The Opel Corsa has been given a comprehensive makeover with some major engineering changes to further improve this model.
An upgraded engine line-up, chassis improvements and a steering re-calibration should give the Corsa increased performance and greater fuel economy – as well as better passenger comfort, improved handling and dynamics.
Opel says the Corsa stays faithful to its current design inside and out - that is carmaker speak for mid-lift updates where styling is usually superficial.
There is also talk of innovative technologies being added that are exceptional in its segment. These include the halogen AFL curve and cornering lights, a heated steering wheel and the integrated bicycle carrier system FlexFix which is unique to Opel. You will find these will be options on the bigger selling models.
Opel is promising lower fuel consumption and increased output in the petrol engine line-up. These have been reworked to offer more torque while featuring much lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. For example, the 1.0 litre power output is reputed to have increased by eight per cent, from 60 to 65bhp, yet Opel says that it will emit only 117g/km, qualifying it for tax band A.
Opel says that performance and efficiency improvements were made possible through a number of technical changes including a new oil pump, new double camshaft phaser on the 1.2- and 1.4 litre engines; a new management of the thermostat which reduces the engine warm-up phase; and a shift-up indicator (on some models ) which informs drivers how they can save fuel.
The emissions of the 1.3 CDTi (75bhp ) engine have been reduced from 119g/km to 114g/km with no reduction in power or torque. It remains in tax band A, so Opel says it is an attractive proposition for higher-mileage drivers.
The Corsa also receives a number of chassis and steering upgrades to improve the driving experience still further. The Opel engineers have also optimised the steering on all Corsa models.
Overall, these measures provide improved feedback and precision.
