Photo: GM
Say hello to the new Opel Corsa. It's the same as the old one, only a little better. Both Opel and its sister brand Vauxhall released full batches of press photos today, together with initial specs and details. Here's what you need to know:
This is the fifth generation of the Corsa supermini and it's based on the previous model. Both 3-door and 5-door models continue to be offered and they are nearly identical in terms of proportions to the old Corsa. An unperceivable 3mm have been added to the length of the car and the luggage capacity retains the same decent (for the class) 285 liters.
The Corsa E has re-engineered suspension with stronger front sub-frame and all-new front knuckle joints. Crucially, the whole vehicle's center of gravity has been lowered by 5 centimeters (2 inches), improving handling. Opel has announced that on both models, there will be two suspension setups available, "Comfort" and the lowered "Sport" for keener drivers.
A new speed-sensitive electric power steering system has been installed. Its "City" setting allows the driver to park and make low-speed maneuvers much more easily. Also making things a little easier are the electronic systems like Hill Start Assist, Automatic Park Assist (optional) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
Beauty is, of course, a very subjective thing, but we struggle to think of anybody who would love the new Corsa, especially when you consider the Fiesta and Clio are so much better. This is especially troubling when considering it's an all-new car that will be on sale for at least another 5 years.
Among the things we don't like about the Corsa is the ridiculously long front overhang the square design elements in the headlights, the grille chrome piece which looks like a mustache. The interior is also a little bland. Still, it's not an ugly supermini either, and perhaps the press photos don't do it justice.
The highlight of this Corsa's understated cabin is a new IntelliLink infotainment system that has a 7-inch display. Like on the smaller Adam, it offers Bluetooth connectivity and Siri Eyes Free compatibility.
Initial information about the engine range has also been released for us to digest until the on-sale date. The highlight is a 1-liter 3-cylinder turbo engine rivaling those offered by the Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio. It will be available with either 90 or 115 PS, depending on how much you're willing to spend. Opel has decided to keep some of the older engines as well, including the 100 hp 1.4-liter turbo, which also packs 200 Nm (147 lb-ft) of toruqe, 30 more than the 1-liter turbo. Two small naturally aspirated petrol units, a 1.2-liter with 70 PS and a 1.4-liter with 90 PS, will be offered on the cheaper Corsa models. These are carryovers from the older model, as is a "much improved" 1.3-liter CDTi diesel with 75 and 95 PS. These engines will be offered with both manual and automatic transmission that have been engineered with "improved shift quality".
Without a single game-changing feature, the new Corsa will have to rely on its affordability to sell. Newer superminis like the upcoming Mazda2 will probably overshadow Opel's redesign, which borders on the ugly. However, we're willing to forgive them if the upcoming OPC version with 200 hp handles well.
The Corsa E has re-engineered suspension with stronger front sub-frame and all-new front knuckle joints. Crucially, the whole vehicle's center of gravity has been lowered by 5 centimeters (2 inches), improving handling. Opel has announced that on both models, there will be two suspension setups available, "Comfort" and the lowered "Sport" for keener drivers.
A new speed-sensitive electric power steering system has been installed. Its "City" setting allows the driver to park and make low-speed maneuvers much more easily. Also making things a little easier are the electronic systems like Hill Start Assist, Automatic Park Assist (optional) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
Beauty is, of course, a very subjective thing, but we struggle to think of anybody who would love the new Corsa, especially when you consider the Fiesta and Clio are so much better. This is especially troubling when considering it's an all-new car that will be on sale for at least another 5 years.
Among the things we don't like about the Corsa is the ridiculously long front overhang the square design elements in the headlights, the grille chrome piece which looks like a mustache. The interior is also a little bland. Still, it's not an ugly supermini either, and perhaps the press photos don't do it justice.
The highlight of this Corsa's understated cabin is a new IntelliLink infotainment system that has a 7-inch display. Like on the smaller Adam, it offers Bluetooth connectivity and Siri Eyes Free compatibility.
Initial information about the engine range has also been released for us to digest until the on-sale date. The highlight is a 1-liter 3-cylinder turbo engine rivaling those offered by the Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio. It will be available with either 90 or 115 PS, depending on how much you're willing to spend. Opel has decided to keep some of the older engines as well, including the 100 hp 1.4-liter turbo, which also packs 200 Nm (147 lb-ft) of toruqe, 30 more than the 1-liter turbo. Two small naturally aspirated petrol units, a 1.2-liter with 70 PS and a 1.4-liter with 90 PS, will be offered on the cheaper Corsa models. These are carryovers from the older model, as is a "much improved" 1.3-liter CDTi diesel with 75 and 95 PS. These engines will be offered with both manual and automatic transmission that have been engineered with "improved shift quality".
Without a single game-changing feature, the new Corsa will have to rely on its affordability to sell. Newer superminis like the upcoming Mazda2 will probably overshadow Opel's redesign, which borders on the ugly. However, we're willing to forgive them if the upcoming OPC version with 200 hp handles well.
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