Opel has just launched its sixth generation of the Corsa, the brand’s best-selling model.
Available now from €17,975 plus delivery related charges, the new Corsa boasts enhanced agility, a more sporty and athletic looking exterior, and a roomier and more comfortable interior. Opel also boasts of a high level of safety and technology features.
The German carmaker, now owned by France’s PSA Group, says the new Corsa delivers a vastly improved fuel and CO2 efficiency. It is available from launch in petrol and diesel, with an all-electric version due in Ireland this April.
While the overall exterior height has been reduced to deliver better aerodynamics, and lower CO2 and consumption, an increase in front headroom, a longer wheelbase and increased overall exterior length, provide optimum cabin space and comfort for passengers. The boot volume has been increased (+24 litres ) to 309 litres, or up to 1,081 litres with the seats folded down.
Opel says a weight reduction of 108kg, matched to an improvement in torsional stiffness and lower centre of gravity, delivers greater agility, performance and handling over the previous Corsa model.
Available in three trims - SC, SRi and Elite, safety technology features available as standard, or as an option, depending on the trim, includes ‘Forward Collision Alert’ with ‘Automatic Emergency Braking’ and ‘Pedestrian Detection’, radar-based ‘Adaptive Speed Control’, ‘Lane Departure Warning’ and ‘Traffic Sign Recognition’.
The new Opel Corsa also brings to the segment for the very first time, adaptive glare-free IntelliLux LED matrix lighting.
There is a choice of two petrol engines (1.2 litre, 75bhp or the 1.2 100bhp ), matched to a choice of a manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox. There is also the option of a 1.5 litre, 102 bhp diesel engine manual, from launch. And Opel claims the improved Corsa delivers a reduction in CO2 of up to 25 per cent.
The Corsa-e 134bhp returns an electric range of up to 337km (WLTP ) and retains the same internal spaciousness and comfort as its petrol and diesel sisters.
Together with the Opel Grandland X plug-in hybrid, the Corsa-e’s arrival in 2020 marks the starting signal for the Opel electrification-offensive with the Vivaro-e van, and electric Opel Combo Life, Combo Cargo and Zafira Life to follow. In fact, Opel tells us all their models will be electrified by 2024.
First launched in 1982, the Corsa is Opel’s best-selling model, with more than 13 million units sold in Europe to date. The new Corsa and Corsa-e have also been awarded a Best Buy Car of Europe 2020.
James Brooks, managing director at Leeson Motors, the new Opel Importer in Ireland said: “The arrival of the award-winning, new Corsa marks a new departure for the Opel brand in Ireland. It is the first new Opel model to market since Opel Ireland was acquired by the Gowan Group and internationally, it is the first new Opel model produced under the the PSA Group.
“A recipe for success, the new Opel Corsa combines high everyday practicality with top technologies, economy, an exciting design plus lots of fun behind the wheel. Indeed, with the new Corsa, Opel is delivering on a promise to make top technologies available to a wide range of buyers, at affordable prices. It represents a huge opportunity to us, as the first new model in what promises to be an exciting produce pipeline over the next eighteen months.“
