Vauxhall Corsa hatchback 2014 pictures

The Opel Corsa is now into its fifth Generation, and this is the fourth version sold with the Corsa name in the UK – the first was named the Vauxhall Nova for the UK market

The Corsa has always been popular in the UK – it's extremely easy to drive, good value and comfortable, and this makes it a popular car with young drivers and driving schools

It's also cheap to run, with a reasonable fuel consumption and low servicing costs, although 2017's VED tax changes mean that all models will £140 per year to tax if registered on or after 1 April.

The Corsa has never been the sharpest car to drive, though, living in the shadow of such cars as the Ford Fiesta and Peugeot 208

It is a big improvement over its predecessor, though – and there are some pretty gutsy turbocharged petrol engines available to help you wring the most out of the chassis

The ride is comfortable, too, with spring rates well judged to absorb the worst bumps but still keep the body well controlled in corners

The interior design is far more imaginative than in Corsas of old, and looks especially contemporary when the seven-inch touchscreen entertainment system is fitted

The dashboard is good looking and well laid out, with conveniently-sited controls and clear instrumentation

You'll find materials that compare well to a Volkswagen Polo, and its interior design flair puts it ahead of the Ford Fiesta on desirability

The infotainment system is standard on all but Sting and Sting R models, and its functionality includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

In the rear of the Corsa there is seating for three, but the five-door version has more headroom than the three-door, with its more sloping roofline

The seats themselves are a bit of a Corsa low-point; they don't feel as desirable as the rest of the car's interior

Bootspace is on a par with the Ford Fiesta, with a folding rear seatback to expand the load space – although it can't be split in all models