Known internally as the Corsa F, the newcomer comes underpinned by the same Common Modular Platform (CMP) as the Peugeot 208, with Opel claiming a 980 kg kerb weight, excluding of the drive, of the most basic model thanks a 40 kg weight reduction when compared to the previous General Motors (GM) based Corsa D.
In addition to its platform, the seats have also been redesigned to weigh 10 kg less than before, while apart from its completely new exterior, the interior borrows little from the 208 in both its layout and design.
Depending on the market, the Corsa’s range of tech includes a seven-inch Multimedia Radio or Multimedia Navi infotainment system, the upgraded 10-inch Navi Pro, heated front leather seats with massaging function, the Adaptive Matrix IntelliLux LED headlights, a heated steering wheel and a 180-degree panoramic rear-view camera.
Safety-wise, the Corsa can be had with, amongst others, Radar cruise control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Front Collision Warning.
Measuring 4.06 metres in length with its roof being 48 mm lower than the Corsa D, the F’s range of engines will be made-up of two petrols and one turbodiesel, as well as the aforementioned all-electric version.
Replacing the previous 1.2-litre Ecotec model, the new normally aspirated 1.2 punches out 55 kW and comes paired to a five-speed manual gearbox with Opel claiming a combined fuel consumption of 4.1 L/100 km.
Moving one up, the GM-sourced 1.4-litre turbo motor makes way for the PSA 1.2 PureTech turbocharged three-cylinder in two states of tune; 74kW/205Nm and 96kW/230Nm with the former having the option of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, while the latter is equipped with the auto ‘box as standard.
According to Opel, the former has a top speed of 188 km/h and will do 0-100 km/h in ten seconds, respective improvement of three kilometres per hour and one second relative to the old model, while the latter tops out at 207 km/h, one kilometre per hour faster than the previous 110 kW 1.4, and completes the benchmark sprint 0.3 seconds faster at 8.7 seconds.
Serving as the sole diesel model, the Blue CDTI motor displaces 1.5-litres and punches out 75kW/250Nm, resulting in a claimed consumption of 4.0 L/100 km and emissions of 104 g/km.
As a reminder, the Corsa-e comes powered by a 50 kWh battery that makes 100kW/260Nm, meaning a claimed range of 330 km and 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds. Able to be 80% charged within 30 minutes, the Corsa-e, like the e-208, will have a drive mode selector with three settings; Eco, Comfort and Sport.
With order books in Germany opening on 1 July, the Corsa will go on sale in its home market in a choice of four trim levels; base, Edition, the luxury Elegance and the sporty GS Line that comes with model specific bodykit and chrome exhaust outlet, sport front seats, a black roofliner, alloy pedals, red accents, chrome inlays and sharper steering as well as throttle response.
Pricing kicks-off at €17 850 (R290 453) for the Elegance, though Opel South Africa distributor, Unitrans Motors, is yet to announce a local launch date as well as final spec.
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