Vauxhall Corsa-e: A Stylish, Practical Electric Car Ideal for Eco-Conscious Drivers
The Vauxhall Corsa has been a popular choice among drivers in the UK for many years. However, in recent years, Vauxhall has expanded its range to include a new electric version, the Corsa-e. As an electric car enthusiast, I was eager to get behind the wheel and try it out for myself. In this review, I'll be taking a look at all the features of the Corsa-e, including its price, size, range and charging capabilities, as well as its trim levels and family features.
Price
The Corsa-e is available in three different models: the GS, the Anniversary edition and the Ultimate. The GS is the entry-level model, with a starting price of £29,305 after the government's plug-in car grant. The Anniversary edition is priced at £31,800, and the Ultimate is the most expensive model, with a starting price of £35,135. While the Corsa-e is not the cheapest electric car on the market, it's still a great option for anyone looking for a practical, eco-friendly car.
UK availability date
The Corsa-e is available now in the UK, and it's already proving to be a popular choice among drivers. Although some models have longer lead times than others, so it's worth checking in with your dealer to check. With more and more people looking to switch to electric cars, the Corsa-e offers a great balance of affordability, practicality and style.
Car size and type
The Corsa-e is a compact hatchback, with a length of 4.06m, a width of 1.77m and a height of 1.43m. It's a five-door car, with seating for up to five people. Despite its compact size, the Corsa-e offers plenty of room for passengers and luggage, making it a great choice for families or anyone who needs to transport larger items.
Charging & cable type
The Corsa-e uses a Type 2 EV charging cable, which is compatible with a variety of different charging points. This means that you can charge your car at home using a portable EV charging cable, or a Type 2 single phase, or 3 phase EV charging cable at use with a public charging point when you're out and about. The Corsa-e also comes with a CCS (Combined Charging System) port, which means that it can be charged using a fast charger up to 100kW, allowing you to top up your battery quickly when you're on the go.
Battery range
One of the key factors to consider when buying an electric car is the battery range. Vauxhall claims that the Corsa-e can travel up to 222 miles on a single charge. Of course, your real-world range will depend on a number of factors, including driving style, weather conditions and the type of roads you're driving on. During my time with the Corsa-e, I was able to get pretty close to the claimed range at 180 miles, which is impressive for a car of this size.
Trim levels
As mentioned earlier, the Corsa-e is available in three different models: the GS, the Anniversary edition and the Ultimate. The GS is the entry-level model, and it comes with a decent range of features, including air conditioning, cruise control, automatic headlights and a 7-inch touchscreen display. The Anniversary edition comes with a few extra features, including wireless phone charging, a rear-view camera and a larger 10-inch touchscreen display. The Ultimate is the top-of-the-range model, and it comes with all the bells and whistles, including keyless entry, a premium sound system, driver seat massage, and a panoramic sunroof.
Family features
The Corsa-e is a great choice for families, with plenty of room for passengers and luggage. It also comes with a range of safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking and a pedestrian alert system. However, one area where the Corsa-e could be improved is in its family-friendly features. While it does come with rear ISOFIX child seat fixings, there's no option for a tow bar, which could be a dealbreaker for some families who need to tow a caravan or trailer. Additionally, the Corsa-e doesn't offer a particularly spacious boot, with just 309 litres of space. This may be fine for day-to-day use, but could be a problem if you need to carry larger items or luggage for a family holiday. This extends to 1081 litres when the rear seats are folded.
Gadgets and specifications
The Corsa-e comes with a range of gadgets and specifications, depending on the model you choose. The GS comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display, air conditioning, automatic headlights and cruise control, as well as a range of safety features such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. The Anniversary edition adds wireless phone charging, a rear-view camera and a larger 10-inch touchscreen display, while the Ultimate comes with keyless entry, a premium sound system, heated seats, adaptive cruise control and a panoramic sunroof. One feature that I particularly liked was the ability to use your smartphone as a remote control, allowing you to preheat or cool the car before you get in.
Comfort on a journey
Comfort is always an important consideration when choosing a car, and the Corsa-e doesn't disappoint. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and there's plenty of room for both driver and passengers. The suspension does a good job of smoothing out bumps in the road, making for a comfortable ride. However, one downside of the Corsa-e is that it can be quite noisy on the motorway, with wind and road noise making their way into the cabin.
Conclusion
Overall, I was very impressed with the Vauxhall Corsa-e. It's a practical and eco-friendly car that offers a decent range, plenty of features and a comfortable ride. While it may not be the cheapest electric car on the market, it's still a great option for anyone looking for a practical, stylish car that's good for the environment. The Corsa-e's three different models offer plenty of options to suit different budgets and preferences, and its compact size makes it a great choice for anyone who needs a city car or a family car. If you're in the market for an electric car, the Corsa-e is definitely worth considering.
Shop our range of portable EV chargers and Type 2 EV charging cables at EVSTOR
