It's official: the new Opel Corsa E

Opel has just officially announced the new Corsa, one of the stars of the upcoming Paris Motor Show alongside models such as the Volkswagen Passat. The fifth generation of the German city car, which will go on sale at the end of this year, is a more evolved product than one might first think and has received changes in virtually all of its essential aspects.

Just as the spy photos suggested, the design of the new Corsa combines the general lines of the previous version with features that characterise the most recent Opel products. The front gains much more expressiveness by adopting shapes inspired by the Adam, and stands out for its large wing-shaped headlights with daytime LED lights, the most visible ridges on the bonnet, a larger grille set lower down as on the Adam, and the more pronounced lines of the lower part of the bumper, whose fog light housings have been redesigned.

On the side, the characteristic curved shoulder line found on other Opel models is also visible, as is the waistline, which protrudes more noticeably just before meeting the rear lights. The window frames change slightly compared with the fourth generation, especially on the D-pillar, and, depending on the trim, feature a chrome strip that gives the car a slightly more ornate look.

Unlike the Corsa D, the fifth generation will not offer two different rear designs depending on the number of doors, but will be identical in both versions. The most notable change is the shape of the rear lights, which now relatively resemble those of the Meriva and lose some of the personality of those the Corsa previously had. In addition, the small protective strips at the ends of the bumper have disappeared.

Some may feel that the evolution of the exterior is too restrained, but the cabin will not give them that same impression. The Corsa’s interior urgently needed a makeover, and Opel has done its homework in this area. The steering wheel now looks much more like those in the brand’s current models, and the instrumentation also has a modernised look thanks to the new, larger digital display located between the speedometer and the rev counter, and the illumination of the outer rims of the latter.

In the trim shown in these first official photographs, the centre console screen, which controls the IntelliLink system, has been moved from the top to the centre, just below the new horizontal air vents, which are more discreet but also less original. The central part of the console is framed by new curved lines that are more attractive than the rectilinear ones of the previous Corsa generation, and the layout of the buttons has been changed.

Even more important is the leap in quality perceived in the cabin. Although this will depend on the equipment level chosen and we will have to wait to check in person whether that impression is confirmed, the initial impression from the photographs is that the new Corsa has gained a lot of ground in this respect and no longer seems as basic as before. Furthermore, Opel states in its press release that sound insulation has been increased to improve passenger comfort.

The main novelty in the engine range is the arrival of the new 1.0 Ecotec three-cylinder engine with direct injection and turbocharging, which will be offered in two versions: one produces 90 CV and the other 115 CV. Both generate 170 Nm from 1,800 rpm, feature a Start/Stop system and will be paired with the new, more efficient and smoother-operating six-speed manual gearbox than the previous one.

Those who prefer an intermediate petrol option can choose the turbocharged 1.4 with 100 CV and a maximum torque of 200 Nm, as well as the naturally aspirated 1.2 and 1.4 engines that already meet the Euro 6 emissions standard. The diesel engine line-up will consist of the 1.3 CDTI in 75 and 95 CV variants, to which other even less polluting versions will be added next spring.

In addition to the new manual gearbox, the transmission list will also include a six-speed automatic and the new automated manual Easytronic 3.0, whose gear changes will be smoother, just like the conventional manual.

Opel claims that the chassis of the new Corsa does not share a single component with that of the generation it replaces. Thanks to the greater rigidity of the subframe and the centre of gravity five millimetres lower on the new model, driving gains in stability and comfort, to which the new damper configuration also contributes, helping them filter road irregularities better.

The engineers at Opel have changed the geometry and calibration of the electric power steering to increase handling precision. In addition, the driver can activate a City mode that provides a smaller turning radius to make manoeuvres easier. Both the chassis and the steering will have two configurations, called Comfort and Sport, to suit the driver’s preferences.

The Corsa’s equipment is completed with safety systems new to the model, such as the blind spot obstacle detector, the lane departure warning, the traffic sign recognition system and the collision risk alert. Other important novelties are the parking assistance system (Advanced Park Assist) and the hill start assist (Hill Start Assist).

Of course, the now almost indispensable connectivity features with portable devices in the infotainment system could not be missing. The IntelliLink, compatible with iOS and Android, will allow the use of apps such as Siri Eyes Free, BringGo or TuneIn. The FlexDock space in the cabin, where smartphones can be charged, also stands out.

Source | Opel