VAUXHALL’S Corsa is set to outsell any other sub-125g/km model range in the UK next year thanks to significant efficiency gains in its engine line up.

Better still, from next April buyers will benefit from zero VED on all non-VXR manual Corsa models, thanks to the new zero cost sub 130g/km first year excise duty band.

The ultra-economical engines – all of which, bar the VXR model, exceed 50mpg combined when fitted with a manual gearbox – are joined by a raft of improvements to the Corsa’s chassis, boosting its driver appeal still further.

While the economy star of the range is the new 95PS diesel ecoFLEX model, which achieves 76.3mpg on the combined cycle (and 88.3mpg on the extra urban cycle), each of the Corsa’s petrol engines is now more economical, yet more powerful.

The 1.0 litre now produces 65PS (up 5PS), yet emits just 117g CO2, dropping it two VED bands and meaning that owners now pay just £35 per year in road tax, down from £120, and none at all if bought from next April.

The Corsa’s 85PS 1.2 litre petrol has also dropped a VED band and gained 5PS in power, while the 1.4 litre – now producing 100PS, up 10PS over the current model – has dropped two bands and sips just one gallon for 51.4 miles, up from 46.3mpg for the existing model.

Reinforcing the 98g, zero- VED ecoFLEX model in the Corsa’s diesel range is a 75PS version of the same 1.3 CDTi, emitting 114g/km, and a more powerful 1.7 CDTi which now produces 130PS, yet drops 12g/km in CO2 emissions. A new eco gearshift indicator in the instrument cluster is available on most models.

But running costs and emissions are not the only weapons in the revised Corsa’s armoury. To maintain the Corsa’s incredible success in the small car class, Vauxhall’s engineers have made important revisions to the car’s steering and suspension set-ups. Softer springs have been employed in the front suspension, mated to an anti-roll bar with new bushes and an increased diameter, improving ride and control characteristics.

Complementing this are revised damper settings, optional retuned ESP system and enhanced steering geometry, ensuring that the revised Corsa is as pleasurable to drive as it is economical.

Completing the package of changes to Vauxhall’s biggest selling car, is a long list of features now added as standard to key models in the range.

The SE, SXi and SRi now get cruise control and an onboard computer at no extra charge, while the SRi – which starts at a lower price point – also gets revised suspension settings, air conditioning, 17in five-spoke alloy wheels, and a VXR styling kit included in its price.

But the SE also packs a standard feature unique in this class: a heated leather steering wheel, complemented by heated front seats.

These give owners a feeling of opulence normally reserved for those who drive behind the bonnet mascot of a Flying B or Spirit of Ecstasy!