Vauxhall Corsa models explained

Vauxhall Corsa models

The Vauxhall Corsa has been a staple of British roads for decades, and it’s still one of the nation’s favourite used cars, which is why it’s so popular on cinch.

If you’re faced with countless Vauxhall Corsa models and not sure where to go, let us break down some of the key differences in this guide.

We’ll discuss different Corsa models, including Corsa-e and Corsa Electric models, and the main differences between the most popular trim levels.

Vauxhall Corsa model lineup

It’s fair to say the Vauxhall Corsa has evolved a lot since its inception, but to this day it remains a popular, well-balanced and affordable small hatchback that’s great for learner drivers, growing families, retirees and everyone in between.

We’ll focus this guide on the Corsa F – Vauxhall’s sixth generation (2019-present) of its supermini.

This generation of Corsa launched in 2019 and received a mid-life ‘facelift’ (styling tweaks and trim level changes) in 2023.

Vauxhall Corsa SE (pre-facelift)

This entry-level model still comes with plenty of style, including 16-inch alloys and bright LED headlights.

Inside, there’s a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system and leather trim on the steering wheel.

Vauxhall Corsa Design (pre-facelift)

Slightly newer entry-level option with most of the same equipment as SE, including a seven-inch screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Safety kit and driver aids include speed sign recognition, cruise control and driver drowsiness alert.

Vauxhall Corsa Design (post-facelift)

Quality improved with the facelift, adding sharper diamond-cut alloys, latest-generation safety aids and a bigger 10-inch screen on petrol models.

Vauxhall Corsa Griffin (pre-facelift)

This model adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, 17-inch alloys, sporty dark styling, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera – it’s one to look out for if you want strong value for money in a used Corsa.

Vauxhall Corsa YES

Special edition model with lots of kit for a good price, including a 10-inch screen, rear parking sensors and 16-inch alloys.

Vauxhall updates the YES model annually with extra style, equipment and value.

Vauxhall Corsa SRi (pre-facelift)

Vauxhall added a black roof, tinted rear windows and alloy pedals for a sportier look for this edition.

Extra kit includes electric rear windows (they’re manual on SE) and rear parking sensors.

Vauxhall Corsa GS Line (pre-facelift)

A newer take on sporty Corsas, with 17-inch rims, automatic lights and wipers and a digital instrument cluster.

Vauxhall Corsa GS (post-facelift)

The GS Line became just GS when the Corsa had a mid-cycle refresh, with front and rear parking sensors now included as standard as well as a reversing camera.

Depending on the exact configuration, you could also get keyless entry, black A- and B-pillars for a floating roof effect, and your choice of 17-inch wheels.

Vauxhall Corsa Elite Nav (pre-facelift)

As the name suggests, the radio system gets the addition of sat-nav. Other ‘Elite’-worth features include power folding door mirrors and a part-faux-leather upholstery.

You also get interior ambient lighting, front parking sensors and a reversing camera.

Vauxhall Corsa Ultimate Nav (pre-facelift)

This model gets larger 17-inch diamond-cut alloys, keyless entry and a bigger 10-inch screen.

Inside, there are leather seats with massaging for the driver, and outside you get upgraded Matrix LED headlights.

Vauxhall Corsa Ultimate (pre-facelift)

When Vauxhall updated the trim levels, ‘Nav’ was dropped from the name, but sat-nav itself wasn’t.

You get adaptive cruise control, the same upgraded 10-inch screen, keyless entry, but this time Alcantara seat trim.

Vauxhall Corsa Ultimate (post-facelift)

Apart from a new ‘Vauxhall Vizor’ front end (as with all post-facelift models), you also get adaptive cruise control on automatic models, wireless phone charging and a heated steering wheel with massage for the driver’s seat.

Vauxhall Corsa engines

Petrol

• 1.2 75hp – this is the only non-turbocharged option

• 1.2 Turbo 100hp – the addition of a turbocharger makes it feel much more spritely

• 1.2 Turbo 130hp – this is the most powerful version, and it offers a decent improvement over the other engines

Diesel

• 1.5 Turbo D 100hp – for the first few years on sale, diesel power was still available in this generation of Corsa

Hybrid

• 1.2 Hybrid 100hp – this 48v mild hybrid system uses a 28hp electric motor that can drive the wheels at slow speeds

• 1.2 Hybrid 136hp – a more powerful variant that’s worth the upgrade in our opinion

Electric

• Vauxhall Corsa-e 136hp – the first electric edition, with a 205-mile range before a 2021 efficiency improvement

• Vauxhall Corsa Electric 136hp – some minor efficiency improvements increased range to 222 miles

• Vauxhall Corsa Electric Long Range 156hp – newest model with biggest battery, 266 miles of range (up from 246/252 miles in earlier versions)

What’s the best Vauxhall Corsa model?

Vauxhall has all the bases covered – petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric – so picking which fuel option is best can be daunting. Add to that a plethora of trim levels and you’re spoilt for choice.

Here are some of our favourite Vauxhall Corsa configurations:

• Budget-friendly option – we recommend upgrading to the turbocharged 100hp petrol over the 75hp option for slightly better real-world fuel economy, but entry-level Design, Griffin or YES are all great options

• Luxurious trim – Pick Ultimate or Ultimate Nav for the most feature-packed Corsa, and go for the Electric Long Range powertrain for effortless driving

• Performance variant – There’s no VXR as with previous generations, but the Corsa-e is the quickest with a 0-62mph of 7.6 seconds. Go for the SRi trim for some sporty details

• Efficient version – The obvious answer is the Corsa Electric, but you could also pick the 1.2 Hybrid option which can do around half of town driving with the petrol engine off. Mid-spec GS or GS Line is a great middle ground

Buy used Vauxhall Corsa models

From no-frills affordable options to comfortable top-spec editions, and with nearly all types of power covered, the Corsa has most drivers covered for all their essential needs.

Whether you plan on picking one of our recommendations or want to forge your own path, we have plenty of used Vauxhall Corsa cars for sale on cinch across a number of model years for you to hop into.

Read more about the Corsa:

• Corsa vs. Ford Fiesta

• Corsa vs. Astra