Vauxhall Corsa E 1.4 ecoFLEX (90 Hp) Automatic

The Vauxhall Corsa E 1.4 ecoFLEX Automatic: A Pillar of European Supermini Practicality

The Vauxhall Corsa E, produced from November 2014 to April 2018, represents the fifth generation of Vauxhall’s highly successful supermini, a segment critically important to the European automotive market. This particular variant, the Vauxhall Corsa E 1.4 ecoFLEX (90 Hp) Automatic, was designed to offer an appealing blend of urban maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and ease of driving, especially with its automatic transmission. While the Vauxhall brand is exclusive to the United Kingdom, the Corsa E is fundamentally a rebadged Opel Corsa E, a ubiquitous sight across continental Europe. It carved out a significant niche as a reliable, affordable, and practical hatchback, appealing to a broad spectrum of buyers from first-time drivers to small families seeking a compact yet versatile vehicle.

Positioned in the highly competitive B-segment, the Corsa E faced formidable rivals, yet it consistently performed well due to its robust engineering, practical interior, and modern features for its time. The “ecoFLEX” designation highlighted Vauxhall’s commitment to improved environmental performance and fuel economy, a crucial selling point in European markets with stringent emissions regulations and high fuel costs. This generation brought a more refined driving experience, updated styling, and enhanced technology compared to its predecessor, solidifying its standing as a cornerstone of the Vauxhall lineup.

Engine and Performance: The 1.4 ecoFLEX Powertrain in the Vauxhall Corsa E

At the heart of the Vauxhall Corsa E 1.4 ecoFLEX Automatic lies a naturally aspirated 1.4-liter (1398 cm³ or 85.31 cu. in.) inline four-cylinder engine, designated with the B14XEL code. This powertrain was engineered for a balance of accessible power and economic operation. It delivers 90 horsepower at a peak of 6000 rpm, providing sufficient thrust for city driving and comfortable highway cruising within speed limits common in its primary markets. Torque output stands at 95.88 lb.-ft. (130 Nm), available at 4000 rpm, which, when coupled with the smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission, ensures a responsive feel in most driving conditions.

The performance figures reflect its design as a practical commuter rather than a performance car. The Corsa E 1.4 ecoFLEX Automatic accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 13.2 seconds (0-100 km/h in 13.9 seconds) and reaches a maximum speed of 105.63 mph (170 km/h). The “ecoFLEX” badging is well-earned, with a combined fuel economy rating of 39.9 US mpg (5.9 l/100 km), and impressive extra-urban efficiency of 49 US mpg (4.8 l/100 km). This efficiency is complemented by relatively low CO2 emissions of 135 g/km, allowing it to meet the strict Euro 6 emission standard. The engine’s layout is front, transverse, driving the front wheels, a common and efficient configuration for supermini vehicles, ensuring predictable handling and maximizing interior space.

The engine’s architecture, with four valves per cylinder and multi-port manifold injection, contributes to its smooth operation and fuel efficiency. With an engine oil capacity of 4 liters (4.23 US qt) and a compression ratio of 10.5:1, the 1.4 ecoFLEX engine is a testament to reliable, modern small-displacement engineering tailored for the demands of the European market.

Design and Features: Practicality Meets Contemporary Style

The Vauxhall Corsa E embraced a more contemporary and dynamic design language compared to its predecessor, though it retained the familiar five-door hatchback body style that defines the supermini segment. With a length of 158.31 inches (4021 mm), a width of 68.35 inches (1736 mm), and a height of 58.31 inches (1481 mm), the Corsa E was compact enough for urban navigation yet offered a surprisingly spacious interior for its class. The wheelbase of 98.82 inches (2510 mm) contributed to a stable ride and maximized cabin volume for its five occupants.

Inside, the Corsa E focused on ergonomic design and functional aesthetics. While specific trim levels offered varying amenities, standard features for the era would typically include power windows, central locking, and an infotainment system, often with a touchscreen interface, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB ports. Safety was a key consideration, with the Corsa E equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard, along with multiple airbags. The Drivetrain Architecture featured front-wheel drive, with an independent McPherson front suspension and a semi-independent, coil spring rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and predictable handling characteristic of the segment.

Practicality was further enhanced by a generous trunk (boot) space, ranging from 9.89 cubic feet (280 liters) with the rear seats up to a substantial 38.49 cubic feet (1090 liters) with the seats folded down. This flexibility made the Corsa E suitable for diverse needs, from daily commuting to weekend trips. The vehicle’s kerb weight ranged from 2469.18 to 2643.34 lbs. (1120-1199 kg), contributing to its agile feel and efficient performance. The Corsa E was also designed with practical considerations like a modest turning circle of 36.09 feet (11.00 m), making it highly maneuverable in tight urban environments.

Technical Specifications

Below is a detailed breakdown of the technical specifications for the Vauxhall Corsa E 1.4 ecoFLEX (90 Hp) Automatic:

Legacy and Market Impact of the Vauxhall Corsa E

The Vauxhall Corsa has been a perennial best-seller in the United Kingdom and, as the Opel Corsa, a dominant force across Europe for decades. The Corsa E generation, including the 1.4 ecoFLEX Automatic, continued this legacy by offering a compelling package of affordability, practicality, and modern features. In its primary markets, the Corsa E was a direct competitor to other formidable superminis such as the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Renault Clio, and Peugeot 208. Its success stemmed from its ability to strike a balance between a comfortable ride, efficient engines, and a user-friendly interior, making it a favorite among a wide demographic.

For Vauxhall, the Corsa E was a crucial volume model, consistently ranking among the top-selling cars in the UK. Its appeal was broad, attracting young drivers with its accessible pricing and low running costs, as well as families who appreciated its five-door versatility and ample boot space. The “ecoFLEX” variant, in particular, resonated with environmentally conscious buyers and those looking to minimize fuel expenses, thanks to its strong fuel economy figures and Euro 6 compliance. The availability of a 6-speed automatic transmission in a segment often dominated by manuals also broadened its appeal, catering to drivers who preferred the convenience of an automatic for congested urban commutes.

While the Vauxhall Corsa E was never officially sold in the United States, its impact on the European automotive landscape was undeniable. It represented a significant evolution for the Corsa nameplate, bringing a more refined platform, improved handling, and a host of technological upgrades that kept it competitive in a fiercely contested segment. Its reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs further cemented its status as a smart choice for millions of European motorists, making the Vauxhall Corsa E 1.4 ecoFLEX Automatic a truly significant player in the global supermini story.