The outgoing car, launched in 2006, is the brand’s biggest-selling model, and the UK is by far its largest market. In its last full year, 84,275 were registered in the UK, ahead of Germany at around 50,000 units, and there were 42,285 new registrations during the first half of 2014.

While its replacement is loosely based on the same platform, upgrades are significant. Cabin space and overall dimensions are almost unchanged, but none of its chassis components are shared with the old car and everything including suspension pickup points in front of the windscreen is new, promising improvements in ride and handling.  

All body panels are also new, bringing the car closer to the Adam city car but retaining the very different three and five-door versions of the old model. The redesigned interior features a new dashboard and the brand’s IntelliLink infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen and the ability to stream apps from a mobile phone.

Vauxhall has also introduced speed-sensitive electric power steering with a City mode and an automatic parking function which can manoeuvre into spaces for the new model. 

Petrol engines at launch will include the 1.0-litre three-cylinder ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo, offered with 89bhp and 113bhp and a choice of six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes, plus updated versions of the 1.2 and 1.4-litre four-cylinder units fitted to the outgoing car.

Vauxhall has also upgraded the 1.3 CDTi diesel to meet the strict new Euro 6 emissions standards and, although it has yet to announce running costs, sister brand Opel has hinted that this will offer CO2 emissions from 89g/km at launch.

The new Corsa will be shown at the Paris Motor Show in October, with pricing and full specification due to be announced in the coming months.