Road Test: Vauxhall Corsa Limited Edition 1.3 CDTi ecoFLEX

Sep 30 2011 Lee Gibson

IN making this car available it has to be assumed that the marketing men at Vauxhall have identified a new niche in the market – for cars that look as if they go very fast but which actually don’t.

By putting the 1.3 CDTi EcoFLEX engine in this Limited Edition trim, you see, they appear to have created something of a sheep in wolf’s clothing.

Now, there’s nothing intrinsically wrong in that, it just leaves one wondering who might actually buy this car.

It’s impressively efficient diesel power pack makes perfect sense for those looking to save on running costs and perhaps help to save the planet. But these are not usually the same types who would tend to go for the uber sporty boy racer styling touches.

On the other hand, those who do crave the go-faster design trappings are not usually the type you’d expect to be plumping for a lean and clean 1.3 litre diesel with a modest 75 horse power.

Whatever the thinking behind this seemingly unusual combination, though, one thing it does do is highlight the versatility and strength in depth of Vauxhall’s new Corsa range.

The 1.3 litre diesel power pack offers solid if unspectacular performance with some impressive economy figures.

It may take you nearly 15 seconds to get from 0-62mph and the top speed is a very modest 101mph but you will be able to squeeze a potential average of 67.3 miles per gallon out of this unit while carbon emissions are pegged back to 112g/km.

That means low fuel bills, road tax of just £30 per year currently and, coupled with a low insurance group, should mean very reasonable running costs indeed.

While acceleration and top end speed may not be lightning fast, this engine does prove a durable and willing workhorse for every day driving.

Nipping in and out of the traffic around town is taken in it’s stride and there is plenty of mid-range oomph for overtaking, motorway driving and such like, especially if you are prepared to work the five-speed manual gearbox a little.