The new Vauxhall Corsa has made a massive impact on the car market, and now it’s time for Vauxhall’s stylish new contender to make its mark on the world of commercial vehicles.

The Luton-based company will pull the wraps off its all new Corsavan at the Brussels Motor Show in January, with the first Corsavans being delivered to customers in March 2007.

Based on the ultra-stylish Vauxhall Corsa three-door, the newcomer is still every inch a bespoke commercial vehicle. Corsavan was planned as part of the original Corsa product line up from the beginning, meaning it was designed from the outset to be a van.

So while it shares the cheeky looks and compact dimensions of New Vauxhall Corsa, the business end is just that – a proper load bay, created with work in mind.

A full-length flat floor and clever extra-long load security cover arrangement mean that Corsavan is one of the most security-conscious small vans on the market, while the van’s taller, wider tailgate and increased payload of up to 555kg make it more practical and versatile than ever before.

In total, the Corsavan will swallow a load of up to 0.85 cubic metres, while the longer floor and taller roofline give it an advantage over the previous model.

Two engines will be on offer – the 1.2-litre 80PS Twinport petrol unit and the 1.3-litre 75PS CDTi diesel powerplant, both identical to those used in the Corsa car. Both units are responsive and economical, as well as being Euro IV compliant.

Corsavan is expected to be popular with van users who do a lot of city driving, where its compact dimensions, good all round visibility and ability to park almost anywhere come to the fore. But it’s equally as happy on long journeys, with both powerplants more than capable of cruising comfortably at the legal limit and offering excellent refinement.

The new model is also expected to appeal to image-conscious customers, who want their van to be a reflection of their brand. New Corsa has already earned itself a reputation as one of the most stylish superminis money can buy, and Corsavan is set to extend that style to the small commercial vehicle market.

GM Europe’s vice-president of product planning and CV operations, Jamal El-Hout, said: “We offer a wide selection of commercial vehicles with a van suitable for every customer and need. With its fresh design and practical characteristics, New Corsavan is a desirable enhancement to our commercial vehicle range.”

All New Corsavans will come with a comprehensive equipment list, including remote central locking, a CD30 stereo-CD player, side-protection mouldings, under Seat storage areas, a driver’s airbag and a full-sized spare wheel. Buyers will also be offered a Plus Pack, with air conditioning, electric windows, a four-piece load compartment cover, heated mirrors, rear parking sensors, front fog lights and a mesh upper bulkhead.