Corsa Steering Stiff

The daughter has just got her first car, a "P" reg 1.2 Corsa Vegas.
I'm supprised how stiff the steering is on a small car like this!
Are there any known problems with the steering on these? is it
possible to modify to power steering or is this a pipe dream?

Thanks in advance

 

Obvious, I know, but have you checked tyre pressures?

After that, see if steering is in any way stiff when front wheels are jacked
off ground (take great care doing this)

 

These weren't too bad when new but steering has a habit of getting
heavier on older cars without PAS.

Do check the tyre pressures as already posted and it won't do any harm
to over inflate the front ones by a 2 psi.

Alan