Vauxhall remains victorious in the used market

At the vanguard of Vauxhall’s 21st Century success has been the Corsa, a diminutive model that packs a real punch. Winner of the WhatCar? Car of the Year and Supermini of the Year twice the Corsa has a reputation for its solid build and bigger car drive.

Offering outstanding economy is the entry level Corsa Life. Available in 1.0l and 1.2l, these are still well spec’d models with electric front windows, body-colour bumpers, remote central locking and also CD as standard. For something sportier, check out the Corsa SXi 1.2 with all the boy-racer kit you’d expect 16-inch alloys, front fogs, sports seats and instruments plus leather covered steering wheel.

As its name would suggest, expect more refined trim with the 1.2 Design including air con, alloys, rain sensitive wipers, sports instruments and a host of other nice extras such as platinum-colour seatbelts.

Diesel models feature too with the 1.3 CDTI available in either the accomplished Club or cost-efficient Life trims.

The fifth generation Astra, with its dramatically different styling, is another Vauxhall hit of recent years. Launched in 2004, it proved an instant hit with buyers and is available in a range of models to suit all budgets. The 1.3 CDTI Club version is ultra economical to run, yet still offers a decent trim level.

Then there’s a host of top-selling petrol models. Most popular is the 1.6l, available in either the accomplished Club or Über-stylish Design trim or the punchier, quicker 1.8 Life with air con.

Stepping up in size again, the Vectra is proving perennially popular and made for motorway cruising. Offering an economical and cushy ride is the 1.8 Exclusiv which offers bags of style and comfort plus attractively-low running costs. Or, for some serious performance, take a look at the 16v 1.8 Sri with all the sporty extras you’d expect it’ll fly off your forecourt but get them where you can because they’re rare on the used market

Remember, too, that Vauxhall is frontrunner in the MPV market. In 2006, the second generation Zafira was Britain’s 10th best selling car and it was the first time that an MPV had featured in the list. As roomy as any mid size MPV and far better to drive than most all Zafiras come with air-con, CD, remote central locking and electric front windows as standard.

Check out the economical 1.8Cdti Design with all the kit you’d expect including alloys, powered rear windows and rain sensitive wipers, plus those bits of trim that make all the difference. Or, if you want space, comfort and performance look out for the SRi with much sportier styling touches plus a great sports suspension.