The Opel Corsa has graced local roads for more than 40 years, finding favour in the sub-compact class doing diligent duty moving people around as well as being snapped up for racing and rallying and, while it never quite achieved the early 90’s status of siblings Astra and Kadett that won back-to-back SA Guild of Mobility Journalists Car of the Year titles, it was a name everyone knew.
The latest version – the sixth generation – remains a top seller in Germany and the UK and I had a chance to drive the top model in the local lineup to see how it stacked up.
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The new Opel Corsa comes in three trim levels: Lite, Edition, and the range-topping GS Line. While the Lite is the entry-level model, it still offers an impressive array of features. The Edition enhances the package with additional specifications, while the GS Line, with its 96 kW engine, delivers more performance and premium features.
To give it some perspective, the GS comes in at R459 900 and, on the price ladder, competes with the likes of the Fiat Tipo hatch 1.6 City Life (R451 900), Suzuki Swift 1.4T Sport auto (R466 900) and Hyundai i20 1.0T N Line (R467 500) – not forgetting the Volkswagen Polo options that currently dominate the playground, even if not always a direct competitor.
Given that many South Africans are still severely cash-strapped and interest rates have not yet started to come down, buyers looking to maximise the pennies they have, may well turn to the pre-owned market – something WesBank confirms to the point where used outstrips new by 2-1.
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Still, Opel has faith in the revamped Corsa – and so it should, as the new version blends modern technology with the same drive attributes that endeared earlier iterations to South African buyers.
One of the most notable updates to the new Corsa is the introduction of Opel’s signature Vizor front end. This glossy black panel seamlessly connects the LED headlights and houses advanced driver assistance systems, with the Opel emblem proudly centred. The GS Line further distinguishes itself with bi-colour diamond-cut 16-inch alloy wheels.
The design is not mere aesthetics and helps to cut the drag co-efficient down to 0,29 that not only enhances its performance but also improves fuel efficiency – the test route returning an overall average of 6,6 l/100 km and this compares favourably with the other models on the price ladder
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Inside, the new Corsa offers an upgraded infotainment system, including the Opel Pure Panel with a 7-inch display for the driver and luxurious touches such as front heated seats and a leatherette interior.
The GS Line includes additional tech in the form of automatic climate control, an electric parking brake, auto-dimming headlights and Active Lane Keep Assist, with a 10-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (via cable).
The Opel Corsa Lite, first introduced in South Africa in 1996, was known for its lively 1,4-litre engine. The latest generation (including the Lite) is now moved by a 1,2-litre turbo-charged engine with the GS pumping out 96 kW at 5 500 r/min and 230 Nm of torque from 1 750 r/min – slightly less power than the Suzuki Swift but sharing the same torque and better than both other models on the price ladder.
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Behind the wheel, the Opel Corsa GS Line feels familiar and comfortable, offering a smooth driving experience aided by the extremely smooth six-speed automatic gearbox that quickly shifts up or down to suit throttle input and speed – the downshifts giving a suitable ‘blip’ on the engine note.
It comes with go-kart handling and relishes the opportunity to be force-fed into corners on suitably twisty roads and although perhaps not as ‘racy’ as its predecessors, it is stable enough with sufficiently precise steering to tick the fun-to-drive box.
The latest Opel Corsa is a stylish, well-equipped alternative in a competitive market. While it may struggle to outsell its rivals, particularly the Volkswagen Polo, the Corsa offers a unique blend of features, performance and design.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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