Refreshed Opel Corsa Debuts With Hybridised Variant
The Opel Corsa has a long and rich history in the automotive world. It was born in 1982 as a humble supermini when Opel introduced the Corsa A, a legend in its own right. Six generations later, the Corsa still impresses with its quality and performance.
But to appreciate the Corsa, we need to know its roots and how it evolved over the years.
Looking Back
Built in SA, the Corsa B, introduced in 1993, immediately became a hit when it reached dealership floors; though it had its flaws, such as its jarring ride and sluggish engine, it showcased itself as a fuel-efficient model.
In 1999, Opel introduced the Corsa C, ushering the brand towards innovative styling cues. It remains a handsome-looking hatchback alongside its ute counterpart sought after by collectors willing to pay even more for clean examples.
The Corsa D became a star in the motoring fold when it launched locally in 2006, wearing a fresh new look further complemented by a fully-equipped and spacious interior and excellent road manners. The OPC variant was also the cream of the crop.
In 2014, Opel launched the Corsa E with a significantly revised exterior and some interior parts carried over from the Corsa D. An OPC variant was also part of the range to rival the likes of the VW Polo GTI, Ford Fiesta ST and Renault Clio R.S hot hatches.
This brings us to the current-gen Opel Corsa introduced in 2021 alongside the Corsa-e fully-electric model. Fast forward to 2023, and the German marque has now announced a facelifted model, bringing significant changes that include a hybridised variant.
The New Star
The newest addition to the Opel lineup features the sleek 'Vizor' design language, also seen on the Mokka, but with a more stylish touch. The logo colour, either black or matte satin silver, varies depending on the trim chosen. Additionally, the front bumper area includes more prominent 'air inlets' compared to the previous model. The car also includes the Intelli-Lux LED matrix light, which is glare-free.
At the rear, the 'Corsa' logo has been brought back and has been positioned in the centre of the tailgate. The Corsa also introduces the Grafik Grey body colour for the supermini.
The interior seems to have been carried over from the outgoing model, with minor updates including the new optional 10" infotainment system, a wireless charging pad, a tweaked steering wheel, a revised gear shifter, and reworked seat patterns.
There's no word regarding local specification; we expect the same engine options to soldier on unchanged. The current range consists of two engine options; a 1.2-litre turbocharged and naturally aspirated unit of the same capacity with 55 kW and 96 kW states of tune.
As much as the Opel brand aims to become a fully-electric brand by 2028, overseas markets will also receive the electric variant, which comes with two electric drive options; 100 kW and 260 Nm, with up to 357 km of driving range and a 115 kW model with up to 402 km. Recharging the battery pack from 0-80% takes 30 minutes when using a fast charger, as seen in the Peugeot e-208.
For the first time in a Corsa, Opel introduced a mild-hybrid model that uses a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 74 kW or 100 kW, plus a 48-volt system. Both models employ a new dual-clutch transmission.
The Opel Corsa is one of the best-looking sub-compact hatchbacks available on the market today, and with the refresh, it looks even more modern. Not that alone, the Corsa, in general, is a great commuter courtesy of potent 1.2-litre engines that provides decent drive. The new one, though, promises to be even better.
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