Vauxhall’s Corsa Electric has long been the UK’s best-selling small EV, but the competition is heating up. To stay ahead, this mid-life facelift brings sharper styling, an upgraded interior, and an extra powertrain option that promises even more range. But are these changes enough to keep it on top? Let’s find out.
Small electric cars have historically been a mixed bag—some brilliant, others barely credible. But that’s changing fast. More mainstream brands are rolling out compact EVs with driving ranges once reserved for premium models. Vauxhall is at the forefront, borrowing tech from its Stellantis group stablemate, the Peugeot e-208.
The first electric Corsa, launched in 2020 as the Corsa-e, later rebranded to Corsa Electric in 2022, already improved on its initial range. Now, the 2023 facelift brings a more sophisticated look, a digital-heavy interior, and a crucial second powertrain choice.
Driving Experience
Previously, the Corsa Electric was only available with a 50kWh battery and a 136bhp motor, offering 221 miles of range. That setup remains, but now there’s a more advanced 51kWh battery paired with a stronger 156bhp motor, stretching the range to 248 miles.
Acceleration is brisk. Expect 0-62mph in under nine seconds, with all the instant torque you’d expect from an EV. At low speeds, the Corsa Electric leaps off the line, hitting 30mph in just 2.1 seconds. Push it harder, and 60mph arrives in 7.6 seconds—impressive for a compact EV.
Yet, like all electric cars, range figures depend on driving habits. Stick to Eco mode, and you’ll get close to the official numbers, but engage Sport mode and the powertrain unlocks full performance at the cost of efficiency.
Regenerative braking is limited, with a simple ‘B’ mode that provides noticeable slowdown but not true one-pedal driving.
Weight is another factor—this electric version carries an extra 300kg over its petrol counterparts.
That heft helps stability on the open road but makes the ride firm over potholes and speed bumps. Still, handling is surprisingly composed, and it feels well-planted at higher speeds.
Design & Build
At first glance, the Corsa Electric looks familiar, but subtle design tweaks make a difference. The new ‘Vizor’ front grille—a solid black panel with a restyled Griffin badge—gives it a more modern identity.
Slimmer LED headlights, squared-off for a sharper look, now feature IntelliLux matrix technology on top trims.
The side profile remains clean, defined by a swept-back roofline and bold crease lines. Black contrast roofs appear on higher trims, alongside a wheel upgrade from 16-inch to 17-inch alloys.
The rear follows the current trend, with spaced-out ‘Corsa’ lettering replacing the old badge, along with updated LED tail lights.
Beneath it all, the underpinnings remain shared with the Peugeot e-208, meaning the same Stellantis CMP platform and a blend of high-strength steels for structural rigidity.
Interior & Technology
Inside, the biggest change is the new 10-inch Snapdragon-powered touchscreen. The infotainment system is faster, clearer, and finally offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 7-inch digital driver display is standard across the range, delivering crisp graphics and useful EV-specific data.
The refreshed steering wheel and updated sports seats improve the feel of the cabin, though space remains tight, especially in the rear. While quality doesn’t quite match class leaders, ergonomics are strong, with physical climate controls retained—unlike the Peugeot e-208, which buries them in the touchscreen.
Practicality is a mixed bag. Front storage is decent, with a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports. However, a shrunken glovebox and the lack of an overhead sunglasses holder feel like missed opportunities.
Rear Space & Boot
Space in the back is tight. Legroom and headroom are limited, and the unexpectedly high centre tunnel makes a middle-seat passenger unlikely. For short trips or occasional use, it’s fine—but adults won’t enjoy long journeys here.
The 309-litre boot is identical to the petrol version and competitive for the class. Fold the rear seats (in a 60/40 split), and capacity expands to 1,118 litres, making it a practical enough option for daily use.
Model & Range
For this course, it's electric. As with the combustion model, there are three mainstream trim levels: Design, GS, and Ultimate. Prices range from £32,500 to £38,500.
With Design trim, you can only have the older 136hp powertrain. With the two top trim levels, you can opt for the new 156hp long-range powertrain for around £1,400 more.
Vauxhall also offers a hybrid-powered Corsa, the E-DCT6 hybrid, which can run on electric power in town. This variant starts from around £23,000 in its 100hp form and is available across the same three trims.
The Corsa Electric is priced similarly to its Stellantis cousin, the Peugeot e-208. Both arguably make more sense as EVs than another key rival, the Mini Electric, which costs about the same but has a lower range, a smaller 40.7kWh battery, a three-door-only body style, and a smaller boot. The Mini would likely cost around £3,000 more when specified to the same standard.
Other fully electric small hatchback options are limited. Larger EVs like the Kia Niro EV or Hyundai Kona Electric start from around £35,000, but these are slightly bigger vehicles.
Standard Equipment
- Even entry-level Design models are well-equipped, featuring:
- LED headlights with high beam assist
- 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
- Auto headlights and wipers
- A seven-inch digital driver display
- Cruise control with an intelligent speed limiter
- A 10-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker DAB audio system
- Mid-range GS trim adds:
- A black contrast roof and A-pillars
- Dark tinted rear windows
- A rear spoiler
- 17-inch black alloy wheels with grey inserts
- All-round parking sensors
- A panoramic rear-view camera
- Wireless smartphone connectivity
- The Ultimate trim further enhances the package with:
- LED matrix headlights
- Keyless entry
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- Alcantara upholstery
- A massaging driver’s seat with lumbar support
- A wireless phone charger
Safety & Assistance Features
- All models include:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (operating at 3-53mph)
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
- Speed Sign Recognition with an intelligent speed limiter
- Driver Drowsiness Warning
- Hill Start Assist
- ISOFIX child seat fixings
- Six airbags
- Higher trims add:
- Side Blind Spot Alert (GS and Ultimate)
- Extended Traffic Sign Recognition (Ultimate)
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Positioning Assist (Ultimate)
Cost of Ownership
Achieving the official WLTP range figures (221 miles for the 50kWh model and 248 miles for the 51kWh model) requires staying in Eco mode. Sport mode reduces range by around 10%.
Charging times:
- 11kW onboard charger: 0-100% in 5h50m (three-phase AC)
- 7kW home wallbox: 7h30m (full charge)
- 100kW rapid charging: 0-80% in 30 minutes
- Domestic socket: 21h45m (not recommended)
Running costs:
- Insurance groups: 27-28
- Zero road tax until 2025
- 2% Benefit-in-Kind tax
- No congestion or ULEZ charges in London
- Estimated 38% residual value after three years/36,000 miles
- Standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty (extendable to five years/100,000 miles)
Should you lease the Vauxhall Corsa Electric?
You still need to be committed to EV ownership to choose a Corsa Electric, but Vauxhall aims to make the total cost of ownership comparable to a petrol automatic over time.
This updated model is state-of-the-art for small EVs, offering strong technology and usability. While rivals like the Peugeot e-208 and DS 3 E-Tense share its platform, and others offer longer ranges, the Corsa Electric is set to reach a broader audience.
