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If payload is everything, la away now . .
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But as an urban lightweight, this little Vauxhall Corsavan has plenty going for it.
itlAugh the small-ear-derived segment is not for everyone,: itplays an importancrole. If you need a nippy, manoeuvrable vehicle that can carry tools or equipment and will sip from the fuel cup,this class of vehicle makes allokne sense.
Size aside, a vehicle of this type must meet , a number of criteria. I theeds to be easy to drive round town, allowing the driver to manoeuvre and park at will, while cossetting him or her from the rest of the (larger) wheeled world.And while loading ability won't he a priority with this type of vehicle, layout should be userfriendly in terms of access and storage.
Longer, wider and taller than before, the new Astravan comes with improved payload, and though I he load volume takes plight dip it actually offers more usea0e space.
Two enubinesfire ava i !able: a I .3CDTi tur-diesel wit h 74hp and i 1.2i I fiv petrol engine with 89hp. Standard equipment includes ABS with electronic brake distribution (EBD), remote central locking, CD/radio and electric door mirrors.
VatSbail is putting plenty of emphasis on the driving ability of the new Corsavan . It now features dynamic safety suspension (DSA )00 ich is designed to allow safer haudling and braking on uneven road conditions, ancremergency brake assist to furtherreduce braking distances.
Options are a mix of the necessary (adjustable steering wheel, driver's seat height adjuster and load area rubber floor mat), and the discretionary (ESP-plus, aircon, parking sensors and electric windows). Running costs have also been improved: servicing intervals are now 20,000 miles, while the warranty stands at three years/60,000 miles.
Productivity
With this class of vehicle fuel economy reaches the heights that most operators can only dream of. However, the Corsavan is the heaviest vehicle in our comparison group (albeit by only 100-170kg) which is bound to affect its fuel consumption.
The laden run produced 57.3mpg. a fraction below Ford's Fiesta and Citroen's C2; Fiat's Punto leads the way with 61.4mpg. Running unladen things perked up to 61.9mpg, but of course that also applied to the competition — the C2 holds the economy crown at 65.2mpg.
But if the Corsavan's extra weight hits its fuel consumption, it also allows fora greater payload than the rest, at 550kg.This is complemented by a longer, higher load area than the previous model. Loadspace is slightly down on the previous model (0.92m3 vs 1.0610. but the design allows better use of the available space. Getting the load inside is helped by a commendably wide rear aperture with low loading lip and a rear hatch that opens high enough to avoid contact with your head.
Protecting the driver (and the Corsa) are a standard half-height metal bulkhead and side panelling. For added protection a metal mesh guard that extends the bulkhead to the ceiling and a rubber floor mat are on the options list. There's also a four-piece compartment cover to protect the load from prying eyes.
On the road
As a passenger car the Corsa has gained plenty of plaudits, most notably for the way it drives — and unsurprisingly the Corsavan retains some of its driver-friendly characteristics Whereas some CDVs feel overwhelmed with their new status as load carriers, the little Vauxhall feels completely at ease no matter what the environment.
Vehicles of this size aren't usually the greatest of steeds on motorways and A-roads due to their proportions, but the Corsa behaves in such a reassuring manner that it's almost spooky.There's no significant suspension wobble or wind-buffeting; it simply tracks true whether laden or unladen.
That level of composure is also evident in the corners. Whether they're tight or sweeping, the Corsavan turns in with the incisiveness of a hot hatch and remains unruffled when nearing its rather impressive limit. Matching this ability is the speed-sensitive steering. On initial acquaintance it feels over-assisted, particularly around town, hut over time its lightness allows you to relax and change direction with minimal effort. In any case,onc,e you leave the urban jungle and pick up speed it becomes more weighted and centred, with enough feedback from the front wheels to let you know what's happening down below.
Completing this driving love-in is the L3 litre engine which still ranks (along with its Fiat relation) as CM's favourite all-round small diesel.
Besides needing minimal attention in the workshop its smoothness of operation is unrivalled: power and torque are delivered in an even-handed manner right up to the redline.
You can add to this happy list the Corsa's braking performance, which lives up to the promise of all that technology. But before we start forming a personal relationship with this Vauxhall, the gearchange is notable for its detachment. Short in throw it might he,but there's little to say that the next gear has been engaged until you lift the clutch.
Cab comfort
As soon as you settle into the well supported driver's seat you know where all the controls are going to he: the uncluttered design is striking in its simplicity but doesn't feel sparse.
Although the plastics are high quality, the predominance of grey fails to lift the soul. However, this is counteracted by the cream hue of the central dash section (which comes complete with retro heating vents).
This acts to soak up the surrounding dullness other manufacturers of CVs of any size please take note.
Storage is as you would expect for a vehicle of this type, with door bins,glovebox and cup holders, though with the Corsavan Vauxhall could have made a name for itself with more commercially biased extras such as a folding passenger seat with flat hack or a dashmounted clip attachment.
It may be all roses on the inside, but once you get out that extra-long side door becomes a real headache.This is especially true in tight surroundings or when stepping out into traffic where its proportions become a liability What's more it doesn't lock out with any reassurance,making it rather too susceptible to closing when hit by strong gusts of wind. •