The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)

Ready for Take-Off: New Opel Corsa GSi

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THE eagerly-awaited new Opel Corsa GSi has arrived! After the Insignia, the Corsa is the second GSi model now on offer. The newcomer impresses with its ultra-precise OPC chassis – for exemplary handling and short braking distances. The Corsa GSi is powered by Opel’s lively 1.4-liter turbo with 110 kW/150 hp and 220 Nm of torque (fuel consumptio­n[1] l/100 km: 8.0-7.7 urban, 5.55.1 extra-urban, 6.4-6.0 combined, CO2 g/km 147-138 combined). The four-cylinder power unit features a special GSi-calibratio­n for increased responsive­ness. Mated to a short-ratio, six-speed gearbox, the engine delivers outstandin­g punch in second and third gears, as well as a maximum torque plateau from 3,000 to 4,500 rpm.

The “hot hatch” from Rüsselshei­m is therefore very quick off the mark (zero to 100 km/h is covered in only 8.9 seconds) and impresses with great elasticity: it takes just 9.9 seconds to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear. Top speed is 207 km/h. The sporty Corsa GSi can be now be ordered for €19,960 (RRP including VAT in Germany).

The OPC chassis and the disc brakes with red calipers have been set up on the legendary Nürburgrin­g “Nordschlei­fe” by Opel’s Director Performanc­e Cars and Motorsport, Volker Strycek. Agile handling and short braking distances are guaranteed, especially when combined with the optional 18-inch light alloy wheels with 215/40 ZR18 sports tyres.

Sharp, sharper, Corsa GSi: Pure racing-look

The high performanc­e of the new Corsa GSi is complement­ed by the athletic exterior looks featuring large air intakes, sculptured bonnet, prominent rear spoiler and precisely modelled side sills. From the front, the bold Opel GSi fascia with large honeycomb grille and the central Opel Blitz supported by two wings, along with the exterior rear view mirror housings in carbon racing-look become visible. The large chrome-ringed design elements that are visually connected in a horizontal line via black crosspiece­s running across the front, along with the black traverse cleat on the bonnet support the impression of sportiness. The vibrant styling is also present when viewed from the rear. The prominent spoiler on the edge of the roof creates additional downforce, the sporty chrome tailpipe is framed by the vibrant design of the rear apron in body colour.

The feeling of pure sportiness is also conveyed by the interior of the Corsa GSi, especially when the sports steering wheel, leather gearshift knob and aluminium pedals are complement­ed by the optional Recaro performanc­e seat.

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