Long-term test: Vauxhall Corsa SXi 1.3-litre CDTi – on sale now

Small cars are getting bigger and bigger, but none so much as the Corsa. Despite being Vauxhall’s baby, it feels incredibly spacious inside.

I’ve transported four adults, including luggage, with ease. I’ve even spent a night sleeping in it rather comfortably.

Even though it hasn’t reached its official fuel consumption figures, the diesel engine is providing economical driving and it has done so with ease.

Driving on country roads is fun, with the engine giving some punch, while motorway cruising is pleasant and not too noisy.

Though not a traditional off-road vehicle, I had to drive the Corsa through a muddy field while attend–ing a festival and I made it out laughing, while others paid £10 for the pleasure of being towed (see am-online blog for more).

Despite the rather irritating advertising campaign, dealers should have no problem attracting young buyers to the Corsa, as it definitely fits the bill in terms of style and practicability. For its price, our model is reasonably well equipped, although it could also do with better loudspeakers – they become drowned out at faster speeds.

I agree with another member of the AM team that the indicator stalks can be fiddly, but you do get used to them after a while.

Salesmen should be advised to point this out to customers, as it’s the little things that influence the buying decision.

Price: £11,295 OTR; £13,371 as tested
Engine: 1.3 diesel 90bhp @ 4,000rpm; 148lb-ft @ 1,750rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Efficiency: 61.4mpg (official); 124g/km CO2; Test mpg 54.1mpg
Start mileage: 2,986
Current mileage: 5,809
Test period: July-September
CAP RV 3yr/30k: £3,675 (32%)
CAP RV 3yr/60k: £3,275 (29%)
Likes: Modern design
Dislikes: Poor speaker quality