The Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa are two of Britain's most popular and recognisable small hatchbacks. Both models offer a good blend of practicality, driving enjoyment, and value that has endeared them to UK buyers for decades. In this comparison, we'll examine how these famous superminis stack up across key areas to help you decide which is the better choice.
The latest generations of the Fiesta and Corsa arrived in 2018 and 2020 respectively, bringing fresh styling, new tech features, and improved efficiency to these well-established nameplates. Unlike the Corsa, the Fiesta is no longer in production and so can't be bought as a new car. Both of these superminis, however, remain hugely popular choices on the used car market.
Ford Fiesta vs Vauxhall Corsa
Practicality
When it comes to interior space and practicality, the Vauxhall Corsa has a slight edge over the Ford Fiesta. The Corsa offers more rear legroom and a larger boot capacity of 309 litres for petrol and hybrid models, compared to 292 litres in the Fiesta. However, the fully electric Corsa-e sacrifices some boot space at 267 litres. Accessing the rear seats is also a bit easier in the Corsa thanks to its wider door openings.
That said, the Fiesta still has a cleverly designed cabin that maximises the space on offer. While tight for three adults, a couple of grown-ups can sit in the rear seats in reasonable comfort. The main compromise is a step up into the boot area when the rear seats are folded, whereas some rivals offer a flat load floor. Three-door Fiesta models were available until 2022, leaving only the more practical five-door bodystyle until 2023 when the Fiesta was discontinued altogether.
Overall, the Corsa gets the nod for outright passenger space and versatility, but the Fiesta remains a very usable and cleverly packaged supermini.
Driving Impressions
One area where the Ford Fiesta really shines is driving enjoyment and dynamics. From the slick gearshift to the precise, well-weighted steering, the Fiesta has an inherently sporty and engaging driving experience that few rivals can match. Even the basic models are a hoot to thread along a twisting B-road.
The stiffer suspension setups of ST-Line and ST models do impact ride quality, but the payoff is excellent body control and agility. Those wanting a more comfortable drive can opt for the slightly raised Active models with their SUV-inspired suspension tune.
The latest Vauxhall Corsa offers safe and predictable handling but lacks the ultimate driver engagement of the Fiesta. The steering is accurate but numb, and there's noticeable road noise at higher speeds. Lower-powered models can feel sluggish, so the turbocharged 100hp 1.2-litre petrol is the sweet spot in the range.
While not as involving as the Fiesta, the Corsa is still a composed all-rounder. The hybrid powertrain does have some low-speed refinement issues, but the pure electric e-Corsa models deliver smooth, instant acceleration typical of an EV.
Technology and Equipment
Both the Fiesta and Corsa come well-equipped across the range, with touchscreen infotainment systems, smartphone mirroring, LED lights and parking sensors featuring on even basic models. Higher trims add luxuries like digital instruments, wireless charging and premium audio.
The Fiesta's straightforward interior design and easy-to-use controls give it an edge over the Corsa's occasionally laggy infotainment software. However, the Corsa counters with a more upmarket cabin ambiance thanks to its sweeping dashboard design.
While the top Vignale Fiesta has a classy B&O sound system, the lack of advanced safety tech like matrix LED lights holds it back against the range-topping Corsa Ultimate's more comprehensive kit list.
Overall, there's little to split these two superminis when it comes to in-car tech and equipment levels. Both deliver a solid roster of amenities appropriate for the class.
Running Costs
Running costs for these two small hatchbacks are broadly competitive, with a few key differences. The electric Corsa-e promises very low day-to-day running costs, especially for company car drivers, but its high list price when new makes it hard to recommend for private buyers. Our advice is to look to the used market instead, where the Corsa-e (later rebadged Corsa Electric) delivers exceptional value due to high initial depreciation.
Among the petrol models, the Corsa's turbocharged 1.2-litre engine should return real-world economy in the high 40s, while the Fiesta's mild hybrid manages an impressive 56.5mpg. However, the Fiesta tends to hold its value better, offsetting its slightly higher purchase costs.
Verdict
The Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa are both superb superminis that represent excellent all-round packages. The Fiesta's sparkling driving dynamics and excellent range of engines give it a slight edge for outright driver appeal. However, the Corsa counters with a touch more cabin space, a more upmarket interior ambiance, and the choice of pure electric power.
If driving engagement and a sporty character are most important, the Fiesta is the sharper tool. But those prioritising interior room, a more refined demeanour and the option of going fully electric will likely prefer the well-rounded talents of the Vauxhall Corsa.