Vauxhall Corsa gains longer-range electric powertrain in major update

By / 11 months ago / New Cars, UK News / No Comments

Vauxhall has given its Corsa supermini a major makeover, delivering a bold new look and an additional electric powertrain.

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Open for orders later this summer, the heavily facelifted version includes a new Corsa Electric variant, teaming up a larger 51kWh battery with an upgraded electric motor that puts out 156hp. The result is more performance along with a WLTP range of 255 miles; up 15%.

It will be sold alongside the existing 136hp powertrain, which features a 50kWh battery and has an official 222-mile range.

All Corsa Electric models will now come as standard with an 11kW on-board charger, allowing for a 0-100% charge to be completed in 5 hours and 15 minutes with a suitable charge point. A full charge with a 7kW home wallbox will take around 7.5 hours, while the Corsa Electric can also support 100kW rapid charging, giving a typical 10%-80% charge in 30 minutes.

The powertrain line-up also gains a 48V mild hybrid 1.2-litre petrol engine with 100hp and 136hp power choices, and carries over the conventional petrol variants.

Design updates are dramatic and see the debut of Vauxhall’s ‘Vizor’ front-end, first seen on the Mokka and a key part of the brand’s latest-generation models. The IntelliLux LED Pixel Matrix lights have been revamped too and the Corsa gets the new Griffin logo.

Other updates include 17-inch alloy wheels with a new black-effect detailing, plus a shark fin antenna at the rear.

The interior features an updated infotainment system using Vauxhall’s latest-generation user interface. It’s powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon Cockpit Platform, which utilises Artificial Intelligence (AI), and features a larger 10-inch touchscreen, while the 7-inch driver instrument digital display gets new graphics.

The new Corsa now comes with wireless smartphone charging for the first time, with smartphone users able to connect with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates are also available.

Connected 3D Navigation is available, along with intelligent voice control, featuring natural voice recognition. Already seen in the Astra, this can be accessed by saying “Hey Vauxhall”.

There’s a new high-resolution panoramic rear-view camera that helps with manoeuvring and the Corsa gets the latest suite of driver assist and safety technologies, such as adaptive cruise control and speed limiter, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

Full UK pricing and specification will be announced in the summer, with first deliveries due in Q4.

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.