Furious-Looking Opel Corsa Supermini Taps Into Its Wilder Side, but Is It Faster?

The latter company still makes the normal versions of the Corsa and Astra, yet these are no longer available in the OPC (Opel) or VXR (Vauxhall) configurations. Nevertheless, with a little bit of help from certain tuners, that could change, and coming to give a hand is Irmscher.

Based in Germany, the Opel/Vauxhall tuner has just released an upgrade package for the latest Corsa. The supermini has received new exterior components that include the sporty front lip, side skirt attachments, a rear diffuser, and a roof spoiler. All parts are said to have been made from "high-quality OE" and are "easy to fit."

Besides the more aggressive add-ons, Irmscher also has a lesser proposal on its shelves, which comprises side skirts described as being "more discreet." Combined with the new 18-inch alloys available in black or a dual-tone finish and the 30 mm (1.2 in) lowering kit said to be suitable to all versions of the subcompact hatchback, they give the model a sportier stance.

According to Irmscher, the packages carry a starting price of €750 in Germany, equaling $812 at the current exchange rates. Don’t go anywhere yet, as the tuner hasn't drawn the line here. In fact, they also have several small power boosts available for the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa. The short press release that accompanies the images posted above speaks of an extra 20 ps (20 hp/15 kW) or so.

But what does that mean exactly? For reference, we will look at the latest iteration Opel Corsa sold in its homeland, which comes with a 75 ps (74 hp/55 kW) 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine in the entry-level version. Chances are the extra oomph is applicable to the range-topping powertrain, a 1.2-liter turbo that produces 130 ps (128 hp/96 kW). There is also a lesser variant of the same gasoline burner available, which kicks out 100 ps (99 hp/74 kW).

The base Opel Corsa comes with a five-speed manual transmission. The mid-spec grade is available with a six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission, and the most potent variant currently on sale gets the auto 'box solely.

Pricing starts at €19,800 ($21,446) for the entry-level Corsa, with the mid-range kicking off at €21,680 ($23,482) with the manual and €23,900 ($25,887) with the automatic transmission, or €24,330 ($26,353) and €26,550 ($28,757), respectively, when it comes to the better-equipped GS trim level. The range-topper is only available in the upper grade and starts from €28,290 ($30,642), which is about as much as a brand-new Ford Mustang in the United States.