Mobility News | September – October 2019

All roads lead to a multi-million
bestseller: Vauxhall Corsa
through the years
Vauxhall is preparing to
launch the newest generation
of its best-selling Corsa,
building on the great success of
the previous versions that have
proved so popular since the
model was introduced in 1993.
In fact, Vauxhall’s first
supermini offering was called
Nova, not Corsa, and launched
in the UK in 1982. It wasn’t until
1993 that British buyers saw its
all-new replacement, known as
‘Corsa’, which came equipped
with the latest in high-tech kit,
such as a tape player (!) – a
world apart from the latest
Corsa’s new infotainment
systems with 10.0-inch colour
touch screens available.
Ever since then, through
four generations, the Corsa
has been a sales sensation,
selling 2.1 million cars in the UK
since 1993, while also proving
popular in Europe with over
13.5 million sold.
Corsa B: 1993 to 2000
This first Corsa was
designed to appeal to a broader
audience. A much rounder,
softer design was created,
with ‘saucer-eye’ headlamps to
tie in with its cute looks. This
model was longer and more
spacious than the Nova, and
also introducing higher safety
standards for its segment, with
features such as ABS braking,
side-impact protection and front
airbags. The petrol GSi model
featured 16 valves, while the
diesel engine version became
turbo-charged.
Corsa C: 2000 to 2006
Styling for this generation
of Vauxhall Corsa was not too
far removed from the popular
previous model. However, the
model grew in length again,
and had a wider stance with
a longer wheelbase, which
greatly increased interior
space. For the first time, the
body was fully galvanised,
while a sophisticated four-valve
ECOTEC petrol and new directinjection
turbo diesel engine
option ensured greater power,
lower fuel consumption and low
emission values, complying with
Euro 4 emissions standards.
Corsa D: 2006: 2014
Vauxhall began to separate
out design language for threeand
five-door models, with
the smaller car giving nods
to the earlier Nova’s sporty
appearance. The five-door car
became a spacious, familyfocused
car. The model grew in
length again, but not exceeding
four metres in length. This
version of the car gained
ecoFLEX technology with fuelsaving
Start/Stop systems and
highly efficient engines.
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