Strap yourselves in – it’s time for your latest installment of Car Wars, and today the superminis are squaring off in the great Corsa vs Fiesta battle. Along with the Volkswagen Polo, these two hatchbacks are mainstays in the car sales polls, so how do you decide which one to choose? In today’s edition of Car Wars Wednesdays, we’re tasked with helping you pick a winner – and it won’t be an easy job. Corsa vs Fiesta: let the battle begin.
Design
As one of the UK’s biggest sellers, the Corsa has long been a dominant presence in the supermini market – and as any Vauxhall Corsa review will tell you, the model shows no signs of giving up its spot. With rivals like the stylish Ford Fiesta to compete with, it all comes down to practicality. The Corsa provides 285 litres of boot space compared to the Fiesta’s 276 litres – and while the Corsa offers ample head and legroom for passengers, space in the back of the Fiesta is cramped. For an impressive design inside and out, this first round goes to the Corsa.
Features
Equipment in the Corsa is generous across the range, with even the entry-level spec coming equipped with cruise control, a USB port and LED daytime running lights. The Excite trim adds automatic lights and wipers, a colour touch-screen, Bluetooth connection and alloy wheels – while, moving up the range, the SRi version adds more luxury to the mix with heated door mirrors, cruise control and sports seats. The Fiesta’s basic Studio model also comes kitted with a USB port, as well as electric front windows and door mirrors. The Zetec trim is the pick of the Fiesta’s range, coming kitted out with a leather steering wheel, air conditioning and alloy wheels. For plenty of kit at a reasonable cost, the Corsa wins the features round.
Performance & Handling
When it comes to the ride, any Ford Fiesta review will tell you that this supermini is great to handle – but while the Fiesta offers a sharper drive, it fails to match up to the Corsa’s performance figures. The Fiesta’s CO2 emissions range between an impressively low 87g/km and 138g/km – with the former being exempt from road tax. Fuel economy peaks at 85.6mpg and 0-62mph will take the Fiesta 12.9secs. Its top speed of 111mph is a fraction less than the Corsa’s 113mph – and the Corsa also manages 0-62mph 1 second quicker than the Fiesta. The Vauxhall Corsa’s fuel economy is also impressive, emitting between 85g/km and 126g/km of CO2 and returning 87.8mpg – but this is still a tough one to call. The figures might favour the Corsa – but for a more exciting driving experience, we’re giving this round to the Fiesta.
Price
Pricing is another area where these two superminis battle it out neck-and-neck. The entry-level Ford Fiesta starts at £10,145, while the Vauxhall Corsa comes in at £9,175. In terms of value for money, the Corsa pips the Fiesta to the post.
The verdict: thanks to its smaller price tag and impressive practicality, the Vauxhall Corsa is today’s worthy winner.
Whichever supermini gets your vote, the Car Loan Warehouse can provide flexible car finance on any model to suit any budget. With a wide range of Vauxhall finance and Ford finance options available, finding a sensational supermini of your own could be easier than you think. Still making your mind up? Head over to our car finance calculator for an instant quote and see if that helps.
