Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

Corsa

The Vauxhall Corsavan is popular for its compact load space and efficient diesel engine options

Used Vauxhall Corsavan 2014-2018

Small Van

The choice for lovers of car-derived vans is pretty slim these days, meaning many buyers turn to used examples such as this Vauxhall Corsavan, which went off sale in 2018.

While sales numbers were small while it was made, the Corsavan - and its main rivals, the Ford Fiesta van and Mini Clubvan - filled an important niche for small businesses, tradesmen and big fleets.

Buyers get a choice of both diesel and petrol engines, with the entry-level unit a 69bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine. Diesel units are based around a 1.3-litre turbodiesel with power outputs of 74bhp and 94bhp.&nbsp;

As you might imagine, even the basic Corsavan feels every inch like an accomplished hatchback. Even where it is modified, it excels: there’s very little in the way of noise from the opened-up rear loadspace and the cabin is well laid out and comfortable.

On the road the Corsavan feels well balanced, with a relatively firm ride that compliments both its laden and unladen driving. Throw the Corsavan into a corner and you’ll find good feedback from the steering and hardly any noticeable body roll. It’s a very enjoyable small van to drive and a match for the Fiesta van of the same age.

The Corsavan is also versatile.&nbsp;Measuring 1264mm wide and with a total length of 1257mm, the Corsavan load area has a respectable 0.92m3 capacity.

However, it’s 912mm load height is fairly high off the ground, which can make placing heavier items into it quite challenging, particularly as you also have to negotiate the large boot lip in order to place the item down.

In contrast, the enormous opening provided by the boot of the hatchback tailgate is very useful for making the most use of what little space there is. The rear seats have been removed completely from the Corsavan, meaning the floor is completely flat – unlike in a passenger car, when you fold the rear seats forward and they rest at an angle.&nbsp;

As unlikely as it might be that you will want to pile a huge amount of weight in the back, the Corsavan can still move up to 571kg,&nbsp; 21kg more than the previous generation van and more than 60kg more than its fiercest rival, the Ford Fiesta van. That said, the Fiesta van does have a slightly larger load volume at just over 1m3.

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