2003 Vauxhall Corsa SXI 1.2 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

It's got city car written all over it

Faults:

Engine ignition went wrong.

Tracking was out and still is.

Breaks are uneven, and you some times end up on the other side of road when braking hard!!!

Washer jets have broke.

CD player broke.

Front trim is missing from the dealer.

Engine ticks like an old Ford Fiesta.

General Comments:

This car is definitely suited for city driving, as it is fast off the line for a 1.2.

If you show this car a country road, it gets confused and the biggest problem shows up - its wallowy handling (probably because it is made by an American car maker, GM). A boat would probably handle better.

The suspension is so soft, but the handling is fairly predictable. If pushed too hard, it will under-steer and you can control it with the throttle.

If you want a car to race your mates in, go for a Pug 106 or Citroen Saxo. They may fall apart because they are french, but at least they go round corners.

A Vauxhall Corsa does not handle like it is on rails.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd August, 2006

22nd Dec 2007, 16:09

Hey, just thought I'd point a couple of things out...

Things break. Fix them? If you're tracking goes out, then your tracking isn't going to come back, now is it?

You have noisy tappets I suspect, well then don't rag your car so much, get the oil done and let the engine warm up in future. I have noticed that all the Corsa's my mates have do suffer from noisy tappets, they have all ragged their cars, from cold.

Don't think for a second that I like Corsa's, or indeed any American cars (other than Escort RS Cosworth), but don't slag them off just because you abuse your car.

I own a 306 with 86k on the clock, it's not going to fall apart. The engine is silky smooth, quiet and pulls ever so well, intermittently the idle bounces up and down, once in a blue moon it cuts out, just needs a new throttle sensor.

Biggest problem is that Peugeot's tend to eat exhausts, I know people that've had to change exhaust annually. This is because Peugeot design the air intake, engine, exhaust to work together and create lovely flat torque curves, unmatched by any other manufacturer. A new exhaust once in a while is a price I'm prepared to pay.

2003 Vauxhall Corsa SRi 1.7CDTI from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Does exactly what it says on the tin

Faults:

Minor Accelerator Sensor Problem.

General Comments:

Our car is a 1.7CDTI SRI 5 door.

We bought it as we wanted a small diesel hatchback with 5 doors and air conditioning and this fitted the bill. It was an ex-demonstrator with 6000 miles and we paid £9, 500 for it. It has now done 27,000 miles in 2 years.

Apart from a problem with a throttle sensor (significant only as we were going to Scotland for a weekend break) it has never missed a beat. My wife uses it every day for the 40 mile round trip to work and we use it at weekends for shopping et al.

We have a four year old son and there is ample room in the back for him and his clutter.

The turbo kicks in at about 2200 revs and for a further 500 revs I am king of the road making overtaking an absolute joy.

I have no idea why they get so poor markings in the car press, I have driven the alternatives and they do not come close (I test drive cars for noise vibration and harshness for a living). Citroen C3 1.4 HDI? Atrocious.

My only complaints are that the ride can be a little choppy due to the 'sports suspension' and the low profile tyres, but that is probably due to me getting old. Secondly it seems to attract the boy racer element 2 inches from my rear bumper flashing their lights everywhere I go (please just overtake me if you can).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd November, 2005

4th Nov 2005, 16:50

Now the C3 comes with a 1.6 HDi 110 which will kick the 1.7 CDTi's butt.

9th Nov 2005, 10:57

The guy is talking about the ride and quality not the performance. Have you talked your Dad into buying one yet?

23rd Dec 2006, 10:50

I've found that the 1.7CDTI SRi keeps up with the Golf GT TDi all the way pass 100mph! Due to the cars size, but powerful engine it would be hard to beat in a larger car with a smaller engine, even it has more power because power isnt everything, its how you drive ;)