Introduction
At this point, it is probably worth remembering that there’s that twin sister knocking about – and you know what, I think she might be the better looking one – the Peugeot e208. I believe it’s just that little bit sharper looking than the Corsa-e, and it has a more interesting interior. However, it’s not quite as cheap to buy or run. Another option to consider is the MG4, which may offer better value for money when purchased new, as it is a standard range car and slightly larger. However, there aren’t actually that many MG4s available on the second hand market. So, in terms of competition, you might be looking at options such as the Renault Zoe or the Nissan Leaf, both of which are pretty good cars.
When it comes to electric vehicles, there is no shortage of options in the market today. As more and more manufacturers jump on the EV bandwagon, it can be overwhelming for consumers to make a choice. One such option is the Vauxhall Corsa-e, a compact electric car that promises to be a budget-friendly option in the world of EVs. But is it really worth your hard-earned cash?
Practical and Affordable: The Vauxhall Corsa-e
When it comes to considering an electric car, there are often concerns about compromises, charging infrastructure, and cost. We all want to do our part for the planet and follow our conscience, but at the end of the day, the numbers need to make sense. Then there’s the fear that an electric car might feel strange to drive.
But what if we told you that there is a practical and useful electric car available at a fraction of the price of a brand new one? A car with low mileage that won’t break the bank. That’s where the pre-loved Vauxhall Corsa-e comes in.
Affordable and Approachable
The Corsa-e is anything but intimidating. It offers a friendly and familiar design that won’t make you feel out of place on the road. It’s a car that blends in effortlessly with other vehicles, making the transition to electric a smooth one.
I couldn’t believe the incredible deals I found when searching for pre-loved Corsa-e models online. But before I share those with you, make sure to subscribe to our channel and turn on notifications at Electrifying.com. We have a plethora of videos about pre-loved electric cars coming your way, and you wouldn’t want to miss them.
The Vauxhall Corsa-e: A Sibling Connection
Back in 2020, Vauxhall introduced the Corsa-e, an all-electric version of the popular Corsa hatchback. Developed in collaboration with Peugeot, the Corsa-e shares the same platform as the Peugeot e208. This means it comes with a 46 kilowatt-hour battery and delivers 136 brake horsepower, providing ample electric power. It’s like having non-identical twins – similar but with their own unique attributes.
And here’s the best part – you can find a used Corsa-e for less than half the price of a brand new one. With relatively low mileage, it’s a steal of a deal.
Driving the Corsa-e: Impressions
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: how does it drive? Well, let me tell you, it’s as thrilling as any other car on the road. The Corsa-e provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, with instant torque and impressive acceleration. You won’t miss the combustion engine one bit.
And thanks to its compact size, city driving becomes a breeze. Maneuvering through tight streets and parking in cramped spaces is effortless.
Charging and Infrastructure
Of course, one of the main concerns with owning an electric vehicle is the charging infrastructure. This is where the Corsa-e shines. With a range of up to 209 miles (WLTP), it gives you plenty of freedom to explore without constantly worrying about finding a charging station.
When it comes to recharging, the Corsa-e supports fast charging technology, allowing you to replenish the battery up to 80% in just 30 minutes. Plus, with an ever-growing network of charging stations, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you can easily find a place to charge.</p
The Vauxhall Corsa-e: A Bargain Baby?
The Vauxhall Corsa-e, Vauxhall’s affordable electric vehicle, has garnered attention for its impressive features and reasonable price point. But is it truly worth the investment? Let’s take a closer look at what this baby has to offer.
Impressive Range and Charging Capabilities
One of the highlights of the Corsa-e is its official WLTP range of 222 miles. With a hundred kilowatts of DC charging, the vehicle can charge from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes, providing a jump in range from 18 miles to 144. Additionally, users have the option to upgrade the standard 7.4 kilowatt AC charging to 11 kilowatts, allowing for even faster and more convenient charging.
Pricing and Trim Levels
Starting at a price of 31,130 and ranging up to 34,630, the Corsa-e may seem a bit pricey for a small vehicle. However, it is only available in the top two trim levels, ensuring that regardless of the chosen variant, buyers will benefit from a well-equipped car. This level of equipment certainly justifies the price tag, though private buyers may find it too hefty. Instead, fleet buyers have shown more interest in the Corsa-e, as its tax benefits make it a more attractive option.
Blending In with the Crowd
One of the selling points of the Corsa-e is its ability to blend in seamlessly with other cars on the road. At first glance, it appears to be just a regular Corsa, with no distinguishing features to indicate that it runs on electricity. This normality can be appealing to those who prefer to not draw attention to themselves. However, the high price tag may deter some buyers from choosing this option.
End of Fleet Deals and Popularity
As the three-year fleet deals for the Corsa-e come to an end, an influx of used models has entered the market. This presents an opportunity for interested buyers to find a well-maintained Corsa-e at a more affordable price. With the popularity of electric vehicles on the rise, it is expected that these used Corsa-e models will continue to attract attention.
Great options in the second-hand market
When it comes to the second-hand market for the Vauxhall Corsa-e, things get really interesting. There are plenty of options available, with low mileage and competitive prices. In fact, you can find a good deal in the range of 13 to 14 Grand. While there are cheaper ones with higher mileage, spending a little more in this range will get you a Corsa-e SC NAV Premium with less than 20,000 miles on the clock, and in excellent condition. If you’re lucky, you might even find a few with less than two and a half thousand miles, practically brand new. And trust me, you won’t regret it.
A decent-sized supermini
The Vauxhall Corsa-e may not be the flashiest option out there, but it still stands as a decent-sized supermini. The back might not offer as much space as a car specifically designed as a pure electric vehicle, and the boot is slightly smaller due to the placement of the batteries under the floor. However, these limitations are still manageable, especially when you consider the value for money. Comparing it to competitors like the Mini E, Fiat 500, or Honda E, the Corsa-e provides much more space and range.
A pleasure to drive
Now let’s talk about the driving experience. I must say, the Vauxhall Corsa-e is a delight to drive. It might even be the best out of all the Corsa models. Its performance on the road is quite impressive, making you feel like a confident driver. The handling is smooth, and the overall ride quality is commendable. You won’t be disappointed with this baby.
The Driving Experience
Um, okay, its probably not the most exciting car in the world to drive lets be honest, not 62 miles per hour in just over eight seconds, but its nippy enough. What more do you need this isnt, the kind of carpet youre going to go for a blast down a country? Road lets be honest, but ultimately there is nothing wrong with it.
Smooth Ride and Easy Maneuverability
It rides nicely its smooth, the steerings good, its light, its easy, its well balanced, its also really easy to park, which I think is a nice little bonus, particularly if you live in a town or a city and trying to squeeze into tight spaces.
Drive Modes for Different Needs
Now, like most electric cars, its got three Drive modes, eco, which it gives you the most range, but it only gives you 80 brake horsepower. Then youve got the default normal with 107 brake horsepower and then whack it into sport. If you want the full 136 brake horsepower, so obviously Im going to keep it in the latter.
Two Stage Brake Regeneration Feature
Now there is two stage brake regeneration. You just suppress the little B button down here, its quite mild, but it does give you a little extra region push um, but I think ultimately, this car is as simple as it gets when it comes to driving an electric car.
Practicality and Ease of Use
If you want practicality, if you want ease of use, then this is gon na make sense. So if you are making the switch for the first time, then maybe this is a car for you.
Equipment and Features
Now there are a few things to watch out for, though 18 months ago, the core city was rebranded as the Corsa electric but it’s the same car, and there have been a couple of special editions that have varying equipment, but generally you’re looking at the base cars. Having a small seven inch display inside with only the better grades getting a 10 inch system, but they all have navigation, Android auto, Apple CarPlay compatibility, and voice recognition.
Step it up a bit and there are even bigger car features like massaging seats and clever adaptive LED Headlamps, yes, please!
Condition and History
As ever, when you’re looking at buying a used car watch out for curved wheels and any signs of fixing causeways tend to be used in urban environments and occasionally as pool cars, so that sort of stuff can add up.
Cost of Ownership
But there’s good news too, because Vauxhall has been paying attention to Fleet customers, repair insurance and servicing rates tend to be really good, some of the cheapest on the market. The Corsa-e really does end up being properly cheap to run, clawing back some of the cost of purchase, which obviously tends to still be a bit higher than a petrol or diesel.
Warranty
The warranty stacks up as three years or sixty thousand miles for the car and eight years or a hundred thousand miles for the battery. So if you can find a slightly younger car in your price range, it might still have some manufacturer guarantee left for any faults and there’ll be five years plus of battery backup.
Vauxhall Corsa-e: A Bargain Baby
If you’re in the market for a reasonably priced practical second-hand EV with plenty of years of service left in it, then the Vauxhall Corsa-e is definitely worth considering. It may not be the most intimidating electric car out there, but that can actually work in its favor. With a nice ring to it, we could start calling it the “least intimidating first electric car ever.” Maybe you have a better suggestion? Share it in the comments below.
Get to Know the Corsa-e and Peugeot e208
If you’re curious to learn more about the Corsa-e and its supermini competition, the Peugeot e208, then you should come and have a chat with us at electrifying.com. We have loads more videos coming soon, including an updated review of the Corsa-e with more range, which we can’t wait to tell you about. So, come on over and let us clear the air at electrifying.
Design and Exterior
At first glance, the Vauxhall Corsa-e seems like any ordinary Corsa. It has a sleek and sporty design that appeals to the younger generation. The familiar shape and styling cues make it a safe choice for those who prefer a conventional look. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice subtle differences that hint at its electric powertrain. The absence of an exhaust pipe, for instance, is a giveaway. Overall, the Corsa-e manages to strike a balance between familiarity and uniqueness.
Interior and Features
Step inside the Corsa-e and you’ll be greeted by a clean and modern cabin. The overall quality of materials used is decent, although not exceptional. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives a breeze. One drawback, however, is the lack of legroom in the rear seats, which may pose an issue for taller passengers. In terms of features, the Corsa-e comes equipped with all the essentials such as a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and advanced safety features.
Performance and Range
The Corsa-e boasts an impressive electric powertrain that delivers quick acceleration and smooth driving dynamics. With 136 horsepower and instant torque, it can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.6 seconds. The handling is agile and responsive, making it enjoyable to drive around town. As for range, the Corsa-e offers up to 209 miles on a full charge, which is adequate for most daily commutes. However, it falls short compared to some of its competitors in the same price range.
Charging and Practicality
Charging the Corsa-e can be done using a standard 7.4 kW home wallbox, which takes around 7.5 hours for a full charge. Alternatively, using a 100 kW DC public charger can get you up to 80% charge in just 30 minutes. While the charging capabilities are decent, the Corsa-e does fall behind in terms of practicality. The boot space is limited, and the rear seats don’t fold completely flat, restricting the amount of cargo you can carry. This may be a deal-breaker for those who require more storage space.
In , the Vauxhall Corsa-e is a commendable electric vehicle that offers a decent entry point into the world of EVs. It boasts a stylish design, comfortable interior, and impressive performance. However, it does have its shortcomings, such as limited rear legroom, subpar cargo space, and a mediocre range. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly electric car with the basics covered, the Corsa-e might be worth considering. But if you prioritize factors like range and practicality, there are other