Thanks to a maximum five-star rating in the official Euro NCAP crash tests, and three stars out of four for pedestrian protection and child-seat safety, Vauxhall Corsa safety is impressive. Electronic stability control – which can help correct skids – is available across the range although its only fitted as standard on SRi models. Twin front airbags are standard and curtain airbags and side airbags are fitted on Club, SXi and Design models.

Vauxhall Corsa practicality is excellent. The 285-litre boot is impressive and marginally bigger than hatchbacks like the Peugeot 207 and Ford Fiesta. The area includes a false floor on Club, SXi and Design models, which boosts space further and is a good place to store odds and ends. Folding the rear seats boost capacity to 1,100 litres, while up front there are door bins that can accommodate a 1.5-litre drinks bottle, plus a storage drawer under the front passenger seat from Life models upwards.

A clever integrated bicycle carrier that slides out of the rear bumper (see gallery) can be chosen as an option.