The Vauxhall Corsa E (marketed under the Opel brand in the rest of Europe) is not an entirely new generation, but a very deep evolution of the Corsa D. Based on the same SCCS platform (jointly developed by GM and Fiat), it corrects many flaws of its predecessor with redesigned suspension, improved sound insulation, and a modernized interior integrating the IntelliLink multimedia system. Although the market trend during this period strongly shifted towards petrol, the Corsa E continued to offer the famous 1.3 CDTi diesel engine (of Fiat MultiJet origin). This unit, although very economical, requires a specific driving profile to remain reliable. The Corsa E today represents excellent value for money on the used market, provided you choose the engine suitable for your use.
The Vauxhall/Opel Corsa E is a pragmatic choice. If you are specifically targeting the 1.3 CDTi diesel, caution is advised. This engine is a marathon runner: it is extremely reliable and economical if it covers 25,000 km per year on highways or expressways. However, if you buy it for short urban trips, it will turn into a financial black hole (clogged DPF, fouled EGR, oil dilution leading to timing chain failure). For mixed or urban use, you should definitely opt for the petrol engines (1.4 Turbo or 1.0 SIDI), which are much more suitable and generally more reliable.