Dealer’s Diary
Do you feel that changing gears is archaic and hard work? Want something small enough to be handy, but not so small it limits versatility? Not fussed about driving the oldest supermini on the block? I can recommend the Vauxhall Corsa auto.
Based on the deceased Fiat Punto, the current model was wheeled out back in 2006 and mildly-facelifted in 2014. Longstanding readers may recall I commented on a design flaw on the facelift regarding front headlamps and indicators, which were unfeasibly tricky to replace. Well, the car has been around long enough for workshops to become fully conversant with its servicing and repair foibles.
Being a Vauxhall, parts are very cheap and readily available. And they are still highly popular with both fleet and private owners, which means there is plenty of choice on the used market.
The new model is just around the corner, but that’s no reason to avoid the strong proposition that is the current one, especially the ones with the sixspeed auto that I’m recommending here. It’s a proper torque converter autobox – no twin-clutch nonsense or robotised manual carry-on here. It was GM doing what it was world-class at doing. It’s not even a CVT, which I understand some people dislike. Designed originally for the Astra J, it was cutting-edge for a torque converter at the time and mated to an old-school four-cylinder engine with 90bhp. That means no three-cylinder lumpiness, just a smooth and linear torque curve making for a relaxed drive.
Don’t forget that these engines have a timing chain, which is more stretchy than those elastic bands the postman litters the streets with. An oil and filter change for one of these engine is for nowt, so you should change it every 6000 miles if you intend to keep it, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t.
The one I watched go through the block was as follows: 15/65 1.4 SE five-door auto finished in Finance White. It had covered 35,800 miles with two stamps in the book, a spare key and a half-leather interior. It sold for £6200 + The Out.
Another in the same sale was a 16/16 SE five-door with only 7500 miles with FVSH, finished in black, spare key present. This one sold for £7450 + The Out. While these aren’t bargain-basement prices, they do reflect a healthy demand.
A few tips for Corsa buying: fivedoor models are built in Spain and are arguably better finished than the threedoor ones made in Germany. Heated screens are a worthwhile option as the heater is optimised for the LHD market, so easily condenses inside and freezes outside. It’s just a shame the Flexi-fix is no longer available.
‘Five-door models are built in Spain and are arguably better finished’