Opel revises Corsa line-up
EASY ON THE POCKET: ALL VERSIONS HAVE DROPPED IN PRICE
Opel has revised the Corsa models range resulting in improved specifications for some models as well as price drops across the range.
The most noteworthy revisions come at the bottom of the price range. The Essentia still spearheads Corsa on the affordability front and it receives a new 1.0-litre three-cylinder powerplant mated to a six-speed manual, for even better value and efficiency.
As with all turbocharged Opel engines, the 1.0T punches above its weight with its meaty band of torque – there’s 170Nm all the way from 1 700 to 3 700rpm – delivering great driveability. Consumption numbers are impressive too: the combined cycle number is said to be 4.6 litres per 100km from its newly-acquired 66kW turbopetrol and it will still show rivals a clean pair of heels with a CO2 rating of just 107g per km.
The highlight as far as numbers go is the price: getting into an Essentia costs as little as R200 600 and the radio/Bluetooth/USB/air conditioner option package moves that to R210 600 – a price cut of R4 000 on the final floor price compared to before. So the Essentia represents exceptional value.
In the midstream of the Corsa range are two Enjoy models – manual and auto with six ratios to choose from in both cases. That’s where the mechanical similarity ends though and as before the manual is the 85kW version of the turbo triple, while two-pedal versions are equipped with the 1.4-litre normally-aspirated four-cylinder.
Both enjoy the benefits of finessing the specification sheet and while front fog lamps and LED running lamps disappear, both get the acclaimed IntelliLink infotainment system as well as tyre pressure monitoring. Like the Essentia, key information is imparted via a new monochrome display cluster. Other changes include a single-piece rather than a 60/40 split rear seat, improving comfort and support for rear occupants. Pricing has been sharpened too and the manual comes down from R234 800 to R234 300 and the auto from R235 100 to R234 800.
Previously, flagship honours were shared jointly by the Corsa Sport and the Corsa Cosmo, but due to the large overlap in what they offered the consumer, the latter has been discontinued and the Sport re-specced to provide the best of both derivatives. It remains mechanically unchanged and its lively 1.4-litre turbopetrol with 110kW and 220Nm provides efficient power for performance that lives up to the name.
However, the interior is more sumptuous and has inherited the look and feel of the Cosmo, including the chrome beltline and door handle accents. The shift towards luxury rather than outright sportiness is also reflected in the more voluminous seats, upholstered in classy Moroccana. Add in a sunroof and you have a cabin which wants for very little.
There have been enhancements on the passive safety front too: as on the Enjoy models tyre pressure monitoring has been added, along with advanced park assist and side blind spot alert (which is optional on its Enjoy stablemates). The flagship Corsa definitely remains at the cutting edge of safety technology, yet more is less – the price has come down R276 200 to R275 600.
The range also impresses with its long-term ownership appeal, featuring a five-year/120 000km warranty and generous threeyear/60 000km service plan.