I think get a Honda! (as I'm sure most here would say).
Having driven every generation of Corsa (the Nova was known as the Corsa A in europe and I've had a few of those!), I can resolutely tell you they are terrible cars to drive. Sure, it may have the letters SRi after it, but I promise you you'll get a far more satisfying and sharp driving experience with an EJ9. Also better reliability, a far better chassis, better brakes, suspension, design, driving position, etc, etc
If you're only gonna keep it for a year anyway, don't spend 2K on it, a good EJ9 can be had for half that money!! You'll be glad when your quotes start going down and you can afford something better