Motoring: Vauxhall's Corsa-e is the perfect electric car for smaller families - The Bromsgrove Standard

Motoring: Vauxhall's Corsa-e is the perfect electric car for smaller families

Bromsgrove Editorial 20th Nov, 2020   0

Vauxhall Corsa-e Elite Nav 7.4kW

BACK at the beginning of this year I said I was going to be testing more EVs, writes Tony Yates.

Well, thanks to an array of vehicle manufacturers I have now pretty much tested a large selection of these vehicles throughout 2020 – and I’m happy to report most of them are pretty good.

Also, as we get closer to December, things for me get a tad quieter on the motoring front as Christmas starts to appear into the horizon.




This also means I now get a few months off before it starts all over again in 2021.

Well, just as I thought it was all over, Vauxhall kindly dropped me off the new Corsa-e to test, which was pretty exciting because I have been waiting for the Corsa-e to arrive for quite a while now, and I had given up any hope of testing it before the end of the year.


Well happily it’s here – and now I’m finally ready to do my last EV test of 2020.

Power and Efficiency:

The Corsa-e is fitted with a synchronous type 100 kWh electric motor which develops 136PS and 260Nm of torque which I have to say feels very lively and more than happy to whizz you around on the motorway or rumble around in urban towns, a large city or a tiny Cotswold village.

Of course, being an (EV) means – it goes like a scalded cat thanks to an electric motor that I’m sure was borrowed from The Starship Enterprise.

All powered of course by a 50kWh Lithium-Ion bank of batteries that are capable of storing a large amount of electricity (like you never knew that already).

Moving on. Well, I guess you all want to know the range of the Corsa-e?

Well, again – I’m happy to report that I travelled well over 180 miles on one full charge. Vauxhall pitches it at 209miles, which you could achieve if you drive better than me of course.

When it comes to performance – the Corsa-e is more than capable of reaching 0-60 in just over 7.6 seconds and in no time at all, it will reach a top speed of 93 mph.

Now, I know what you are all thinking, but remember, speed is not everything.

Plus remember the max speed limit on a UK motorway is only 70mph anyway.

Plus, this means there’s plenty left in reserve for some blistering overtaking manoeuvres.

Let’s not forget this also allows you to perform ‘Formula 1 styled’ standing starts from the traffic lights with the Audi driver sitting next to you who still thinks he can take you! Such fun.

On the road:

There is the extra weight that you need to factor in due to carrying many batteries – but to be honest, it felt just like any other small hatchback you care to mention.

But it does have a hefty price tag, which might put many people off the idea. Let’s be clear, I’m not saying the EV option is better than the petrol-engined version’ of this car overall. I’m saying I prefer the EV option.

Design & Technology:

Well, this is where it gets exciting.

Vauxhall has upped their game with the interior of the Corsa-e, and it’s electrifying!

You also get a lot for your money such as; Satellite navigation system, 10-inch colour touchscreen, AM/FM/DAB digital radio, Bluetooth® audio streaming, Apple CarPlay™/Android Auto™ Lane departure warning with lane assist, Speed sign recognition, Side blind-spot alert and flank guard, Driver drowsiness system, Automatic emergency city braking, Electronic climate control, Flat-bottomed leather-covered steering wheel, Heated front seats and steering wheel, Rain-sensitive windscreen wipers, Automatic lighting control and 17-inch bi-colour diamond-cut alloy wheels.

To sum up:

The Corsa-e sits in my top five list of good EVs that I have tested overall – and to be honest, I like it a lot.

The Corsa-e is a stylish EV for any small family wishing to find their perfect partner in the green world we now all strive to live in.

Price: £30,310 (as tested) after PiCG – £3,000

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