OPEL Corsa 5 doors 1997-2000 Photos, engines & full specs

Opel refreshed the second generation of the Corsa in 1997 for both versions with three and five doors, improving its look and enhancing the engine lineup.

Four years after the introduction of the second generation, Opel considered that a facelift was required and did some work on the technical side, while the design remained mostly the same as on its non-facelifted version. It was sold in the U.K as Holden Corsa and in Australia, later on, as Holden Barina.

The first generation of the Corsa was wedged-shaped and featured straight lines and barely curved surfaces, while its successor came in the middle of the bio-design era, where the curved shapes dominated the car design industry. Its egg-shaped headlights and narrow black grille formed a small front fascia. Its wrapped-around bumper sported a black rubber area on the top and, depending on the version, a pair of fog lights on the lower side. Opel insisted on installing three windows to make a slimmer rear pillar and enhance the driver's visibility to the rear three-quarter.

Inside, there were small changes to the interior, but Opel installed a standard airbag for the driver, leading to a new steering wheel. Also, it included a new design for the gear stick to match the new wheel. The carmaker included new materials and colors for the upholstery and door panels, but the dashboard was available only as black. In the back, the seat was fit for three children or just two adults.

Under the hood, the carmaker enhanced the engine lineup and removed the 1.6-liter version from the offer. It replaced it with a punchier 1.8-liter unit. For the diesel versions, Opel offered three versions ranged between 50 hp and 67 hp.