Do you think it’s SXi?

The SXi trim is offered with a choice of two petrol engines and a diesel with prices starting at around £13,000. The entry level unit is a 1.2-litre 16v that generates its 85PS maximum power output at a lofty 5,600rpm. This engine is fine for shopping duties and dropping the kids off at school but buyers seeking a sporty drive are likely to find it a little underwhelming. The 1.4-litre petrol option is £500 more and a little bit better with 100PS to call upon. The 0-60mph sprint takes 11.8s here rather than 13s in the 1.2 and fuel economy is just 1mpg inferior to the smaller petrol at 47.9mpg.

There’s a £1,100 price jump from the 1.4 to the 1.3-litre CDTi diesel but if you’re attracted to the SXi by its sporty dynamics rather than by its sporty looks, it’s a jump worth making. With 75PS, this common-rail diesel unit obvious has less power than the 1.4 but that power is available 1,600rpm lower in the rev range at 4,000rpm and there’s more torque. This makes the 1.3 CDTi a far more enjoyable car to drive, despite a 0-60mph performance figure that is very similar to the 1.4. It also gives the added benefit of 67mpg combined fuel economy.

The Corsa SXi models are differentiated from their less athletic brethren by 16” alloy wheels, a chrome exhaust pipe and front fog lights, while the interior benefits from sports seats with figure-hugging side bolsters and a leather steering wheel. It’s a nice package that tallies well with the dynamic styling of the latest Corsa, particularly the 3-door versions with their coupe-like sloping roofline.