Not all triplets want to look the same. They like to try to differ from their siblings by means of clothing. The Opel Corsa goes a similar way to stand out from its model siblings.
Since its debut in 1982, the Opel Corsa has sold over 13 million times over five generations. Now the sixth generation is in the starting blocks. It celebrates its public premiere at the IAA (12 to 22 September) and will be available from November to dealers. From the factory, the Corsa comes with front collision warning and pedestrian detection, cruise control and limiter, lane keeping assistant and traffic sign recognition.
The Corsa F builds after the Opel ownership change from GM to PSA on the new small car platform of the French. In the lightest stage of development, the Corsa comes in less than 1000 kilograms and saves compared to its predecessor model 108 kg. Technology and engines is shared by the Corsa with its sister and sister Peugeot 208 and Citroen C3.
Four burners for the choice – and electric drive
For the drive here as well as there optionally a three-cylinder gasoline engine in three stages of development as suction and turbo (75 hp, 100 hp and 130 hp) and a 1.5- Liter diesel with 100 hp. The power transmission takes place in the 75-hp version of a manual five-speed gearbox, the 100-hp turbo takes over either the six-speed circuit, an eight-speed automatic transmission. The top engine has the automatic on board from the factory. In addition, the Corsa is offered as a purely battery electric variant. This almost € 30,000 expensive version debuts in early 2020 and has a range of up to 330 kilometers according to WLTP.
Since almost everything under the sheet metal dress is identical to the French small car models, it was for the designers, the Corsa optically distinguish from 208 and C3. Who likes the clear Opel design language, will not be disappointed by the Corsa. The 4.06 meter long five-door is unmistakably an Opel product. Neither the typical crease nor the flash logo bordered with a chrome clasp is missing. Even the light graphics fit into the portfolio of Rüsselsheimer.
But only letting lightning and other externalities speak for themselves is not enough. Opel also offers extras exclusively. This includes, for example, the matrix light, which is in the price list for 600 or 700 euros, depending on the equipment line. It consists of eight LED elements, whose light beam in combination with the front camera is automatically adapted to the respective traffic situation and surroundings.
Electric Corsa hardly noticeable
The electric Corsa differs only slightly from the conventional. No blue plays of light indicate the type of drive, only a small “e” at the rear makes it clear that no burner is doing its job here. Only the rims are noticeable. They are particularly streamlined and exclusive to the Stromer.
Also in the design of the interior one wants to stand out from the French kinship. “We want a driver-oriented cockpit with classic-to-use switches and knobs,” says chief developer Frank Jordan. And so there are typical Opel instruments and – unlike Peugeot – a large steering wheel and controls for light, air conditioning and volume.
Standalone in the interior
Naturally, modern infotainment systems are now finding their way into the Corsa. In the top version, they are combined with a 10-inch color touchscreen, otherwise the display diagonal is 7 inches. Live navigation with real-time traffic information is also available.
The seats should also correspond to the preferences of the German clientele after a somewhat firmer upholstery than usual at the parent company. The space of the small car is fine. If the people in front take some consideration, the passengers in the rear are also in the commode. The trunk volume is in normal position 309 liters, the electric Corsa is 267 liters. Too bad that when folding the rear seat backrests creates a step.
The Corsa is offered in four trim levels. Depending on the level of comfort, a six-way adjustable passenger comfort seat, an armrest with storage compartment and LED headlights or sports seats are part of the standard equipment. The basic version stands on 15-inch steel wheels and comes without air conditioning. As extras, Opel offers, among other things, Matrix light, massage seats and a variety of personalization options such as a fully digital cockpit, two-color paint or colored clips for the rims. The range of driver assistance systems also includes a blind spot warning system, parking aids, a 180-degree panorama rear-view camera and sensor-based side protection.