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By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 59

To suit the current zeitgeist, the fifth generation 'F' version of Vauxhall Corsa supermini included a full-electric model, first badged the Corsa-e, then re-named the Corsa Electric. But when buying used, would you want to pay the significant premium necessary over a combustion-powered model to get one? Time to check out the 2019-2023 version of this little battery-powered hatch.

Modelsword count: 5

Models Covered: (5-door hatch) [EV])

Historyword count: 171

By 2019, the supermini-sized full-electric cars we'd previously had hadn't generally been very credible, with one or two notable exceptions. But as Vauxhall launched its MK5 Corsa 'F'-generation model, times were changing. By then, most volume brand manufacturers knew that they'd have to get around to offering little EVs with the kind of driving range you once had to pay luxury money for. And Vauxhall found itself in the vanguard of this change courtesy of the borrowed PSA Group technology we first saw in the Peugeot e-208 and the DS 3 Crossback E-TENSE. It appeared in 2019 in the full-battery version of the 'F' generation Corsa, initially badged the 'Corsa-e' and was the Griffin brand's very first Zero Emissions model. The initial modest 209 mile driving range figure was increased to 222 miles in 2022 - the same year that this car was re-named the 'Corsa Electric'. More significant changes followed with a full facelift in mid-2023; it's the pre-facelift 2019-2023-era MK5 Corsa-e/Corsa Electric model that we look at here though.

What You Getword count: 277

Visually, this electric Corsa is virtually identical to the combustion-engined version, with the exception of different alloy wheel designs. The side view is characterised by a swept-back roof line, a pronounced mid-level crease above the door handles and, in usual Vauxhall fashion, a lower swage line flowing upwards towards the rear wheel arch in a 'blade'-like formation. The rear styling is characterised by this sharply defined crease line that bisects the top of the tailgate badge and connects the sleeker light clusters, which will be LED-illuminated provided you avoid entry-level trim. Inside, there are very few differences with this electrified model over a conventional version of this Vauxhall supermini. If you've driven a Corsa before - as most of us have - the Griffin badge on the steering wheel will be the only thing you'll recognise about this one. You sit quite low and the cabin surrounding you is of considerably higher quality than you might expect, with glossy black trim that delivers quite an up-market feel. Technology also helps of course, with the greater perception of sophistication. The minimum centre dash monitor size is 7-inches, while at the very top of the range, you can have a wide, brightly-coloured 10-inch HD fascia display. Opt for top spec and you'll find that another 7-inch digital display features with virtual dials in the instrument binnacle. Rear seat space is a little constricted thanks to the underfloor battery placement and legroom is at something of a premium - it's more city car than supermini-like in the back. Boot room is exactly the same as with the combustion-engined versions - 309-litres, extendable to 1,118-litres when you fold the rear bench.

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