THE latest generation of Vauxhall's supermini has a lot to live up to. Can it do it? Of Corsa it can.

The task faced is daunting as it follows in the wheel prints of a motor that achieved phenomenal sales figures in Britain.

But Vauxhall moves the game on with the latest model offering improved driveability as well as a substantial redesign of the interior, the introduction of clever technology plus a raft of new turbocharged engines.

There is a nine model line up in three and five-door body styles with four engines available offering a variety of power outputs.

The 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine developing 115ps under the bonnet of the Corsa I drove is a beauty.

The official figures do no justice to how nippy the performance is - aided and abetted by a slick six-speed manual gearbox. The three pot power engine does a good impression of a diesel as it demonstrates the pulling power of a Hollywood A-lister at low to mid revs - but it is also a decent performer at motorway speeds.

Fuel economy is pretty good with an average consumption figure of 50-plus miles per gallon - helped by stop/start - while carbon dioxide emissions won't break the bank at 115g/km.

The Corsa has always been decent to drive, but a new suspension set up ensures a ride smoother than melted chocolate while handling is improved by Vauxhall lowering the Corsa's centre of gravity.

Sharp, well-weighted steering gives a decent feel for what is happening on the road and there's a City steering mode that lightens things considerably when it comes to parking the car.

The cabin is stylish and modern with the three-door model featuring front seats that can be easily tipped and slid forward giving good access to the rear.

There is room for three adults at a push in the back, but realistically only for short journeys. The three-door model's coupe silhouette - which gives the Corsa a sporty appearance - has the drawback of making headroom a little tight in the rear.

The boot however is a good size for a supermini, easily swallowing a family's weekly supermarket shopping, if not a set of golf clubs.

A comfortable position behind the wheel is easily achieved thanks to seat and steering being fully adjustable. There's plenty of cup holders while a simple layout offers a small cubby hole for keys, a glovebox and a couple of small door bins.

There is a connection for your portable music device which sits below the simple to use air conditioning controls and Vauxhall's app-based Intellilink touchscreen media system. This gives access to the car's goodies including a decent audio system and Bluetooth connectivity.

All Corsas get electric front windows with the SRi VX-Line version adding to the mid-specification SRi's sports seats, cruise control and heated door mirrors with 17-inch alloys, body-coloured front lower spoiler, side sills, rear roof spoiler and rear lower skirt. There are also body-coloured door mirrors and a chrome-effect exhaust tailpipe.

The updated dashboard is unfussy with an instrument cluster featuring a central display screen in between the speedo and rev counter with sharp graphics.

The front windscreen is heated which is a major bonus on frosty mornings negating the need to stand out in the cold with a scraper.

Instead you can stand and admire the exterior which boasts sculpted bodywork as well as smart new lights, a classy low-set grille and LED running lights. The horizontal lamp clusters at the rear give the car a planted look on the road.