2004 Vauxhall Corsa SXI 1.3CDTI
Summary:
Lovely turbo diesel engine WILL put fun back into driving!
Faults:
My handbrake-required adjustment at 3500 miles, dealer tightened under warranty, no problems with it since. Car refused to start one night, EMT light on dash confirmed a fault, although the car started instantly when I locked/unlocked car using key fob - Vauxhall checked immobiliser and updated software, no problems since. Other than these minor faults the car has been fantastic.
General Comments:
The Corsa's 1300cc CDTI engine is great when taking off, a sudden blast from the turbo leaves a Dci Clio well behind!
The engine sounds good too; a subtle whistle from the turbo sounds sweet as you nip around town.
I bought the car new and came with Pirelli P6000 tyres, which rarely lose traction! I've driven into corners at silly speeds with minimal roll; this car handles well and enjoys the bends!
I went for the black sapphire metallic which looks awesome when waxed and polished, especially at night with the sporty fog lights on. The main lights look futuristic, modern and expensive too careful on lose gravel! The rear of the car is interesting as all the light fittings are blackened so only visible when they are on, it compliments the black sapphire well.
Inside the Corsa accommodates really well with air con, e/windows, e/mirrors.
At night the white dials fitted to the SXI model light up really well creating a quality feel to the car. The sound system is excellent too and handles bass well. The radio will pick up just about anything and with a RDS clock system as well, so my clock never needs adjustment as I drive through any time zone.
The remote locking is good too and works from a good distance by a double click of the button the cars' indicators flash twice to confirm the car is deadlocked. Overall I am more than happy with the Corsa, just wish they renamed it, as previous models look cheap and nasty! I'd recommend the car to anyone especially the nippy CDTI. I choose the Corsa over a new VW Polo and Ford Fiesta, which aren't even close to the standard of my car's ride, handling and performance.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 1st October, 2004
8th Dec 2004, 09:23
When you're replacing your Pirelli tyres - go for Bridgestone Potenza RE720 instead. They're considerably better than the P6000. Quieter, much more grip, and don't tramline under braking. The car doesn't bounce about on the road as much either. They're the same price as the Pirellis too.
I've a 1.2 SXi which came with P6000. The car is much more comfortable and handles far better with the Bridgestones.