That’s where we can help. This post will take you through some of the pros and cons of each model to help you make a decision.
Reliability and performance – who’s driving?
Both the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa are available in 3-door and 5-door options, with the 3-door models appealing more to younger drivers while 5-door options are more suited to families, with easier rear-seat access. Both the Fiesta and the Corsa are ideal for young or first time drivers, but the Corsa is slightly more affordable, which applies to insurance too.
However, that extra cost does get you a bit more power. The Fiesta’s newer Ecoboost petrol engine offers a solid performance of 0-62mph in 9.0 sec for the 138bhp model. It’s definitely faster than the Corsa 1.4 Griffin 3-door, for instance, which does 0-62mph in 13.2 sec. Impressively, the Ford Fiesta 1.5 Ecoboost 3-door hatchback manages 0-62mph in 6.5 sec.
Handling and feel
The Fiesta is more agile and precise in handling than the Corsa, with an enhanced chassis to provide an improved and refined ride.
The latest model Corsa has cruise control and parking sensors as standard, whereas with the Ford Fiesta, you’d need to upgrade to Titanium, a higher trim level, to get these features.
Practicality and design
While the Corsa has 1,050 litres of space with the seats folded, the Fiesta is limited to 974 litres with flat seats. However, the wider tailgate makes it easier to load your luggage compared to previous models. Its adjustable floor height also makes loading and unloading heavier items a lot easier.
Appearance
From a design perspective, the Fiesta has an Aston Martin style grille at the front in the 3 and 5-door options, while the Corsa focuses on a fun, sporty look with an outside-the-box two-tone roof.
Go up a grade, and the Fiesta Titanium X boasts a rear view camera and part-leather heated seats. Meanwhile the top of the range Vignale gives you a bespoke front grille, leather seats and a panoramic sunroof.
Comfort
Comfort-wise, both have lots of room in the front seats. But three adults in the back is going to be a squeeze whichever car you choose. The Corsa also has the option of heated front seats and steering wheel. Add a couple of grand to the price for the GSi Plus Pack to get leather trimmed Recaro seats, larger wheels and bi-xenon headlights that shine a blueish white light on dark roads, improving night visibility.
Engine, fuel and green credentials
The Fiesta gives marginally better fuel economy but only 1mpg difference at times so there’s not much in it. It has a choice of engines: 1.1-litre petrol, 1-litre 3-cylinder Ecoboost in three differing states of tune, and two diesels, with a 6-speed manual gearbox on higher-powered models.
The Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Turbo Elite has a combined fuel consumption of 48.7mpg, with 40.4mpg for the Ford Fiesta Ecoboost. However, when it comes to CO2 emissions, you’re looking at around 200g/mile for the Vauxhall Corsa, 218g/mile for the Ford Fiesta.
Benefit in kind
Both cars have a low P11D value. The Corsa BIK band is 15 (around £60 monthly), with the Fiesta band at 14 (around £75 monthly).
Safety
In terms of safety, Ford Fiesta has pre-collision assist. This means it can detect the presence of other vehicles and pedestrians up to 130 metres ahead. It also has sheet airbags as well as front driver and passenger airbags.
Twin front airbags are found in the Vauxhall Corsa with curtain and side airbags available on the Club, SXi and Design models. Both the Fiesta and Corsa have a 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating for adults, but only 3 star for child passengers.
