The 2020 Vauxhall Corsa-e is a good performer
If you're in the market for a stylish electric supermini that is packed with equipment and has decent range, then the Vauxhall Corsa-e is for you.
With the growing trend to meet demand for small electric cars, the Corsa-e is a smart offering and since the engine-powered versions are not only popular but well-established brands with the British car-buying public, then the new offering should be a success.
While it shares its underpinnings with the Peugeot e-208, there's a lot to like about the Vauxhall creation - it doesn't have the distinctive looks, of say the Kia Soul EV, but it does do enough to tempt buyers.
Vauxhall says the Corsa-e has a range of up to 209 miles without having to be recharged, though you will need to drive carefully to achieve this.
The exterior has a smart looking design with an interesting LED headlight cluster and an impressive grille. Other road users will recognise this as an electric car because the Corsa-e has several badges plastered over it.
Entertainment system delivers smart graphics
The interior is comfortable, the front seats are easy to adjust and there's a 7-inch touchscreen for the entertainment system that delivers smart graphics. It also features a satnav, which is a useful addition at this end of the market.
For those who need smartphone connectivity, then the touchscreen offers one of the best systems currently available - opt for the top model and the dashboard features a bigger 10-inch touchscreen.
The rear seats will be a squeeze for tall adults, but that's the same situation in the Mini Electric too and these tall people may also have issues with the headroom, but that's the same situation for the standard Corsa.
So, while the Corsa-e comes with a premium over the petrol models, how much will it cost to recharge question?
This answer depends on how much you are paying for your electricity at home but it will be around £8 when topping up from a domestic supply. If your battery is empty, then using a 7 kW wall charger will take about seven hours to fully recharge the battery to full once more. Use one of the rapid charge points found dotted around and your battery will be recharged to 80% of capacity in just 30 minutes.
Vauxhall Corsa-e is cheaper to run
Put simply, the Vauxhall Corsa-e is cheaper to run over the same distance than a petrol engine Corsa.
Under the bonnet, there's a 136hp electric motor that delivers a surprisingly nippy performance and the power is available from a standing start.
This delivery of power makes the Corsa-e a really enjoyable car to drive the steering is light and precise and the car has good balance so you know what the front wheels are doing. It's also a pleasant motorway cruiser. Unlike some of its rivals.
Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist to help make long journeys less stressful.
The car is easy to drive since there are no gears, but there is the opportunity to switch between the driving modes of Eco, Normal and Sport.
The Corsa-e in Sport mode
Using the Corsa-e in Sport mode alters the acceleration and stiffens the suspension to deliver better grip and sharper handling - which really means a more enjoyable experience behind the wheel. This mode also delivers the full 134hp and will sprint from 0-31 mph in just 2.8 seconds and then onto 62mph in eight seconds.
If you are interested in the Vauxhall Corsa-e then you will be buying a well-made car that is designed to be a good performer around town it's fun to drive and while there are better electric cars available, the Corsa-e is definitely hard to beat.
DesperateSeller rating 4/5
Prices for the Vauxhall Corsa-e start at £27,665 after the Plugged-in Car Grant. If you’re not quite ready to go all-electric then head to DesperateSeller.co.uk where we have a huge choice of used Vauxhall Corsa cars for sale.
