The Vauxhall Corsa, the only non-SUV in the top five best-selling cars in the UK, has been compared with its rivals by Express.co.uk's motoring reporter. The comparison covered the Ford Puma, Kia Sportage, Jaecoo 7, and Nissan Qashqai, based on the SMMT's monthly sales figures.
The Corsa, first introduced in the 1990s, was the most recently driven of the five. The comparison deliberately did not weigh the SUVs' obvious extra space too heavily.
Ford Puma vs Vauxhall Corsa
The Ford Puma, priced at £27,145, looks like a city car but is actually a small SUV, having replaced the Fiesta as Ford's main model. Despite being the UK's best-seller, the reporter expressed disappointment, citing body roll in corners, an oversized touchscreen, and a lack of value for money.
In contrast, the Corsa felt more nimble, brisker, and less reliant on a touchscreen for infotainment. Both cars suffer from poor rear headroom, but the Corsa has a shallower boot and feels less comfortable on the motorway. The verdict favoured the Corsa.
Jaecoo 7 vs Vauxhall Corsa
The Jaecoo 7, priced at £29,210, is a Chinese SUV resembling a Range Rover Evoque, nicknamed the 'Temu Range Rover'. The reporter drove it at SMMT's Test Day. As expected, it didn't handle as well as the Corsa, but it was more practical and comfortable. However, the Corsa won for its driving dynamics and physical buttons over touchscreens.
Kia Sportage vs Vauxhall Corsa
The Kia Sportage, priced at £31,395, is second on the SMMT list. The reporter found it a better all-round car than both the Puma and the Corsa, with good ergonomics, roominess, and motorway comfort. The Corsa countered with a more responsive powertrain and better handling, plus a substantially cheaper price, but the Kia won overall.
Nissan Qashqai vs Vauxhall Corsa
The Nissan Qashqai, the reporter argued, is better than any other car on this list. It has a well-integrated hybrid system, is efficient, and is easier to get along with than the Corsa, though less comfortable than the Kia. The Corsa's price makes it competitive, but the reporter would still opt for the Nissan, giving it the win.
