2005 Vauxhall Corsa SXi 3 Door review from UK and Ireland

Clutch replaced at 7000 miles due to manufacturing defect.

Airbag contact ring requires replacement.

Couple of one-off faults (CD would not eject, lights on buzzer buzzed of its own accord, dash instruments failed to operate)

Bought the car brand new in March 2005. Ordered with Black Sapphire paint and A/C as options.

Car is nice looking, particularly in SXi spec (15" alloys, side skirts, unoffensive rear spoiler etc). For a mass produced supermini is also very well screwed together, though typically a little plasticky. Spec is also excellent, on a par with the astra in terms of convenience features, though basic air con cost £500!

On the road it is excellent, handles grips and stops very well, has ABS which is a godsend. Steering is a little bit vague though due to electrical assistance, just takes a little getting used to.

The twinport engine is superb and from a 1.2 develops the sort of punch you would expect from a 90's warm hatch, certainly suprises a few people! Is quiet, but buzzy at motorway speeds (due to short gearing) and isn't very economical when driven hard.

Car has had a number of faults (mostly just annoyances) but have been sorted under warranty without any issues, hasn't yet spent a day off the road in an undrivable state. Service from the dealership has been truely excellent.

A family member works for Vauxhall, so I bought my car at quite a discount. I would have been a little disappointed with it had I paid the RRP, though without bias would have to say there is not really any other car of this size (other than probably a BMW Mini) that I would rather own.