Opel Corsa Color Edition 1.3 CDTI 95 CV, road test (Engine and performance)

The Opel Corsa is an old acquaintance on our market. Despite being a veteran model, the recent restyling it has undergone, and especially with this Color Edition trim, it gains presence with a more striking and, above all, distinctive design.

A very sensible combination is the diesel engine we are testing today: the 1.3 CDTI with 95 CV. Even if the exterior look or the 95 CV diesel engine doesn’t fully convince you, perhaps the price will, since it is available from 14,415 euros (discount included with the 95 CV diesel engine). If you want to know more about the Corsa, don’t miss this engine and performance section.

Engine and performance

The current Corsa range has only two diesel variants, both with the 1.3 CDTI engine in 75 and 95 CV versions. This well-known powerplant is of Fiat origin and has been fitted to models from both brands for years. Admittedly, it has received the relevant updates and now reaches 95 CV.

Despite its small displacement, it is very performance-oriented, reaching the 95 CV of the unit we tested. Of course, it is a typically turbocharged engine. To feel the 95 CV you need to climb to around 2,000 rpm, when the turbo wakes up and the Corsa responds, up to 3,500 rpm.

The power is enough to move the car with ease, even on country roads or motorways; the torque figure of 210 Nm gives an idea of its response. The only area for improvement is smoothness and the lack of progressiveness, which forces you to work the gearbox to get the most out of each of those hidden horses under the bonnet.

The gearbox is a six-speed manual, and thanks to the sixth gear, on the motorway we can keep consumption very low, while the gearbox feel is correct for a city car.

Handling

With the restyling the model underwent, the suspension system was updated, becoming more comfortable and stable, especially at the rear axle. Our unit featured the sport suspension as an extra, which is welcome if we want a slightly livelier drive, since the Corsa’s response is very positive.

In terms of handling, its most notable characteristic is agility, and in corners it has a noble, composed response, something not all city cars can claim. In town, manoeuvrability is an area to improve, or more specifically the steering lock (an important point in a city car).

The brakes are front discs and rear drums; only the now-discontinued 110 CV engine had rear disc brakes. This is common practice in the segment and their effectiveness was adequate. Finally, regarding interior comfort, despite the firm suspension setup, comfort doesn’t suffer too much. The point to improve here is engine noise, which filters quite a lot into the cabin.

Overall we enjoyed the dynamic side of the Corsa Color Edition, as it is hard to find a model in this segment that holds its own dynamically, and it is appreciated by those who enjoy a slightly livelier drive.

Consumption

This section is another strong point of the Corsa, even with the 17-inch wheels included in the Color Edition trim. On the motorway it only needs 5 litres per 100 km, and on country roads, normally with calm driving, it hovers around 5.2 litres, with it being possible to drop below 5 litres if we are a little more careful at the wheel.

In town, after several tests on our usual route in Vigo, the figure was around 7.5 litres per 100 km. Overall, the consumption figures are good, because again, we are talking about a 95 CV diesel engine moving a car with 17-inch wheels.

In the second part we will focus on the design, which plays an important role in this car, since its styling is eye-catching and draws more than a few glances, setting it apart from a conventional Corsa.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira
Locations: Vila Nova de Cerveira (Portugal), Illa de Arousa (Pontevedra) and Cambados (Pontevedra)