Introduction to the Vauxhall Corsa F (facelift 2023) 50 kWh (136 Hp) Electric
The Vauxhall Corsa, a cornerstone of the European supermini segment for over four decades, received a significant refresh in 2023, ushering in the updated F-generation. This latest iteration, specifically the Vauxhall Corsa F (facelift 2023) 50 kWh (136 Hp) Electric, represents a pivotal moment for the British marque, further solidifying its commitment to electrification. While the Corsa nameplate has been a ubiquitous sight on European roads since its debut in 1982 (as the Opel Corsa in mainland Europe), it has never been officially sold in the United States. In its primary markets, particularly the United Kingdom, the Corsa consistently ranks among the best-selling vehicles, celebrated for its compact dimensions, practicality, and affordability. This 2023 facelift introduces sharper styling, enhanced technology, and a more efficient electric powertrain, aiming to maintain its competitive edge in an increasingly electrified automotive landscape.
The Vauxhall Corsa F (facelift 2023) 50 kWh (136 Hp) Electric, built upon the Stellantis (formerly PSA Group) Common Modular Platform (CMP), shares its underpinnings with several other compact electric vehicles within the conglomerate, most notably the Peugeot e-208. This shared architecture allows for robust integration of battery-electric vehicle (BEV) technology, offering a dedicated electric variant alongside its internal combustion engine counterparts. The 2023 model year update brings a refreshed front fascia featuring Vauxhall’s distinctive ‘Vizor’ grille, updated lighting signatures, and interior enhancements, ensuring the Corsa remains a contemporary and attractive option for urban dwellers and those seeking an efficient, zero-emission compact car.
Engine and Performance: The Electric Heart of the Vauxhall Corsa F (facelift 2023)
At the core of the Vauxhall Corsa F (facelift 2023) 50 kWh (136 Hp) Electric lies a potent and efficient electric powertrain. The vehicle is propelled by a single electric motor, strategically located on the front axle, driving the front wheels. This synchronous electric motor delivers a robust 136 horsepower (Hp) and an impressive 191.77 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque (260 Nm). The instant torque delivery characteristic of electric vehicles ensures a responsive and engaging driving experience, particularly in urban environments where the Corsa is designed to excel.
Performance figures for the electric Corsa are quite competitive within its segment. It achieves a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of approximately 8.5 seconds, a respectable sprint for a compact EV, while the 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) takes 8.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 93.21 mph (150 km/h), a practical limit suitable for its intended usage on city streets and highways. The vehicle’s powertrain architecture is a pure BEV, meaning it operates solely on electricity, producing zero tailpipe emissions. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a single-speed automatic transmission, characteristic of most modern electric vehicles, providing seamless acceleration without gear changes.
Energy storage is managed by a 50 kWh gross capacity lithium-ion battery pack. This battery is intelligently positioned beneath the floor, spanning from under the front seats to under the rear seats. This placement not only optimizes weight distribution for improved handling but also contributes to a lower center of gravity, enhancing stability. The battery technology is a modern lithium-ion chemistry, known for its energy density and reliability. The official WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) all-electric range is a commendable 221.02 miles (355.7 km), making it suitable for daily commutes and longer journeys. Energy consumption figures are equally impressive, ranging from 25.43 to 26.39 kWh/100 miles (15.8-16.4 kWh/100 km), translating to an estimated 133 to 128 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent), underscoring its efficiency.
Design and Features of the Vauxhall Corsa F (facelift 2023)
The 2023 facelift significantly enhances the aesthetic appeal and technological sophistication of the Vauxhall Corsa F. As a five-door hatchback, it maintains its practical and versatile body style, offering seating for five occupants. The most noticeable exterior change is the adoption of Vauxhall’s ‘Vizor’ front end, a sleek, black panel that integrates the grille, headlights, and Vauxhall Griffin badge into a single, cohesive design element. This design language, first seen on the Mokka, gives the Corsa a more modern, assertive, and recognizable face. The updated LED headlights, optionally available with IntelliLux LED matrix technology, provide superior illumination and a premium feel.
Dimensionally, the Corsa F (facelift 2023) measures 159.84 inches (4060 mm) in length, 77.17 inches (1960 mm) in width (including mirrors), and 56.42 inches (1433 mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 99.92 inches (2538 mm). These compact dimensions ensure excellent maneuverability in tight urban spaces, a key attribute for a European supermini. The curb weight of the electric variant stands at 3403.94 lbs (1544 kg
