Vauxhall Corsavan review (2001-2006)
PROS
- Nippy and car-like
CONS
- Too small for many uses
Summary
The Vauxhall Corsavan is one of the range of car-based small commercial vehicles on offer including the Ford Fiestavan, Peugeot 206 van and Renault Cliovan which are beloved of couriers.
The Corsavan has been offered with a variety of engines since 2001, including 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol and 1.7-litre diesels in plain and turbocharged guises. The engine offerings are a 1.2-litre petrol with 70hp and a 1.3CDTi common rail diesel with 70hp. An Eastytronic semi-automatic version is also now available.
Skip to our full verdict on...
Vans of this size are great fun to thrash around in. They corner brilliantly and won't disappoint at high speeds. The Corsavan fits this mould. Being basically a car, the ride and handling are superb and that 1.3 CDTi is a gem of an engine, also appearing in such diverse offerings as the Vauxhall Combo and Fiat Doblo Cargo.
The petrol unit may appear on the used market with an LPG conversion as some of these vans will be used in London and as such they escape the city's infamous congestion charge.
Tall drivers are well accommodated. In fact the seats are bigger than you’d imagine. There is precious little room for storing bits and pieces as you’d imagine with such a small van, but it’s nothing you wouldn’t expect.
A CD player came as standard along with a pollen filter, which is a nice touch for any asthmatics who happen to drive vans. There were a mass of optional extras available including electric windows and a ‘go faster’ exterior pack with alloy wheels.
Insurance is a rock bottom 1E and opting for diesel versions could even see 60mpg achieved with a careful right foot.
We have nothing but praise for the latest common rail diesel unit in the Corsavan, which might be diminutive but is a real corker and should last for ages without serious problems.
For vans which have been converted for LPG use, it is worth checking exactly who did the conversion and what warranty is offered. If it's an official Vauxhall conversion it should be fine, or is the fitting has been done by a member of the LP Gas Association. Otherwise Vauxhall would be reluctant to help
As the Corsavan is based on a car, we see significantly better ratings here than in products which were designed as vans from the outset.
A driver’s airbag and ABS brakes both came as part of the standard package, along with central locking, an alarm and an immobiliser.
