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Vauxhall Corsa 2020 review

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Vauxhall Corsa 2020 — front three-quarter view

Overview

The fifth-generation Corsa reached UK showrooms in January 2020 priced from £15,550, and it was a landmark car for Vauxhall: the first Corsa developed under PSA ownership, sharing its platform with the Peugeot 208. Built in Spain but wearing one of Britain's most trusted badges, the Corsa F kept its household-name status — it was still a top-three UK best-seller in 2023. Trim levels were SE, SRi, Elite Nav and Ultimate Nav, and every petrol is Euro 6 and ULEZ-exempt.

The engine to buy is the 1.2 Turbo petrol with 100PS: flexible, willing and good for 0–62mph in 9.3 seconds with up to 52.3mpg officially. It comes with a slick six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic. For zero-emission commuting, the Corsa-e electric version offered a 50kWh battery and 209 miles of WLTP range.

Standard equipment is generous — LED headlights and a 7-inch touchscreen from SE, with Ultimate Nav adding matrix LED headlights, massaging leather seats and adaptive cruise. But the Corsa is honest rather than outstanding: the 309-litre boot is below average, the interior plastics are dull and the 4-star Euro NCAP result trails newer 5-star rivals. As one review summed up, it is not as comfy as the 208, not as fun as an Ibiza and not as roomy as a Polo.

That honesty is exactly why it is such a good used buy. Parts are cheap (brake pads from around £35 a set), insurance sits in groups 16–17, and there is a mountain of ex-lease and ex-fleet cars to choose from — used 1.2 100 models change hands for roughly £5,400 to £9,800. Buy on condition and service history, and the Corsa is one of the lowest-risk ways into a modern supermini.

UK price from: £15,550

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Specifications

Engine	1.2L 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol
Power	100 PS (99 bhp)
Torque	205 Nm
0-62 mph	9.3 seconds
Top speed	121 mph
Transmission	6-speed manual (8-speed auto optional)
Drive	Front-wheel drive
Fuel economy	47.9-52.3 mpg combined (WLTP)
CO2 emissions	117 g/km
Boot space	309 litres
Insurance group	16
Euro NCAP	4-star (tested 2019)

Features

LED headlights with LED daytime running lights as standard
7-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
SRi adds sporty styling, black roof, tinted rear windows and a selectable Sport drive mode
Elite Nav adds satellite navigation, panoramic rear-view camera and ambient lighting
Ultimate Nav adds 10-inch touchscreen, IntelliLux matrix LED headlights and massaging leather seats
Adaptive cruise control and keyless entry on top trims
Corsa-e electric version: 50kWh battery, 136PS motor, 209-mile WLTP range
Euro 6 petrol range = ULEZ-compliant; 44-litre fuel tank

Common parts & prices

Part	Price (GBP)	Notes
Front brake pads (set)	£34.99	Typical UK pattern-part price
Oil filter	£8.99	Typical UK pattern-part price
Cabin pollen filter	£13.99	Typical UK pattern-part price
Front wiper blades (pair)	£13.99	Typical UK pattern-part price
12V battery	£89.99	Typical UK pattern-part price
Engine air filter	£8.49	Typical UK pattern-part price

Prices are typical UK aftermarket/OEM guide prices and may vary by supplier.

Pros

Britain's perennial best-seller — huge dealer network, cheap parts and servicing
Sweet-spot 1.2 100 Turbo: 9.3s 0–62, up to 52.3mpg, 205Nm of low-down torque
Well equipped for the money — reviewers recommend entry trim with the turbo engine
Modern 2020 PSA/208-based platform; Euro 6 so it is ULEZ-proof
Genuine electric choice with the Corsa-e for zero-emission commuting

Cons

Not outstanding in any one area — competent rather than brilliant
Small boot: 309 litres, below average for the class; tight rear cabin
Dull interior materials and light, vague steering
Only 4 stars from Euro NCAP (2019) — behind newer 5-star rivals

Frequently asked questions

What is the real-world range of the 2020 Corsa-e?

Officially 209 miles WLTP (later versions 222 miles). In real driving expect more like 150–180 miles, closer to the quoted figure in Eco mode — Sport mode cuts roughly 10% off the range.

Is the 2020 Vauxhall Corsa ULEZ compliant?

Yes. The 1.2 petrol models are Euro 6, so they meet the Transport for London ULEZ standard — no daily charge in London or other clean-air zones.

Is the 2020 Corsa reliable?

It is broadly well regarded as a used buy. Owner reports flag only minor niggles: central-locking actuator issues, window demisting quirks and occasional knocking on rough roads. Insist on a fully stamped service history.

What insurance group is the 2020 Corsa 1.2 in?

Group 16 for the SE Nav or group 17 for SRi, Elite Nav and Ultimate Nav on the 100PS petrol — reasonable for a supermini, with the base 75PS version cheaper still.

Should I buy the petrol Corsa or the Corsa-e?

The petrol 1.2 100PS is the safe value pick — cheap to run, and used examples change hands for roughly £5,400–£9,800. The Corsa-e suits drivers who can charge at home, but note its extra ~300kg of weight and shorter real-world range.