Heavyweight Vauxhall is a knockout drive

The 98bhp 1.4-litre 16v engine features Twinport technology which builds on the standard four-valve technology of Vauxhall's Ecotec engines.

Fuel savings are achieved by a special intake manifold in combination with a high rate of exhaust gas recirculation. The advantages of Twinport technology are achieved through a combination of fuel injection and exhaust emission control by a three-way catalytic converter. This reduces technical complexity and consequently the cost to the customer, making the Twinport solution particularly attractive for superminis like this Corsa, as power output and efficient fuel consumption are maintained.

Talking of which, this Corsa will achieve a combined fuel figure of almost 51mpg, which makes it probably the pick of the petrol models, although the 1.3-litre turbodiesels feature superior performance figures and vastly superior economy. Still, you do need to pay quite a bit more for the privilege.

In this 1.4-litre you can get to 60mph in 13.9 seconds and run on to 112mph. The emissions figure of 129g/km isn't too shoddy either, especially when considering the amount of weight the Corsa has piled on down the years.

Both three- and five-door bodystyles are available and the difference between the two versions is pronounced. The three-door offers a coupe-like silhouette with a side window line that falls away from the roof at the rear to maximise the sporty look without minimising rear headroom. As it is, headroom in the back isn't spectacular and the low window will have adults ducking down to see out but legroom is quite adequate.

The five-door is a very different looking car that yields more space for back seat passengers. Both models give generous space in the front seats with a very comfortable driving position courtesy of the height and reach adjustable steering wheel and the supportive seating.

The quality of materials used is leagues ahead of the old Corsa and like the Astra, there's the bulletproof feeling of build quality that's as good as anything in the sector.

Just about the only criticism of recent Vauxhall interiors was that, although well built, they didn't offer a whole lot of slick design. The Corsa changes that particular script with translucent ambient lighting on the centre console switchgear, one of those "surprise and delight" features that adds the all-important showroom wow-factor. The round air vents, the stereo and big satellite navigation screen (available on high-spec cars only) give the Corsa's dash a far more modern, integrated look than the somewhat piecemeal integration of technology of the old car.

Vauxhall offers a particularly wide array of trim options for buyers to personalise their model range but it's all tastefully done with quality materials throughout.

The 1.4-litre engine is offered in Exclusiv, SE, SXi and SRi trims in both the three-door and five-door body styles.

An automatic gearbox is also offered but this should really only be selected if you're planning on subjecting the Corsa to a particularly onerous commute on a regular basis. Normally the diesels would be better in this regard but seeing as none of the diesel models are offered with the self-shifter this is as good as it gets.

If you're set on buying a petrol Corsa, this is the engine to choose. Bigger is usually better when it comes to petrol engines in superminis. Although I'd still probably recommend the 74bhp or 94bhp 1.3-litre diesels if pressed to make an editor's pick, this 1.4-litre is a very capable alternative.

FACT BOX

CAR: Vauxhall Corsa 1.4

PRICE: 11,735-14,920 – on the road

INSURANCE GROUP: 4-5

EMISSIONS: 129g/km

PERFORMANCE: Max speed 112mph; 0-60mph 13.9s

FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 51mpg

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ABS, seatbelt pretensioners, twin front airbags