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Pocket roc
Page 56
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The latest in the line of Vauxhall The latest in the line of Vauxhall hatchvans that dates back to the 1983 Nova is the revamped Corsavan. It has a fine pedigree: the six-month-old Corsa car it is based on has already won many plaudits and awards.
The UK market for hatchback-derived vans is steady at around 6,500 units a year. of which Vauxhall accounted forjust under 2,000 last year. A t 80% fleet/20% retail,Vauxhall is slightly more retail-oriented than the sector average — although its biggest outlet by far is BT, with British Gas taking a close look at the new model.
Highly respected the new Corsay an range is easily described, with two engines and one trim level.The obvious engine choice is the highly respected 1.3CDTi rated at 74hp/170Nm and matched to a five-speed transmission.There is also a 1.2litre petrol option. producing 79hp/110Nm,but Vauxhall has no plans to offer an LPG version.
Having driven the petrol engine, we can say that while it is £385 cheaper than the turbodiesel, it is also slower, less economical and no more refined. Like tripe and onions, it's there if you want it but we won't mention it again.
The standard spec of the £9,125 Corsavan includes a half-height steel bulkhead, twostage central deadlocking,electric mirrors and an integrated radio/CD player.Top of the options list is ESP (electronic stability program), although atjust £.215 it might have been worthwhile speccing it as standard. Other options include electric windows (£.85), rear parking sensors (£225) and air-con (1555).
Payload is up to 550kg, with a taller but narrower loading aperture and a load volume of 0.92m3.
Spacious interior The interior is remarkably spacious considering the overall dimensions, providing enough room for a pair of full-sized humans (especially with the optional height-adjustable driver's seat). The dash is heavily styled, but apart from an annoying reflection from the silver surround of the dashtop binnacle, nothing is especially in trusive.The usual aluminium effect is backed by high-gloss black detailing.
On the road, the new 1.3CD'Ti offered a refined drive. Performance is up to the mark, as are ride and handling, although the sensitive electric power steering takes a little getting used talloise levels are commendably low: in this respect it can teach the Astravan something. •