The new 2014 Vauxhall Corsa — a new Corsavan model could up the stakes in the car-derived van market

Disclosure: I received no payment for this review but I did receive one night’s accommodation and hospitality paid for by Vauxhall.

Genuine car-derived vans are thin on the ground these days. Peugeot opted not to replace the 207 Van and MINI abandoned the Clubvan after a short flirtation with the UK van market.

As a result, there are only two real players — the Ford Fiesta Van and the Vauxhall Corsavan. Both models are popular and well-respected, but there’s no denying that the current Corsa is getting a bit long in the tooth, compared to its Dagenham competition.

Luckily, Vauxhall has just launched a new version of the Corsa, and I suspect that a new Corsavan model will break cover in the near future.

This could be good news for Corsavan drivers, as having driven the the new Corsa car at its UK launch, I can report that it’s by far the best Corsa yet — and a big step up from the outgoing model.

You can read my full review of the new Corsa here, on SimpleMotoring.co.uk, but here are some of the main highlights:

• New engines: the reworked 1.3CDTi diesel engine likely to be popular with mile-munching van drivers promises in excess of 80mpg. However, there’s also an all-new 1.0-litre turbo-charged petrol engine that could be a much better choice for urban van operators.
• Improved interior: the cabin of the new Corsa is significantly improved — comfort, quality and specification are all better than in the old model.
• Driving: The new Corsa has a smooth, six-speed gearbox that’s far superior to the old Corsa’s rather notchy effort. If you’re behind the wheel all day, you will really notice and appreciate the improvement. Handling and ride are also much better, although they continue to lag the market-leading Fiesta.

Watch this space for more details.