Opel has revised the Corsa models range resulting in improved specifications for some models as well as price drops across the range.
The changes came after intensive market research conducted by the local team, with over 600 B-segment hatchback owners polled across South Africa. This has resulted in a rationalisation of the Corsa range, with the line-up reduced by one derivative and the rest of the models changing specification – some of them significantly.
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 3 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 3 700 revs/min – delivering great driveability. Consumption numbers are impressive too: the combined cycle number is 4.6 litres per 100 from its newly-acquired 66kW three-cylinder turbopetrol and it’ll still show rivals a ‘clean’ pair of heels with a CO2 rating of just 107 grams per kilometre.
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 dealer floor price compared to before. But whichever way you slice it, 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 foglamps 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 (110kW/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 Morrocana. 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 Corsa range also impresses with its long-term ownership appeal, featuring a five year or 120 000km warranty and generous three year or 60 000km service plan.
Opel Corsa Models:
| Model | Price |
| Corsa 1.0T Essentia | R 200 600 |
| Corsa 1.0T Enjoy | R 234 300 |
| Corsa 1.4 Enjoy Auto | R 234 800 |
| Corsa 1.4T Sport | R 275 600 |
Option Packs:
Essentia Option Pack 1 (R 210 600 down from R214 000)
-Airconditioner
– Radio/CD/BT/USB/AUX
– Steering wheel controls
Essentia Option Pack 2 (R 214 600 down from R219 600)
- Airconditioner
- IntelliLink Infotainment
- Steering wheel audio controls
Enjoy Option Pack 1 (R 239 800 for Auto, R 239 300 for manual)
- Handsfree Parking
- Side Blind Zone Alert
- Front and rear park assist
In other motoring related news, Audi recently introduced the new Audi A5 Cabriolet to South Africa to complete the second generation of the A5 family.
