Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Herranderssvensson, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: T.aa 1008 opc, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Verdict
Supermini rated 4 stars by Euro NCAP in late 2014, with a 285 L boot. Used-car guides flag a timing chain that can become noisy if servicing has been neglected, and faults with the Easytronic automated manual gearbox. The early examples were recalled over the steering, and 2017 models over the handbrake lever: check that these recalls have been carried out.
- Reliability
- 4.0/5
- Indicative prices
- €5,000 – €9,000
- Monthly cost
- €302
- Euro NCAP
- 4/5
Which version to choose
Versions to favour: 1.2 70, 1.0 Turbo 115.
1.2 70
✓ RecommendedPetrol · Manual · 70 hp · 5.8 L/100 km · 131 g CO₂/km · Crit'Air 1
Naturally aspirated petrol with 115 Nm, 5-speed manual gearbox. 0 to 100 km/h in 16 s: suited to town use only.
1.4 90 BVA6
Petrol · Automatic · 90 hp · Crit'Air 1
1.4 with 90 hp paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
1.4 Turbo 100
Petrol · Manual · 100 hp · Crit'Air 1
Four-cylinder turbo of 1,364 cm³ and 200 Nm, manual gearbox.
1.0 Turbo 90
Petrol · Manual · 90 hp · Crit'Air 1
Three-cylinder turbo of 999 cm³, manual gearbox.
1.0 Turbo 115
✓ RecommendedPetrol · Manual · 115 hp · Crit'Air 1
Three-cylinder turbo with 170 Nm, 6-speed manual gearbox. Judged the most economical and versatile petrol engine in the range.
1.3 CDTI 95
Diesel · Manual · 95 hp · Crit'Air 2
1,248 cm³ diesel, 6-speed manual gearbox.
1.3 CDTI 95 Easytronic
Diesel · Automatic · 95 hp · Crit'Air 2
Same diesel with the Easytronic 3.0 automated manual gearbox (see faults).
OPC 207
Petrol · Manual · 207 hp · Crit'Air 1
Corsa OPC 3-door: 1.6 Turbo of 1,598 cm³ and 245 Nm, 6-speed manual gearbox, 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 s.
Market prices
€5,000 – €9,000
Indicative range: 2014 to 2019, yearly medians of 52 online listings collected by iAutos (years with at least 3 listings).
Collected on 20 October 2026 from the sources below. Our own survey of listings, by year and mileage, will refine it.
Known faults
Noisy or slack timing chain
Severity 2/3 · CostlyNeglected servicing can wear out the timing chain tensioners, which makes the chain noisy; on high-mileage cars, the chain can stretch even with good servicing. One owner reports replacing the sprockets and tensioner at 12,000 miles (about 19,000 km). Guides cite the 1.0 and 1.4 petrol engines, as well as the 1.3 CDTI and 1.4 Turbo.
- Versions
- 1.4 Turbo 100, 1.0 Turbo 90, 1.0 Turbo 115, 1.3 CDTI 95, 1.3 CDTI 95 Easytronic
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Easytronic automated gearbox faults
Severity 2/3 · CostlyThe Easytronic automated gearbox keeps a conventional clutch, which wears out, and it is difficult to repair. Guides report failures of this gearbox on the Corsa E between 50,000 and 100,000 km, according to Autodoc.
- Versions
- 1.3 CDTI 95 Easytronic
- Onset
- between 50,000 km and 100,000 km
- Repair
- not documented
Recall for cracks in the steering rack
Manufacturer recallCorsa E built between October 2014 and January 2015 were recalled in 2016: cracks in the pinion and rack of the steering box could lead to breakage and a loss of steering. On these early cars, proof that the recall has been carried out is required.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
- Versions
- 1.2 70, 1.4 90 BVA6, 1.4 Turbo 100, 1.0 Turbo 90, 1.0 Turbo 115, 1.3 CDTI 95, 1.3 CDTI 95 Easytronic, OPC 207
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Recall for the handbrake lever
Manufacturer recallCorsa E cars of the 2017 model year were recalled because the handbrake lever could release. According to Gebrauchtwagenberater, a faulty tooth could stop the parking brake from holding, letting a manual car parked with no gear engaged roll away. The repair consists of replacing the lever.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
- Versions
- 1.2 70, 1.4 Turbo 100, 1.0 Turbo 90, 1.0 Turbo 115, 1.3 CDTI 95, OPC 207
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Manufacturer recalls
See the official list on RappelConso (new tab) (French government recall site: category “Automobiles et moyens de déplacement”, search “Opel Corsa”). A dealer for the brand can also check, using the vehicle identification number (VIN), that recalls have been carried out.
Real monthly cost
Fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation, excluding finance. Move the slider to match your mileage. How it is calculated
| Fuel or electricity | €143 |
|---|---|
| Insurance | €50 |
| Maintenance | €33 |
| Depreciation | €76 |
| Total per month | €302 |
⚠ Estimates to treat with caution
- Maintenance: published servicing price plus an estimated allowance for tyres and brakes.
- Depreciation estimated at 12% of the median price a year, as no year-by-year valuation is usable.
Calculation details (12,000 km a year)
- Fuel (petrol)€143
1.2 70 version: combined consumption of 5.8 L/100 km, increased by 15% for real-world driving, at 2.14 €/L, for 1,000 km a month.
5.8 × 1.15 × 2.14 € × 10 = €143
Petrol price (SP95-E10): French national average on 7 October 2026.
- Insurance€50
Average monthly premium published for this model by insurance comparison sites (comprehensive cover when stated). Your premium depends on your profile.
- Maintenance€33
Servicing and wear parts (tyres, brakes) for 12,000 km a year, per month.
- Depreciation€76
Value lost in a year by a typical example, from the valuation gap between two years, per month.
Inspection checklist
Opel Corsa E — inspection checklist
Things to check
- Start the engine cold and listen to the timing: a persistent metallic rattle can indicate a slack chain.
- Ask for the service history with regular oil changes (interval of one year or 20,000 miles according to Parkers).
- On a Corsa built between October 2014 and January 2015, ask for proof of the steering box recall.
- On a 2017 model-year car, have Opel check with the serial number that the handbrake lever recall has been carried out.
- On an Easytronic, check during the test drive that gear changes are clean and that no gearbox warning light comes on.
Questions to ask the seller
- Do you have the service invoices, with the dates and mileage of the oil changes?
- Have the timing chain or its tensioners already been replaced?
- Have the recalls (steering, handbrake) been carried out at Opel?
Test-drive tip: read the fault codes
A warning light that is off proves nothing: a fault may have been cleared just before the viewing. A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, plugged in under the steering wheel and read on your phone, shows stored codes and whether all emissions readiness tests have run since the last reset.
Electric or hybrid equivalent
No direct electric or hybrid equivalent in our guides. Simulate combustion vs electric cost
Alternatives
Photo: Overlaet, CC BY-SA 3.0
Renault Clio
IV · 2012–2019
- Price
- €6,900 – €10,800
- Reliability
- 3/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Peugeot 208
I · 2012–2019
- Price
- €3,500 – €8,200
- Reliability
- 3/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel
Photo: Herranderssvensson, CC BY-SA 3.0
Ford Fiesta
VII · 2017–2023
- Price
- €8,000 – €15,000
- Reliability
- 3.5/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Volkswagen Polo
VI · since 2017
- Price
- €10,000 – €20,300
- Reliability
- 4.5/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel
Before you buy: check and equip
Check the history
Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of parts for the Opel Corsa E (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.
Insure the car
Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Euro NCAP rating for the Opel Corsa E?
4 stars in the December 2014 test, with 79% for adult occupant protection, 77% for children, 71% for vulnerable road users and 56% for safety assist systems.
What is the boot capacity of the Corsa E?
285 litres, and up to 1,120 litres with the rear seats folded in the 5-door, according to Auto-Data. This is at the lower end of its class according to Caradisiac.
Should I be wary of the Corsa E's timing chain?
According to Parkers, neglected servicing wears the timing chain tensioners, which makes the chain noisy, and the chain can stretch on high-mileage cars. Check the service history.
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