All set for big things; RUSSELL BRAY believes the much-improved new Corsa will prove to be an even bigger hit than its popular predecessor.

Byline: RUSSELL BRAY

Roadtest: Vauxhall Corsa

THEY might still be "mini" by name, but there's little doubt that the latest generation of superminis have quite literally grown in stature.

Measure the sportier-looking new Vauxhall Corsa and you'll find that - like its rivals the Fiat Grande Punto, Peugeot 207 and new Renault Clio - it is now more than 13ft long, which is larger than the earliest Astras.

All these cars are safer and more comfortable as a result, but most of them are less agile, need bigger engines to move their extra weight and are less fun to drive.

The Corsa is an exception, though, as it hasn't suffered any ill effects from its growth spurt.

Part of the reason is that the previous model, despite its huge popularity, wasn't a great drive. This time round, Vauxhall have made a much better job of it.

The Corsa is still easy to drive, and yes the controls are a bit soft and light, but if you dig deep enough there's an impressive chassis underneath for those who like rapid cornering.

Considering that it's a better product all round, Vauxhall surely must have a big sales winner on their hands.

Prices start from just pounds 7495, which will buy you the one-litre three-door Expression model.

Move up to a bigger engine, such as the 79bhp 1.2-litre from pounds 8795, and you'll have a car that isn't just handsome from the outside with its baby Astra looks and pleasant to sit in, but also fine for covering long distances.

It's worth going for the bigger motor, but I wouldn't bother moving further up the range and shelling out extra for the 89bhp 1.4-litre.

The 1.2-litre petrol enables the Corsa to reach 60mph in 13 seconds, which is perfectly adequate, although most of the time you will need third gear for safe overtaking.

I averaged 38 to 46mpg, but according to official fuel figures up to 48.7mpg can be achieved.

If you can afford it, the 89bhp 1.3 CTDi, priced frompounds 11,295, is my pick of the range.

It's the torque at low revs that makes this 1.3-litre diesel lively away from the traffic lights and sprightly on main roads.

You can clock up 60mph in 11.9 seconds, and motorway cruising isn't stressful either, because the car is capable of reaching 107mph.

According to official figures, it's also possible to top 60mpg overall.

All versions of the Corsa have speed-sensitive power steering, which is light for tight manoeuvres but heavier for more feel at speed. The steering column adjusts for rake on all models, but not all driver's seats have height adjustment, so make sure you fit the car before you buy.

The brakes have too much initial power assistance for my taste, but you do get more used to it and they certainly pull you up in short order.

Even on poor road surfaces the Corsa feels compliant, and in the back, where there's room for two adults, the ride's not bad either.

Though the rear seat doesn't slide back and forth like that in a Toyota Yaris, you can fold it and boot space is good even with the seat up.

The new Corsa's interior is a huge step forward compared to the old car with big, comfy seats in nice materials and five well-finished trim levels.

Standard equipment levels are good across the range. Even the pounds 7495 Expression model has front airbags, central locking, a CD player and electric mirrors.

Factfile

Model: Vauxhall Corsa Engine: One, 1.2 or 1.4-litre petrol' 1.3 or 1.7-litre diesel Power:59 to 123bhp Economy: 40.9 to 61.4mpg Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles Price: pounds 7495 to pounds 13,795 On sale: Now