Some cars are so popular that they will forever hold an important place in automotive history, and the Vauxhall Corsa is a terrific example of this.
Whether you’ve learned to drive in one, had one as a first car, or had a friend who owned one, the Corsa has been a popular choice over the years and it continues to remain so – it was the UK’s most popular car in 2021, overall. This year the Corsa turns 40 and it shows no signs of slowing.
Here’s a look back at the history of the Corsa.
Corsa A (1982-1993)
Somewhat confusingly the first Corsa wasn’t really a Corsa at all in Britain, as for this model’s first generation, Vauxhall decided to choose the Nova name for its new supermini in 1982. Meanwhile sibling brand Opel (it’s only in the UK where models are badged Vauxhall, rather than Opel), elected the Corsa name instead.
Measuring just 3.6m in length, this small car offered a comparatively modern look for the time, and was sold as both a three-door hatchback and a four-door saloon. The real highlight was the 100bhp GSI – a lucrative hot hatch that is very rare, and pricey, to buy today.
Corsa B
It wasn’t actually until 1993 that the UK got a Vauxhall with a Corsa badge on the back. It was a rounder and softer-looking model than the Nova, while also longer and more spacious inside.
It also led the way for safety, being fitted with ABS braking, side impact protection and airbags – things that are a given today, but were rare at the time.
Corsa C
At the turn of the millennium it saw the introduction of the third-generation Corsa C. In terms of design, it wasn’t all that different to its predecessor, but it grew again in size – freeing up more space inside for passengers.
Vauxhall put a special emphasis on efficiency, with the model getting various new engine technologies to ensure the model met and exceeded the euro emissions standards at the time.
Corsa D
In 2006, Vauxhall introduced its new fourth-generation Corsa. It was a star act, and sold impressively well. The styling was far more modern too, with Vauxhall splitting the looks of the three- and five-door models – the former looked more like a coupe, while the latter became a suitable small family car.
New ecoFLEX engine technology made this Corsa particularly efficient, especially the 1.3-litre diesel examples.
Corsa E
The 2014 Corsa E was really more of a facelift than it was a new generation, though it improved this Vauxhall in a number of key areas, including driving dynamics and technology.
It boasted a new touchscreen system that brought Apple CarPlay to the model, while other features available included heated seats, a front camera and automatic climate control. Sporty VXR and GSI hot hatch versions would also follow.
Corsa F
The latest generation of Corsa arrived in late 2019, and was perhaps the most different version of this car yet. Built around the PSA Group’s – and now Stellantis’s – CMP platform, it brought the key addition of a Corsa-e EV, now renamed as the Corsa Electric.
This latest Corsa also brought a far more modern design and a raft of new technology – highlights including a digital instrument cluster, Matrix LED headlights and various driver assistance tech. To mark the Corsa’s 40th year, Vauxhall introduced a special Anniversary Edition. Limited to 1,000 units in the UK, it features a new Record Red metallic paint and sports seats inspired by those fitted to the original Nova.
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