IT'S amazing the difference a few well-considered changes can make. Take the latest Vauxhall Corsa as a case in point.

As part of its effort to lure more young drivers to the marque, the company gave the car a smart new style courtesy of a redesigned nose, fresh headlamps and some vivid new colours.

And if looks are anything to go by, the move will pay off in spades because there's no doubt the popular supermini now appears more chic than ever.

The facelifted model, following on from other top Vauxhall sellers like the Astra and larger Insignia, features a chrome signature bar under the bonnet housing the company's new Griffin badge.

Daytime running lights are fitted as standard and chrome details are now a feature around the fog lamps while fresh paint jobs include orange, lime green and an off-white finish called Guacamole.

The Sunny Melon colour on the tested Excite model costs an extra £100, but it's so eye-catching that the additional outlay is worthwhile.

For a supermini the Corsa is a spacious car - there's room for three across the back and the centre rear position is comfortable, while you get ample headroom and upholstery that feels both upmarket and durable.

Changes inside the cabin include a range of different coloured door trims, centre consoles, air vent rings and door handles, though the most significant is a new Touch & Connect multimedia system that replaces the old CD60 unit.

It forms part of an instrument panel that resembles a spaceman's face, with large eye-like air vents, hazard warning flasher nose, a rectangular mouth-like touchscreen and three air-con dials on the ‘chin'.

Oddment space is also useful with door bins, a glovebox,  three cupholders, an iPod input and a pair of coin slots.

The end result is a much more modern, well insulated and enjoyable small car; one that can also swallow 285 litres of luggage and considerably more with the rear bench lowered.

In urban conditions the Corsa is at its best, feeling well balanced, comfortable to drive and capable of squeezing into the tightest parking spots.

Only when you need to open things up are the 1.2-litre engine's limitations exposed. It takes an age for the car to pick up its feet, really labouring on anything more inclined than a level surface, though once you get there the Corsa feels stable at the motorway limit.

Vauxhall's official combined fuel figure is a healthy 53.3 miles per gallon, which is a lot better than the 42.1mpg I registered.

Every version now comes well equipped while the Excite model adds the likes of Bluetooth, air-con and alloy wheels.