Despite all the criticism, Opel's Corsa remains a relatively successful supermini with a loyal cliental in the European market. Now, a 5th generation hatchback is on its way, poised to debut at this October's Paris Motor Show, and the Germans decided to tease us with several images and videos. They several prototypes, covered in camouflage to conceal a brand new design language from the hose of Russelsheim.
Technical details weren't bundled together in a press release, but can be easily found in the videos. The engineers in charge of the new Corsa's development say that handling has been significantly improved, this being a key selling point of rival Ford Fiesta. But don't expect the new car to be a hardcore track tool. A balance was struck between agility and the ride, which has become more refined, subtle and grow up, something we've seen with the new Renault Clio as well.
Both 3- and 5-door versions of the car can clearly be seen in the first video and the photos released by the automaker, as can the standard headlights. One prototype is fitted with a more expensive unit with xenon beams and LED L-shaped accents up top.
Of course, Opel doesn't have its own MQB modular platform that they can brag about, which means the new Corsa shares its architecture with the old one. But going for both better handling and a more forgiving ride means they've found ways to strengthen the body and use a softer damper setting.
In the final video we featured below, Dr. Matthias Alt, head powertrain development engineer for the new Corsa says a 1-liter engine is one of the major highlights of the new supermini. He also confirms the specific output: 115 hp, which means it's the same 3-cylinder unit from the SIDI Turbo family that's also been fitted to the Adam.
Dr. Alt explains that this downsized engine, also mated to an all-new gearbox, will deliver lower fuel consumption, comparable to diesel engines, and superior power output. At 115 hp and 166 Nm from 1,800 to 4,700 rpm, the numbers are similar to a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated lump. Interestingly, the 1-liter engine makes more power than a 1.4-liter turbo, which Opel currently offers with only 100 hp in the Corsa.
Ford and VW made similar claims when they launched the 1-liter EcoBoost and 1.2 TSI. And based on the Fiesta and Polo, we can tell you that not all Corsa models will have this high-tech downsized mill, which is going to be an expensive option. A lot of supermini sales will come from simpler engines, like an updated 1.2-liter that meets the Euro 6 emissions standards.
A small diesel will also be introduced, as will a new Corsa OPC hot hatch, which we expect will offer 200 hp from a 1.6-liter SIDI Turbo, like the one in the Astra and Cascada.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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