The best-selling car in the UK last year, the current Vauxhall Corsa supermini, has received a new look for its mid-life facelift. Plus, more equipment, and increased power for its full EV version that we drive here, the Corsa Electric.

Outside, the Corsa now benefits from the family ‘Vizor’ look, first seen on the Mokka and then our current ‘Best Family Car,’ the Astra. ‘Vizor,’ is the new smooth, black panel next to the also new darkened, clever IntelliLux LED headlights. While below, there’s a sharper new front air dam. Elsewhere, there is a fresh set of 17in alloy wheels, a shark-fin aerial, new colours, and different badging. Overall, this facelift makes the Corsa more attractive, putting useful space between it and sister car, the Peugeot 208.

Inside the Corsa, the facelift changes are perhaps less obvious. However, you get a new steering wheel, new interior trim and a bigger 10in touchscreen for the improved infotainment, which can be updated by over-the-air updates. It also demonstrates significant advances in smartphone usage and charging, and the availability of voice recognition. Perhaps feeling a bit dated compared to the Peugeot, the hard plastics are a sign of where Vauxhall fits into the Stellantis family. However, it’s the Corsa we’d choose over the 208, thanks to its more conventional driving position. Rear space is still on the tight side, the boot is a practical 267 litres.

The big news underneath, is the Corsa is the latest recipient of the all-new 400-volt e-electric motor, and ‘Long Range’ 51kWh battery, following the Jeep Avenger (also driven in this issue), and the Peugeot E-2008. It produces 156hp and acceleration to 60mph in 8.2 seconds, and most importantly a claimed range of 246 miles – which is competitive compared to rivals. When it comes to charging, this Vauxhall’s on-board charger delivers 100kW, equalling a 20 to 80% charge in just 24 minutes at a fast charger. With a 0-100% charge taking five-and-a-half hours on an 11kW charger.

If the 51kWh battery costs too much, Vauxhall is continuing to offer the 136hp version with the 50kWh battery, equalling 222 miles of range.  There are also 75hp, 100hp and 130hp versions of the three-cylinder, 1.2-litre petrol engine, with six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions. Vauxhall has also announced a 48-volt hybrid unit will be available in the future.

Our test car was closest to range-topping Ultimate spec, fitted with the biggest 17in wheels, yet the ride impressed as it was both composed and comfortable. The steering is reasonably agile, body control is good, but the soft ride and battery weight means there’s some body roll. Overall, the Corsa isn’t without driver appeal, but it’s perhaps safer than involving.

Like the Jeep, Peugeots, Citroens and Fiat fitted with similar versions of this new electric motor that we’ve driven, performance is best described as brisk rather than fast. ‘Normal’ mode is best for everyday driving, although you’ll prefer the sharper throttle mapping of ‘Sport’ mode for overtaking as it’s where you’ll have access to the full 193 lb-ft of torque. While ‘Eco’ is probably best used if the range is low. Brake feel is a general EV issue that not many manufacturers have solved it seems. The Corsa’s lack feel, with plenty of travel and a bit snatchy at low speeds.

Prices for the Corsa start at £19,625 for the entry-level 75hp 1.2-litre petrol in Design spec, however if you want to go EV, you’re going to need almost £13,000 more, as the entry 136hp version also in Design trim is £32,445. Choose the Ultimate spec that we’ve driven here, and the price goes up to a frankly expensive £38,585. However, Vauxhall has announced five-year PCP deals for the Corsa Electric, which could bring SME costs down. EV price questions aside, the facelifted Vauxhall Corsa is a deserved best-seller that’s usefully improved.

Vauxhall Corsa Electric Ultimate 51kWh  

P11D: £38,530

Residual value: 31.4%

Depreciation: £25,530

Fuel: £3,402

Service, maintenance and repair: £1,899

Cost per mile: 51.38p

Range: 246 miles

CO2 (BIK %): 0g/km (2%)

BIK 20/40% a month: £12/£24

Luggage capacity: 267 litres

Battery size/power: 51kWh/156hp