Ford Fiesta vs Vauxhall Corsa: Used Car Comparison

The Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa superminis are hugely popular in the UK - indeed they are the two best selling cars in the country. This is because, despite their small size, they are very versatile and come in a range of models that offer something for just about everyone.

But which one is the best? Here's our guide to the Fiesta and Corsa, where we'll take a look at how they compare in key areas. We're looking at the latest versions of both cars - the Fiesta has been sold new since 2017 and the Corsa has been sold new since 2019.

Interior and technology

They may be in the more affordable end of the automotive spectrum, but the Fiesta and Corsa come with plenty of technology as standard. Even the most basic models have smartphone connectivity, touchscreen infotainment displays, air conditioning and cruise control. Many models are equipped with navigation, a digital driver display and a rearview camera. If you want a bit of luxury, the top-of-the-line Fiesta Vignale even has leather seats.

There are other superminis with more interesting and colorful interiors than the Fiesta or Corsa. But the insides of both cars look elegant, solid and comfortable, as well as very comfortable to use. Both cars' infotainment systems are responsive and easy to navigate.

However, the Fiesta's display is in a better position, high up on the dash, right in the driver's field of vision. The Corsa's display is located lower on the dash, so you can look down, away from the road, to see it. The Fiesta's dashboard also shows off a little more design flair.

Luggage compartment and practicality

Fiesta and Corsa are very close in terms of practicality. Four adults can comfortably accommodate on a long journey, and five will fit even in a pinch. But the Corsa has more headroom than the Fiesta, so it's best if you're on the high side.

The Corsa is only available with five doors - two on each side, plus a trunk lid - making it easier to access the rear seats. The Fiesta is also available with five or three doors, one on each side, plus a trunk lid. The three-door Fiesta is a little more stylish, but getting into the rear seats can be trickier, even though the front seats tilt forward to make access easier. If you prefer a higher seating position, the Fiesta Active (with an SUV-style makeover) may suit you as it sits higher off the ground.

The Corsa has more trunk space than the Fiesta, but the difference is only in the size of the shoe box: the Corsa has 309 liters of space versus the Fiesta's 303 liters. In practice, both have enough space for weekly groceries or luggage for a short vacation. The rear seats of both cars fold down, creating useful more space, but if you cram things in regularly, you might want to consider buying a bigger car.

More car buying guides

Ford Focus vs Volkswagen Golf: new car comparison

Best Group 1 Used Car Insurance

Volkswagen Golf vs Volkswagen Polo: used car comparison

What is the best way to ride?

In many ways, there is not much difference between the driving experience of the Fiesta and the Corsa. They are lightweight, light and smooth, great for city driving yet durable enough to feel secure and stable on the motorways. Their small size makes parking a breeze. Both vehicles are available with a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines that provide good acceleration in the city and on the open road. There is also a choice of manual or automatic transmission. 

If you really enjoy driving, the Fiesta is the best car by a wide margin because it's a lot of fun - nimble, responsive and attractive that few other cars can match. Especially the sporty Fiesta ST model, which is considered one of the best hot hatchbacks.

What is cheaper to own?

Both the Fiesta and Corsa are economical to own. First, they are very affordable and available with a wide range of economical petrol and diesel engines.

According to official averages, petrol Fiestas get 46-57 mpg and diesel 54-65 mpg. Gasoline Corsas give 45-54 mpg and diesels give 62-70 mpg. Road tax, insurance and maintenance costs are very low across the board.

Unlike the Fiesta, the Corsa is only available as an electric car. The Corsa-e has a range of 209 miles and can be fully charged from a 150kW public charger in just 50 minutes.

Safety and reliability

The Euro NCAP safety organization has given the Fiesta a full five-star safety rating. The Corsa received four stars because some advanced safety features are only available on high performance models or as an option on other models.

Both machines look solidly built and should prove reliable. In the latest JD Power UK Vehicle Dependability Study (an independent survey of customer satisfaction), both brands ranked first in the table, with Vauxhall coming in sixth and Ford coming in ninth out of 24.

dimensions

Ford Fiesta

Length: 4040mm

Width: 1941mm (including exterior mirrors)

Height: 1476mm

Luggage compartment: 303 liters

Vauxhall Corsa

Length: 4060mm

Width: 1960mm (including exterior mirrors)

Height: 1435mm

Luggage compartment: 309 liters

Verdict

Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa share only small margins. Which one is right for you depends on what you want from the car. The Corsa is slightly more practical than the Fiesta, more affordable, and the electric Corsa-e adds a zero-emissions option that the Fiesta doesn't offer. On the other hand, the Fiesta has a better infotainment system, is cheaper to run and more fun to drive. Both are great cars, but the Fiesta is our favorite by the smallest margin.

You will find a wide range of high quality Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa used cars available at Cazoo and you can now get a new or used car with Kazu's subscription. Just use the search feature to find what you like and then buy, fund or subscribe to it online. You can order delivery to your door or pick up in the nearest Cazoo Customer Service Center.

We are constantly updating and expanding our range. If you're looking to buy a used car and can't find the right one today, it's easy set up promotional alerts to be the first to know when we have vehicles that suit your needs.