09 March 2015

We’re used to new models growing in size over the car they replace, adding kit and technical complexity and, yes, costing more, too. It’s become an industry norm that the published price creeps up by a few hundreds of quids with the arrival of a new body shape.

Hold on, though. Have you noticed what Vauxhall’s done with its newest cars, the just-refreshed Corsa and also the Viva, prices and details of which published just last week?

Yup, the RSP’s are pitched low enough to make both newcomers look seriously cheap – both against previous Vauxhalls and, more important still, against the competition. A new Corsa costs from £8995, while the Viva starts at £1000 cheaper. And, certainly in the Corsa’s case, the cheapest model, called the Sting, looks fully-formed and attractive – no stripped-back base-spec specials here.

Now, of course, the monthly payments matter more than the RSP and here Vauxhall is promising a £99pcm PCP for the Viva, while the Corsa comes out at £107 monthly over 3 yrs after a 15% deposit.

What’s more, Vauxhall is to offer a year’s free insurance on the car for £99 if you’re 18-20 years old. That’s a huge draw when new drivers otherwise suffer cover costing deep into four figures.

For some time, Vauxhall has been banging on about how it will bring the fight to its rivals. While the company has, apparently, parked for now its ambitions to overtake Ford and clinch the no1 market sales spot, there’s evidence at last that it means business.

Ray Castle

Tags: free insurance, pricing, Vauxhall Corsa, Viva