miles and the 50kWh battery – which is covered by

The green super-mini will now be more than £1,000 pricier than expected. Here examines how Vauxhall will sweeten this deal

an eight-year/100,000 mile warranty – supports up to 100kW rapid charging, with an 80 per cent charge taking just 30 minutes.

A 100kW (136hp) electric motor and 260Nm of maximum torque provides acceleration from zero to 31mph in 2.8 seconds with the 0-62mph sprint ticked-off in 8.1 seconds before going on to an electronically controlled top speed of 93mph.

Buyers who complete an order by April 2, 2020 are eligible for a free home wall box unit worth

£800 supplied and installed by Pod Point.

Corsa-e customers also get a six-month initial subscription to the Polar Plus charging network, the

UK’s largest public charging network. It is then £7.85 per month thereafter.

As a further incentive, Vauxhall is throwing in its Vauxhall Care package which includes three years servicing, two years roadside assistance and one year MOT.

CATERHAM SEVEN

MAZDA MX-5

AUDI RS 4 AVANT

Every trim level will have plenty of tech SPRING is nearly here and we’re looking forward to warmer days. It’s also a chance to experience cars suited to these conditions. Here are three great options.

THIS is a two-seater which can be used day in, day out, thanks to an easily foldable fabric roof. Heated seats and effective heaters mean that, even if temperatures do fall, you’ll still be able to enjoy your MX-5.

WITH its thin roof, sparse interior and firm ride, it’s a car which doesn’t lend itself to the colder months. But at this time of year, wrap up warm, drop the roof and prepare to smile a lot.

WITH quattro all-wheel-drive, this provides tons of traction after those spring showers. Plus, it’s spacious and practical.