A MUCH-LOVED car first released to the public in the 1990s has been revived as a hybrid vehicle.
Vauxhall, the UK's oldest surviving car brand, has revolutionised its classic Corsa for the modern era.
The reimagined family favourite boasts a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption.
The Miller cycle three-cylinder engine incorporates a variable-geometry turbocharger, a technological advancement that optimises its output according to the engine load.
This innovative feature enhances fuel efficiency, making it a notable development in automotive engineering.
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The car is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine, a 28bhp electric motor, a 48V ion battery and a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The battery has been mounted under the passenger seat and can be recharged as you drive.
This happens when you decelerate: the petrol engine stops and the electric motor becomes a generator that recharges the battery.
The electric motor can also be used separate to the engine - if driving short distances at speeds lower than 18mph.
And it can also act as assistance for the engine when accelerating.
The new Corsa hybrid will be available in Design, GS and Ultimate specifications.
Prices start at £22,890, for the Corsa Hybrid 100PS Design.
Alongside the classic Corsa, the hybrid Corsa will be joined by a choice of two, brand new, fully electric powertrains.
According to Vauxhall design boss Mark Adams, modernising the Corsa's powertrain options take the car a “significant step forward”.
The electric models come with an on-board 11kW charger. They can be charged from 0-100 per cent in just over five hours,
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While rapid charging, from 10-80 per cent will just take the cars 30 minutes.
“It has been a phenomenal success. Ever since it landed in the market, it has been a really important car for us,” Adams said.
“It really feels like a very different car and feels much more modern.
“Not only does it look sporty, but it [also] looks more efficient, more aerodynamic and more electric.”
Vauxhall hopes that their rise in electric vehicles, coupled with their increased powertrain choices will enable the Corsa to become the UK's best-selling car again.
The Corsa was last the UK's best-selling car in 2021, and it certainly seems geared up to be the best-selling car of this year, with reviewers going wild for the new powertrain choices.
After getting to test the new model, Sun Motors Editor and awards judge Rob Gill wrote: "Corsa is absolutely bossing it.
"Priced from under £20k, as it should be. Fun to drive, as it should be.
"And now with big-car tech from the Astra. Bonus."
He describes the sensation of getting inside one of Vauxhall's new Corsas as feeling like a "free upgrade".
Rob also said: “Corsa punches way ahead of the rest as Britain’s favourite supermini – and for good reason.”
