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VAUXHALL Corsa 3 Doors Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 3
First production year: 2001
Engines: Gasoline, Diesel
Body style: Hatchback
VAUXHALL Corsa 3 doors photo gallery

Vauxhall introduced the fourth generation of the Corsa in 2014 at the Paris Motor Show and its European sibling, the fifth generation of the Opel Corsa.

When Opel introduced the Corsa's first generation in Europe, Vauxhall chose a different badge and named the 1982 small-segment vehicle the Nova. It switched to the Corsa designation only from the second generation in 1993. Fast forward to 2014, and the British carmaker introduced the last Corsa designed and engineered by General Motors since the American carmaker sold both brands to Peugeot-Citroen in 2019.

The front fascia featured the "wing" shaped headlights, which incorporated Vauxhall's signature and LED daytime running lights. Its reversed trapezoidal grille featured the chromed Vauxhall badge, and a lip-spoiler adorned the lower part of the apron. An arched rear side window amplified the sporty look of the three-door version, while the sculptured doors and rear fenders made the car look longer.

Inside, the Corsa featured five seats but with limited access for the rear passengers. The dashboard was simple and plain on the base models, with a center stack where the carmaker installed the radio and climate controls. On higher trim levels, Vauxhall installed a new infotainment unit with a 7" touch-screen. In addition, it featured connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Vauxhall offered the Corsa a choice of five gasoline and two turbo-diesel engines paired as standard with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, depending on the version. Its top-performer sported the traditional badge VXR and provided 140 hp, transforming the little hatchback into an urban pocket rocket.

full description and technical specifications
VAUXHALL Corsa 3 Doors photo gallery

Vauxhall introduced the Corsa in 2006 at the London Motor Show and it was an instant success for the British brand.

The small-segment car was a joint development between General Motors and Fiat. While the Italians made the Punto and the Alfa Romeo MiTo, GM brands produced the Vauxhall/Opel Corsa. Strangely, the two carmakers decided to take the design from Germany and some engines from Italy.

Compared to its predecessor, the new generation was bigger and its headlights swept-back on the fenders left the impression of a compact-sized car. The arched, triangular, rear windows offered the impression of a sporty coupe. It was the same theme design used for the Astra GTC, which led to a raked tailgate. In the back, the elliptic tear-shaped taillights were mounted above the rear bumper to be protected from parking, low-speed crashes.

Inside, the Corsa offered decent space for four adults. In the front, the two seats were placed higher so the driver could have a better view on the road. But the rather dull dashboard, with a center stack that looked like a sad robot with the round vents in the middle, was not as pleasant as the rest of the car. Then, again, the design was not Italian.

With a McPherson suspension in the front and a semi-independent one for the rear, the Corsa was a typical city vehicle. It was offered with a choice of gasoline and diesel engines from both car-makers. It was available with a 5- or 6-speed manual, depending on the engine. There was also an option for a 4-speed automatic or a 6-speed automated, with an electronically controlled clutch.

full description and technical specifications
VAUXHALL Corsa 3 Doors photo gallery

Vauxhall introduced the second generation of the small-segment Corsa on the U.K. market in 2001, just a year after its European sibling.

The Corsa was on its third generation on the European market, but the first generation was named Nova in the British arena. That's why the third generation of the Opel Corsa was, in fact, the second generation of the Vauxhall, and that created confusion among the customers. But the car was sold well and was very appreciated by its customers.

While the biodesign was living its last years, the "new-edge" design started to get more traction on the market. GM saw the opportunity and decided to give the Corsa that curved-lines style combined in sharp angles. The headlights and the side windows were good examples of that. In the three-door version, it was even more obvious, especially to the rear ones. The small doors provided access for both front and rear seats. That was a Corsa-specific feature in the small-segment. To protect the taillights from scratches and parking bumps, they were installed on the C-pillars.

Inside, the car featured good amenities for its segment, even though the base model was stripped from power-windows or air-conditioning. On the higher trim levels, the carmaker installed power-windows, an on-board computer, and a CD-player.

The Corsa was available with a wide choice of engines ranging between 1.0-liter and 1.7 liters. They were paired as standard to a 5-speed manual. There was an option for a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed automated (Easytronic). The top of the range version was powered by a 1.8-liter gasoline engine, which was exclusively available for the 3-door version.

full description and technical specifications