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The previous generation Opel Corsa was rather great, but it gotten a bit old and it just can’t quite compete with the modern bunch of small hatchbacks in engines, interior, available kit, and overall drive. The new Corsa is here to remedy that, taking a bit of the old, and adding a whole lot of the new to the equation.
It doesn’t take a genius to see the similarities between this new Corsa and the old one. Dimensionally, they’re nigh on identical, but that’s because the basic platform is very similar between the 2, with Opel citing that the public like the proportions as they are. The new Corsa is said to use an all-new chassis, although we suspect a severely overhauled version of the previous gen’s skeleton is far closer to the truth. Opel has, however, replaced key bits to make the Corsa an almost entirely new car. The suspension has been reworked with an all-new setup, as has the steering.
The new Corsa has a 5mm lower centre of gravity, a stiffer sub-frame, a new front suspension knuckle (likely derived from the HiPerStrut system), and new damping, for a more comfortable, controllable ride. The new Corsa will offer 2 chassis setups, Comfort and Sport, with the latter offering stiffer springs and shocks, as well as recalibrated steering setups for sharper responses.
Also new to the Corsa are some modern engines. Yip; new engine architecture in the form of the 1.0-litre ECOTEC 3-cylinder turbo available in 2 states of tune, 66kW and 85kW. Both of these will feature a torque figure offering 170Nm from as low as 1800rpm. Also in the engine line-up is Opel’s 1.4-litre tubocharged motor, with 74kW and 200Nm on tap, as well as 1.2- and 1.4-litre normally aspirated engines. The diesel side of things will be handles by Opel’s 1.3-litre CDTI engine, available with either 55kW or 70kW.
All engines will drive the front wheels through a standard, newly developed 6-speed manual transmission, or optionally, a new 6-speed automated Easytronic transmission – a transmissions built by renowned manufacturers ZF.
Another one of the Corsa’s biggest improvements, naturally, is the design, both inside and out. The new “family face” as seen on the Adam has been modified, rather than carbon-copied, to suit the Corsa. The rest of the body has been completely redesigned; however the 3-door still retains the same window line as the previous generation. The wing headlights now feature LED daytime running lights, and all head- and taillights are prominent and embossed away from the bodywork.
The interior of the current Corsa has been a bit of a sore point for Opel, lagging behind competitors in quality, design, and available kit. The new Corsa looks to remedy that with a new fascia, instrument panel, and 7-inch colour touch screen infotainment system with IntelliLink, which features a host of smartphone integration capabilities for both Android and iOS.
Additonal tech in the new Corsa includes bi-xenon headlamps, blind-spot alert, park assist, rear view camera, hill start assist, and heated steering wheel and front seats. Adding to the upmarket feel of the interior and tech, a panoramic roof, and new, sculpted seats are also new to the Corsa.
The Corsa should arrive in SA next year, after its global debut in a few months’ time; pricing and specification to be confirmed closer to the time.
Oh and if you’re wondering about an OPC version, it’s still coming, and it’ll probably have a 1.6-litre turbo engine from the Cascada, which develops 147kW in standard trim…
