Review of the new Vauxhall Corsa Black & White

You have to go back beyond the advent of 3D, high definition, widescreen and glorious Technicolour to arrive at a time when black and white was the thing to have in the world of home entertainment. In motoring terms, however, monochrome is very much in vogue. Just look at how many exotic supercars and motorshow concept models are shown with purest white paintwork in the pages of magazines and then count how many of them are adorned with jet black alloy wheels. It's the colour combo of the moment and Vauxhall is looking to capitalise with its Corsa Black & White limited edition.

It's been around for a while now but the modern Vauxhall Corsa can give its contemporaries a run for their money in most areas, excelling with its well-built and roomy cabin as well as with its ride comfort. If fault was to be found, it was in the engine bay where some of the powerplants were past their best and, perhaps, in the dynamics department where the Corsa was feeling less light on its feet than some newcomers. To peg back the class leaders a recent facelift addressed these points and the Black & White versions should give little away to the competition.

A couple of the Corsa's more cost-effective engines are made available in the Black & White models. The petrol option is a 1.2-litre 16-valve unit with 84bhp, enough to get the Corsa to 60mph in 12.7s. Go for the diesel and you'll be punching past 60mph around a second slower. These aren't the most exciting engines in the Corsa range but they do a respectable job. The 1.2 can feel underpowered when pulling up inclines or dicing with motorway traffic, situations where the mid-range shove of the diesel gives it an edge.

"The Corsa remains a fine supermini and a genuine match for the class leaders"

Generally, refinement is good, even from the diesel and the Corsa drives in a composed manner. There's good ride comfort when you're cruising around and firm body control if you feel like attacking a few corners at higher speeds. In the Black & White models, the sporty feel is added to by the fitment of lowered sports suspension. This is a well balanced supermini without the final few percent of sharpness that would rank it alongside the most enjoyable drives in the sector.

As well as adding a sporty feel to the driving experience the lowered suspension enhances the looks of the Corsa Black & White. The car is finished in Glacia White paint with 17" black alloy wheels and a contrasting Black Sapphire roof. A VXR body styling kit further lowers the car with spoilers and side skirts that hug the tarmac. Inside, the centre console gets piano black trim while the air vents are finished in white and alloy sports pedals complete the look.

The quality of materials used is leagues ahead of the old Corsa and there's a bulletproof feeling of build quality that's as good as anything in the sector. Both 3 and 5-door bodystyles are available and the difference between the two versions is pronounced. The 3-door offers a coupe-like silhouette with a side window line that falls away from the roof at the rear to maximise the sporty look without minimising rear headroom. As it is, headroom in the back isn't spectacular and the low window will have adults ducking down to see out but legroom is quite adequate. The 5-door is a very different looking car that yields more space for back seat passengers. Both models give generous space to front seat passengers with a very comfortable driving position courtesy of the height and reach adjustable steering wheel and the supportive seating.

Equipment levels on the Black & White Corsas are comprehensive. There's air-conditioning, a stereo with CD autochanger and MP3 connector, cruise control and front foglights along with the other features that already come as standard with the car. The pricing is reasonable but there's quite a gap between the petrol and diesel engines.

The fuel economy returns from the 1.2-litre petrol engine are only average by modern standards with the car managing 53mpg and emissions of 124g/km. The diesel qualifies for Vauxhall's ecoFLEX branding indicating that there are special modifications under the skin to enhance its economy and the result is over 65mpg on the combined cycle with 114g/km emissions.

White is very much the car colour of the moment and the Vauxhall Corsa Black & White special edition is an off the peg way to get in on the trend. The striking colour scheme with white bodywork plus a contrasting black roof and wheels is enhanced by a full VXR bodykit. The engines are taken from the more affordable end of the Corsa range so there isn't the performance to back-up the striking looks but running costs will be more manageable as a result.

The Corsa remains a fine supermini and a genuine match for the class leaders. It's large, practical and comfortable, even if the lowered suspension on the Black & White models does firm up the ride. Build quality inside also impresses while there's little issue with the amount of equipment you get for the money.

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