Vauxhall Corsa E 1.4i ecoFLEX (90 Hp)

Vauxhall Corsa E 1.4i ecoFLEX (90 Hp): A European Mainstay

The Vauxhall Corsa E 1.4i ecoFLEX (90 Hp) represents a significant iteration of a beloved European subcompact, or “supermini,” hatchback. Produced by the British marque Vauxhall, a brand historically linked with Opel and General Motors, the Corsa E generation debuted in November 2014 and continued production until June 2017. While the Vauxhall brand is not sold in the United States, the Corsa has consistently been one of the best-selling vehicles in the United Kingdom and across continental Europe, offering a blend of compact dimensions, practical utility, and economical operation. The “E” generation marked a substantial refresh over its predecessor, the Corsa D, aiming to bring a more refined driving experience, enhanced technology, and improved efficiency to its highly competitive market segment.

Positioned as an accessible and versatile option for urban drivers, young families, and first-time car owners, the Vauxhall Corsa E 1.4i ecoFLEX (90 Hp) specifically targeted buyers seeking a balance between performance and fuel economy. Its ecoFLEX designation highlighted Vauxhall’s commitment to efficiency, featuring optimizations designed to reduce both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, making it an attractive proposition in markets with stringent environmental regulations and fuel costs. This particular model, with its naturally aspirated 1.4-liter engine, served as a popular choice within the Corsa E lineup, embodying the core values of practicality and affordability that define the Corsa’s enduring appeal.

Engine & Performance of the Vauxhall Corsa E 1.4i ecoFLEX (90 Hp)

At the heart of the Vauxhall Corsa E 1.4i ecoFLEX lies a robust and proven 1.4-liter (1398 cm³ or 85.31 cu. in.) inline-four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated with the model code B14XEL. This naturally aspirated unit features a multi-port manifold injection system and four valves per cylinder, a common and reliable configuration for its class. It delivers a respectable 90 horsepower at 6000 rpm, providing adequate power for city driving and comfortable cruising on highways. The engine’s power per liter stands at 64.4 Hp/l, showcasing its efficiency within its displacement class.

Torque output for this engine is 130 Nm (or 95.88 lb.-ft.) available at 4000 rpm. This torque figure, delivered at a mid-range rpm, contributes to the car’s responsive feel in urban traffic and allows for reasonable acceleration from a standstill. Mated to a five-speed manual transmission, the powertrain architecture drives the front wheels, a standard setup for subcompact vehicles, ensuring predictable handling and efficient power transfer.

In terms of acceleration, the Corsa E 1.4i ecoFLEX (90 Hp) can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a calculated 12.5 seconds, or 0 to 100 km/h in 13.2 seconds. Its maximum speed is rated at 108.74 mph (175 km/h), making it capable of handling various driving conditions, from congested city streets to open roads. The vehicle’s weight-to-power ratio is 12.4 kg/Hp (80.4 Hp/tonne), and its weight-to-torque ratio is 8.6 kg/Nm (116.1 Nm/tonne), indicating a balanced approach to performance and efficiency for a car of its size and segment.

The “ecoFLEX” designation is particularly relevant when discussing fuel economy and emissions. The Corsa E 1.4i ecoFLEX boasts impressive fuel efficiency figures, especially for a non-hybrid gasoline engine. In urban driving, it achieves 35.6 US mpg (6.6 l/100 km), while extra-urban driving sees this rise to an excellent 53.5 US mpg (4.4 l/100 km). The combined fuel consumption is rated at 45.2 US mpg (5.2 l/100 km). These figures, combined with CO2 emissions of 118 g/km, allowed the vehicle to meet the Euro 6 emission standard, a crucial factor for its competitiveness in the European market. The fuel tank capacity is 11.89 US gallons (45 liters), providing a substantial range between fill-ups.

Design, Features, and Practicality

The Vauxhall Corsa E adopted a contemporary design language, evolving from its predecessor with a more sculpted and dynamic appearance. This particular variant is a five-door hatchback, a highly popular body style in Europe due to its blend of compact dimensions, ease of access for passengers, and flexible cargo space. Measuring 158.31 inches (4021 mm) in length, 68.35 inches (1736 mm) in width (76.54 inches or 1944 mm including mirrors), and 58.31 inches (1481 mm) in height, the Corsa E maintains a manageable footprint ideal for navigating tight city streets and parking in confined spaces. Its wheelbase of 98.82 inches (2510 mm) contributes to a stable ride and a surprisingly spacious interior for its class. The minimum turning circle of 36.09 feet (11.00 m) further enhances its urban maneuverability.

Inside, the Corsa E offers seating for five occupants, making it a viable option for small families or groups. The interior design prioritizes ergonomics and functionality, with controls typically well-placed and an intuitive layout. While specific infotainment features are not detailed in the provided data, cars in this segment from 2014-2017 typically offered options like touchscreen displays, Bluetooth connectivity, and basic navigation systems, enhancing the driving experience.

Practicality is a strong suit for the hatchback body style. The Corsa E offers a minimum trunk (boot) space of 10.06 cu. ft. (285 liters), which can be expanded significantly to 39.55 cu. ft. (1120 liters) by folding down the rear seats. This flexibility makes it suitable for carrying groceries, luggage, or larger items when needed. The car’s kerb weight ranges from 2469.18 to 2643.34 lbs (1120-1199 kg), and it has a maximum load capacity of 1027.35 to 1069.24 lbs (466-485 kg). It also features a maximum roof load of 165.35 lbs (75 kg) and impressive towing capabilities for its class, with a permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) of 1543.24 to 2645.55 lbs (700-1200 kg) and without brakes of 1190.5 to 1278.68 lbs (540-580 kg).

Safety features for the Corsa E included a range of standard and optional equipment. The provided data specifically mentions ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as an assisting system, which was standard across most modern vehicles of this era. The braking system itself comprises disc brakes at the front and disc brakes at the rear, offering consistent stopping power. The suspension setup features an independent McPherson type at the front and a semi-independent coil spring arrangement at the rear, a common and cost-effective solution for subcompacts that balances ride comfort and handling dynamics. Steering is managed by a rack and pinion system. The car was available with tire sizes ranging from 185/70 R14 88T to 185/65 R15 88H, mounted on 5.5J x 14 or 6.0J x 15 wheel rims, respectively, offering a choice between comfort and slightly sportier aesthetics.

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Market Impact of the Vauxhall Corsa E

The Vauxhall Corsa E 1.4i ecoFLEX (90 Hp) continues the long-standing legacy of the Corsa nameplate, which has been a pillar of the European and particularly the UK automotive market since its introduction in 1982 (as the Opel Corsa, with Vauxhall badging for the UK). The Corsa E generation, while sharing some underpinnings with its predecessor, was marketed as a significantly improved vehicle, focusing on refinement, technology, and driving dynamics to maintain its competitive edge.

In its primary markets, the Corsa E faced fierce competition from an array of well-established rivals, including the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Renault Clio, Peugeot 208, and Skoda Fabia. Despite this intense rivalry, the Corsa consistently ranked among the top-selling cars, a testament to its strong brand recognition, perceived value, and broad appeal. Its success stemmed from its ability to offer a compelling package for a wide demographic, from young drivers needing an affordable first car to urban families requiring a practical and economical second vehicle.

The “ecoFLEX” variant, in particular, played a crucial role in the Corsa E’s market strategy. With increasing environmental awareness and stricter emission regulations across Europe, cars that offered lower CO2 emissions and better fuel economy were highly sought after. The 1.4i ecoFLEX’s combined fuel economy of 45.2 US mpg and Euro 6 compliance made it an attractive option for environmentally conscious buyers and those looking to minimize running costs. This positioned it as a smart, responsible choice without sacrificing everyday usability.

The Corsa E’s reputation was built on its reliability, ease of maintenance, and generally comfortable ride for a car of its size. While not known for groundbreaking performance, its 90 HP engine provided sufficient power for its intended use, making it a capable commuter and a practical choice for longer journeys. Its five-door hatchback configuration, generous cargo space (especially with the rear seats folded), and manageable dimensions reinforced its image as a versatile and user-friendly vehicle.

Ultimately, the Vauxhall Corsa E 1.4i ecoFLEX (90 Hp) solidified the Corsa’s position as a staple in the European subcompact segment. It didn’t just sell well; it continued to evolve the brand’s offerings, demonstrating that affordability and efficiency could coexist with contemporary design and a comfortable driving experience. Its impact is seen in the continued success of the Corsa line, which remains a key player in the European automotive landscape, adapting to new technologies and market demands while retaining its core identity as a dependable and popular choice for millions of drivers.