So You’ve Just Passed Your Driving Test...Buy a Vauxhall

One of the many rites of passage most young people in this country go through is the rigorous journey of learning how to drive. As soon as most youngsters reach 17 they began to get that wanderlust that can only be satisfied by getting behind the wheel and driving off into the sunset...at least until they breakdown and then Dad has to come and rescue them. These days there are so many options for the young people who pass their tests in terms of what car to buy. Not so long ago you either chose a Fiesta, VW Beetle or a mini. Now the choice is a lot more complicated, so it’s worth doing a lot of research before handing over the cash. One excellent example of a car suitable for new drivers is the Vauxhall Corsa.

It is no small wonder that the Vauxhall Corsa has been adopted by the British School of Motoring (BSM) as their learning car of choice. Their entire fleet of cars are Corsas and you can bet that the most popular driving school in the country would choose a duff vehicle for their pupils to learn in. They have chosen the Corsa for their pupils for the exact same reasons you should consider buying one as your first car; stylish looks, well performing engines, low road tax, economical, ecologically sound and cheap to insure. If you want your freedom but are strapped for cash then the Corsa really is an excellent option.

For a car of its size, the Corsa feels reassuringly robust, even chunky. The high driving position and comfortable seats make the driving experience both stimulating but relaxing. The handling is light and responsive and the ride is firm but not irritatingly so. So far so good for the Vauxhall Supermini.

One of the main reasons the Corsa has sold (and will continue to sell) like hot cakes is the way it looks. The rounded and slick body of the new model makes the old Corsa look like a shoebox on wheels. Vauxhall have really done an excellent job of designing a vehicle that will appeal to their target demographic; the youth. This car has got all the style and cool points (especially with the jet black paintwork) to ensure it will be a favourite for a few years to come. Along with this you get all the mod cons to keep you entertained and comfortable (CD player, air con, electric windows/mirrors, a clear concise dashboard read out).

If you are driving a lot then the best engine option to go for would be the 1.3 CDTi, a very sprightly diesel engine that can produce up to 60mpg and has impressively low carbon emissions. The lower spec petrol versions feel slightly gutless and probably won’t get you from 0 60 anytime before your 60th birthday, so the diesel is definitely the recommended choice.

The interior feels sturdy and well built and all plastics are as rigid and hard wearing as to withstand even the most ham fisted passenger. The only minor drawback is the gearbox, which can occasionally feel slightly flimsy and is also susceptible to refusing to go into 3rd gear, which can be frustrating for those of us who enjoy travelling quicker than 30mph. Enough jiggling and adjusting the clutch normally sorts this minor problem out in a matter of seconds though.

The Supermini market is an extremely competitive one and if manufacturers slightly miss the mark with their vehicles then they will just disappear. The main competition for the Vauxhall Corsa is obviously the evergreen Ford Fiesta and the slightly expensive VW Polo. The Fiesta would also be an excellent choice and it is difficult to pick a favourite between the two, especially with the Fiestas brand new bodywork. However, if you learned in a Corsa then why not stick to what you’re used until you get more confident with driving on your own.