It's a shame that all Corsas don't get the translucent window switches or chrome dial surrounds that give some models such an interior lift. Even more disappointingly, not all models get a reach-adjustable steering wheel (most have rake only) or a height-adjustable driver’s seat.
But what doesn’t change depending on spec is the Corsa’s excellent rear seat accommodation. Like its best new rivals, the Corsa can easily sit two adults in the back seat, behind two normal-size adults in the front. And while the rear seat doesn’t slide back and forth like a Yaris’s, it does split and fold, and there’s a decent 285 litres of boot space with the seats up. And if your luggage is too high for the parcel shelf, the shelf itself can be stored vertically right behind the rear seats.
Specify hill start assist and you also get one of the best-judged ESP systems in this class. At £350 all in (£250 for ESP on its own), it’s good value – tuned to intervene only when you definitely need it.
Standard safety equipment includes twin front, side and curtain airbags and anti-lock brakes. Activate the anti-lock above 18mph and the brake lights flash at five hertz. Activate the airbags and the hazards join the crescendo.
The Corsa hasn’t been EuroNCAP tested yet, but the closely related Punto scores five, three and three stars respectively; we’d wager the Corsa will match those scores.
What the Corsa can’t match is the Punto’s excellent prices. Our test Corsa Club (with air-con) costs £10,545 before options. A Punto Dynamic, similarly specified in the important areas, is a mere £9195. Granted, an MP3 player is extra on the Fiat and you can’t have ESP, but these are minor details against a £1350 premium. That the Corsa is a better car we don’t doubt, and against a Clio, Yaris and 207 it’s actually competitively priced.
