Vauxhall Corsa F 1.2 Turbo (100 Hp) Automatic

The Vauxhall Corsa F 1.2 Turbo (100 Hp) Automatic: A European Mainstay

The

Vauxhall Corsa F 1.2 Turbo (100 Hp) Automatic

represents the sixth generation of the popular Corsa subcompact, a vehicle that has been a consistent best-seller and a household name across the United Kingdom and continental Europe for decades. Introduced in July 2019 and produced until July 2023, this iteration marked a significant turning point for the Corsa line, being the first generation developed entirely under the ownership of Groupe PSA (now part of Stellantis) after General Motors sold Opel/Vauxhall in 2017. As a result, the Corsa F shares its Common Modular Platform (CMP) with its French sibling, the Peugeot 208, bringing a fresh design language, enhanced technology, and a renewed focus on efficiency. This specific variant, with its 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine paired with an automatic transmission, aimed to offer a compelling blend of urban agility, highway competence, and modern conveniences for its target demographic in the highly competitive European B-segment.

Engine & Performance of the Vauxhall Corsa F

At the heart of the

Vauxhall Corsa F 1.2 Turbo (100 Hp) Automatic

is a modern and efficient 1.2-liter (1199 cm

³

or 73.17 cu. in.) inline three-cylinder gasoline engine, designated by the code F12XHL. This powertrain architecture, featuring a turbocharger and intercooler, is designed to deliver a balance of spirited performance and commendable fuel economy. The engine generates a respectable 100 horsepower at 5500 revolutions per minute (rpm), providing a power-per-liter figure of 83.4 Hp/l, which is competitive for its class. More critically for daily driving, the engine produces a robust 151.2 lb.-ft. (205 Nm) of torque available from a low 1750 rpm. This broad torque band ensures responsive acceleration and reduces the need for frequent gear changes, particularly in urban settings.

Power is seamlessly delivered to the front wheels via an advanced 8-speed automatic transmission. This gearbox is a significant upgrade, contributing to both the car’s efficiency and driving refinement. The closely spaced ratios allow the engine to operate within its optimal power band more consistently, while the higher number of gears aids in reducing engine speed at cruising velocities, thereby lowering noise and improving fuel consumption. The Corsa F 1.2 Turbo (100 Hp) Automatic boasts a top speed of 119.3 mph (192 km/h), making it perfectly capable of handling European highway speeds.

Fuel efficiency is a strong suit for this Corsa variant. According to the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) cycle, it achieves a combined fuel consumption ranging from 40.6 to 37.9 US mpg (5.8-6.2 l/100 km). This impressive economy is further enhanced by a standard Start & Stop System, which automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary, reducing fuel consumption and emissions in city traffic. The vehicle also meets the stringent Euro 6d emission standard, underscoring its commitment to environmental performance with CO2 emissions rated at 99 g/km.

Design & Features

The Corsa F generation adopted a more dynamic and contemporary design language compared to its predecessors. As a 5-door hatchback, it prioritizes practicality and accessibility, offering seating for five occupants. Its compact dimensions – a length of 159.84 inches (4060 mm), a width of 69.49 inches (1765 mm), and a height of 56.42 inches (1433 mm) – make it an ideal choice for navigating crowded city streets and fitting into tight parking spaces, a common requirement in its primary European markets. The wheelbase measures 99.92 inches (2538 mm), contributing to a stable ride and a surprisingly spacious interior for a vehicle of its size.

Inside, the Corsa F aimed for a more modern and driver-focused cabin. While specific features can vary by trim level, standard equipment typically includes a responsive infotainment system, air conditioning, and a suite of passive and active safety features. The car’s architecture allowed for the integration of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that were becoming increasingly common in the segment, enhancing safety and convenience.

Practicality is further emphasized by the generous trunk space, which offers a minimum of 10.91 cubic feet (309 liters) with all seats in place, expandable to a substantial 39.48 cubic feet (1118 liters) when the rear seats are folded down. This flexibility makes the Corsa suitable for everything from weekly grocery runs to weekend getaways. The vehicle’s maximum permissible weight is 3626.6 lbs. (1645 kg), and it boasts a permitted trailer load with brakes of 2645.55 lbs. (1200 kg), showcasing its unexpected utility.

The drivetrain architecture is front-wheel drive, a conventional and efficient setup for subcompacts. Braking is handled by ventilated discs measuring 381 mm at the front and solid discs measuring 356 mm at the rear, complemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced stopping power and control. Steering is managed by a precise electric power steering rack and pinion system, offering ease of maneuverability at low speeds and greater stability on the highway. The Corsa F is typically equipped with tire sizes ranging from 195/55 R16 to 205/45 R17, mounted on 16-inch or 17-inch wheel rims, contributing to both its aesthetic appeal and handling characteristics.

Technical Specifications: Vauxhall Corsa F 1.2 Turbo (100 Hp) Automatic

Legacy & Market Impact

The Vauxhall Corsa has a storied history in the European automotive landscape, consistently ranking among the best-selling cars in the UK and a strong contender in many other European nations. The F-generation, and specifically the

Vauxhall Corsa F 1.2 Turbo (100 Hp) Automatic

variant, played a crucial role in maintaining this legacy during a period of significant corporate transition for the brand. Its development under Groupe PSA brought it onto a modern platform shared with the highly successful Peugeot 208, allowing it to leverage advanced technologies and economies of scale that might not have been possible under its previous ownership.

In its primary markets, the Corsa F competed fiercely with established rivals such as the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Renault Clio, and Skoda Fabia. Its success stemmed from a combination of factors: a well-known brand name, competitive pricing, a robust and efficient powertrain lineup, and a design that appealed to a broad demographic, from first-time drivers to urban families. The 1.2 Turbo (100 Hp) Automatic model, in particular, catered to a growing demand for accessible automatic transmissions, offering a smooth and effortless driving experience without sacrificing fuel economy. This made it an attractive option for commuters and those seeking comfort in congested city environments.

The Corsa F’s impact extended beyond sales figures. It showcased Vauxhall’s ability to adapt and innovate under new ownership, demonstrating that the brand could produce a car that was both distinctly Vauxhall in character and technologically aligned with its new corporate parent. Its move towards greater efficiency, evidenced by its low CO2 emissions and excellent fuel economy, positioned it well for the evolving environmental regulations and consumer preferences in Europe. Furthermore, the inclusion of modern safety features and infotainment options ensured its relevance in a market increasingly driven by technology.

As production concluded in 2023, the Vauxhall Corsa F left a legacy as a reliable, economical, and stylish subcompact that successfully navigated a pivotal moment in the brand’s history. It continued to be a symbol of attainable motoring, offering a practical and enjoyable ownership experience that resonated deeply with European consumers, solidifying its place as a true automotive icon in its segment.