"DON'T GO CHANGING" sang Billy Joel, in a sentiment that might chime with Vauxhall Corsa owners. You see, this small hatchback has been popular for decades, and its sales figures attest to how buyers love it "just the way it is".
The updated Corsa Electric, then, should put their minds at rest. In electric and petrolpowered forms alike, the Corsa's proven formula hasn't been messed with, but it now has more of a family resemblance to the brand's Astra family car and Mokka SUV, and there's a broader choice of electric versions.
A new Design trim markedly undercuts the Corsa Electric's previous entry-level GS, and Long Range variants are now available in GS or Ultimate trim. These are powered by a punchier, 154bhp electric motor, fed by a slightly bigger battery with a 48.1kWh usable capacity. The current 134bhp electric motor and 46.3kWh battery will continue to be offered in conjunction with the Design and GS trims.
The Long Range's official 0-62mph time of 8.2sec isn't much quicker than the regular version's (8.9sec); even driving the two back to back, you struggle to notice the difference. Neither version feels sluggish; even the Eco and Normal driving modes (which restrict the electric motor's output) give you enough power to keep up with motorway traffic, although you have to be firmer on the accelerator in Eco. Only Sport mode gives you access to full power, providing more muscle when overtaking.
Denne historien er fra December 2023-utgaven av What Car? UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 2023-utgaven av What Car? UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Lexus RZ 450e+ Takumi Bi-tone
Greater stamina and a lower price would have enhanced our opinion of this upmarket electric SUV
Audi A6 Avant 45 TFSI quattro Sport
Our new posh estate has to deal with a mega-miles commute and an older sibling. How will it get on?
Renault Clio 1.0 TCe 90 Evolution
It's our reigning Small Car of the Year, but will the latest Clio continue to impress in daily use? We're finding out
ALL POSHED UP
Looking to buy an upmarket SUV? For around £35,000, you could have a new Lexus LBX or a used BMW X1. Let's see where your money should go
JOINING UP THE TOTS
Small, cheap cars bring numerous benefits, especially if most of your driving is around town. We take three leading examples on a road trip to see which of them paints the most complete picture
GRIPPING STUFF
Tyre choice can make a huge difference to how your car behaves in changeable weather. We search for the best
Audi A6 e-tron
BMW i5 rival uses the same tech as the Q6 e-tron SUV for serious pace and range On sale Late 2024 Price from £62,000 (est)
Renault Symbioz
Slightly smaller than Renault's existing Austral, this new hybrid family SUV has its sights set firmly on the popular Nissan Qashqai On sale Now Price from £29,295
Volkswagen Golf
Family car celebrates its 50th birthday with an update, including much-improved infotainment On sale Now Price from £27,035
Hyundai Tucson
Update for Hyundai's family SUV includes a redesigned interior and a revised engine line-up On sale Now Price from £32,000