New look, new engines and more stylish inside and out
With sales of over 12 million in the past 32 years it’s hard to overestimate the importance to Opel of their new Corsa writes Geraldine Herbert
What is it? With a new chassis and suspension, new engines and classier inside and out this is the fifth generation Corsa,
First impressions of the new Opel Corsa: Its immediately recognisable as a Corsa but now also as part of the Opel family with hints of the Adam to the front while the rear is borrowed from the Astra. Overall the look is sharper and the low sporty grille adds to the appeal
What about the interior? There are lots of adjustment to get you comfy behind the wheel and a great view out. The controls are easy to read and everything is simple to use and at hand when you need it. Overall its a classy interior with sporty touches making it a great place to spend time.
And on the road? There are two new engines to choose from, a 1.0-litre three-cylinder (115hp) petrol engine, available in the 3-door Limited Edition model or a 90 bhp version. The engine options on the previous model the 1.2i (70hp) and 1.4i (90hp) petrol engines and the 1.3CDTi turbo diesel engines in 75hp and 95hp are also available. We drove the 1.4-litre petrol engine and the all-new 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. Both options proved quiet and refined but the teeny weeny three cylinder engine is the most fun. Out and about the Corsa handles really well, fun to drive on back roads it is composed and solid for motorway driving
How much? Prices start at €14,895 for the entry level 3-door “S” version with a 70bhp 1.2 litre petrol engine.
How safe? The Corsa has not yet been crash tested by the EuroNCAP and while it is expected to perform better than the previous model, given how rigorous the current test procedures are a four star rating is likely.
What about my options? Four trim levels are offered – S, Excite, SE and Limited Edition. Hill-start assist is standard across the range. Basic cars get some decent kit, but you’ll need to upgrade for goodies like 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel mounted audio controls, cruise control, LED daytime running lights and a leather-covered steering wheel. Heated front seats and heated steering wheel, auto lights and wipers are additions to the SE models while the Limited Edition gains sports suspension with lower ride, sports style front seats and pedals , chrome-effect exhaust tailpipe extension, dark-tinted rear windows, heated windscreen and the IntelliLink audio system.
3 words to describe the Opel Corsa? Solid; Sporty; Supermini
For more information check out Opel.ie or the Opel Ireland Facebook
Geraldine Herbert
27th November, 2014
