VAUXHALL CORSAVAN 1.7 DE 16V
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IPRICE AS TESTED: 18,970 (ex-VAT). See box for options. ENGINE: 1.7 litres, 74hp (55kW). GV1V: 1,555kg. PAYLOAD: 420kg. FUEL CONSUMPTION (LADEN): 58.2mpg (4.8511t/100km). AVERAGE SPEED (LADEN): 67.0km/h.
t's a strange little niche, the "hatchvan" market: models come and go seemingly at random, and manufacturers seem almost embarrassed to be seen producing van versions of their bestloved small cars. They wouldn't want their customers to realise that the scorching "hot hatch" and the humble van come from the same production line, after all. But some of the smallest vans deserve a much better showing, because they are viable models in their own right.
Vauxhall has been quietly building up an enviable range of vans, and is clearly hoping to claim significant chunk of every part of the market. The New Corsavan (yes, it's called the New Corsavan in the brochure, but we'll drop the "New" for the rest of this article) replaces a perfectly competent predecessor, which looks little different, and which has been around since 1994. But the new model is greatly improved, and Vauxhall has extended its appeal with three engine options—that's more than some manufacturers offer in their whole range of vans.
The choice is between a 1.2-litre, i6-valve petrol unit rated at 74hp (at a base price of £8,245); the i.7Di TG-valve 64hp turbo-diesel ,67o); and the charge-cooled 74hp turbodiesel version tested here and costing £8,970. More telling than the power outputs are the torque ratings of the new trio, which are no, 130 and 165Nm respectively.
There is a decent range of options, some of which are shown in the box, (right). Other dealer-supplied accessories include cargo liners, ladder racks, roof boxes and satellite navigation. Our test vehicle also "benefited" from the dubious attentions of Herr Irmscher and his styling gnomes, who seem determined to stick carbon fibre (fake carbon fibre, at that) to every exposed surface. Please don't do this to your van—you promise?
PRODUCTIVITY
Round CM's Kent test route the Corsavan performed as well as you could wish for, maintaining a cracking average speed of 67.0km/h, which is exceptionally good in today's traffic conditions. But we were stunned by its fuel economy: over 58mpg with a full load on board. That's around zo% better than the competition. While there may be some margin for error (we only needed to add around a gallon and a half of DERV at the end of the run) it proves the capabilities of a modern, electronically controlled turbo-diesel.
The payload of 420kg is par for the course, but we suspect that very few hatchvans are ever loaded near to their capacity. For one thing, the relatively high loadbay lip discourages heavy lifting. Similarly, the loadspace dimensions are nothing specia but Vauxhall is to be commended for mez suring load volume by the realistic VDA star dard rather than the SAE standard, whic: gives a figure up to is% higher.
Other running costs for the Corsavan shout be impressively low: it comes with a three yearf6o,000-mile warranty and a six-year ant perforation bodywork warranty. Insuranc costs are claimed to be the lowest in the class the Corsavan being in group 1E. Better yet, sei vicing is only required every 20,000 miles o annually: a far cry from the Fiat Punto var which needs an oil change every 6,000 miles Incidentally, there's a handy "service due" indi cator on the dashboard.
ON THE ROAD
Like every other class of vehicle, hatchbacl vans have undergone a process of power infia tion. Ten years ago a typical model would hay, been fitted with a 1.4-litre diesel with no mon than Gohp and rooNm of torque. Thi Corsavan's charge-cooled turbo-diesel 1.7-11tri unit boasts 25% more power and 6o% mori torque than that, and it has more fiexibli engine characteristics to boot—the DT engine's torque "peak" is actually a broa< plateau running from 1,800-3,000rpm.
The only price you seem to pay for this i: some sluggishness while warming up, bu give it five or To miles and the engint responds willingly, with less noticeable turbo lag and a rather sporty exhaust note.
The gearing has been optimised for the engine, top gear translating to around 25mph/L000rpm. In top you're well within the zone of maximum torque from 507omph, giving plenty of punch for overtaking.
The handling is well up to this sort of power, and drivers can really have some fun in the Corsa (just remember to specify the accessory cargo net and mesh bulkhead). The steering is greatly improved over the rather deadfeeling setup of the previous Corsavan—as one tester put it, "It steers!--though the ultra-low-profile tyres fitted to our test vehicle marred the ride. The standard fitment tyres are 175/65R14 Safety levels are relatively high, with an airbag for the driver, seat-belt pretensioners and even "active head restraints". They don't actually grab your head in an impact, but they might prevent whiplash. It's just a shame that anti-lock braking is only an option. Remote central locking (with deadlocks) comes as standard.
Driver comfort is good, with plenty of room for both occupants and seats that are comfortable for at least half a day. But there's only so much you can fit into a pint pot, and the Corsavan is short on storage space in the cabin there are no cupholders, for instance, although the door pockets will grudgingly take a can or two. Instruments and controls are clear and sturdy, in Vauxhall's typical style, and the interior trim is reasonably tasteful. Niggles are few and minor: the heater could do with a recirculation function (and not all the vents can be shut off); the indicator bleeper is a little irritating and the seat-belt buckle clangs against the bulkhead.
Bizarrely, one tester complained that "the Saab-like matt black radio/CD panel shows fingermarks"...a sure sign that there were few major problems with the vehicle, and that CM's technical department is becoming more obsessive than ever.
SUMMARY
The initial purchase price of the Corsavan looks on the high side, but Vauxhall seems determined to reduce your running costs to zero with this one. Fuel, maintenance and insurance will hardly dent the wallet, leaving you to blow all your money on carbon-fibre cupholders and kevlar furry dice.
The Corsavan combines superb productivity with a pleasant driving experience, and if you can live with the limitations of such a small vehicle (if you're a high-mileage courier, for instance) it is an obvious choice. Vauxhall has added yet another excellent vehicle to its line-up, and shown that it takes the hatchback van market very seriously indeed.
• by Toby Clark