Top Model: New Opel Corsa makes World Premiere in Paris

Raise the curtain on a real star. It is undisputedly a bestseller, a small car of the finest quality: the Opel Corsa. Across four generations spanning 32 years, almost 12 million units have been sold across Europe, including 2.8 million of the current Corsa D. Now Opel’s bestseller makes its world premiere at the “Mondial de l’Automobile 2014” in Paris (October 4 – 19). Following a week of haute couture at the Paris Fashion Week, the Corsa will bring haute voiture to the French capital. The fifth generation will roll off the assembly lines in Eisenach and Zaragoza before the end of the year. For the attractive entry-level price of 11,980 euros, the Corsa E can now be ordered in Germany in its sporty three-door bodystyle with a gasoline engine. Efficient driving fun with the diesel variant can be had for prices starting at 14,930 euros. For just 750 euros more, the new Corsa is available as a comfortable, family-friendly five-door model (RRP incl. VAT in Germany).

Engine highlight: Completely new 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo

High-class, compact, sophisticated: At just 4.02 meter in length, the new Corsa offers qualities in terms of driving fun, precision and comfort with a premium touch that customers are otherwise only familiar with from larger and more expensive cars. But it’s not just about looks in the city of fashion – what’s under the packaging is also important in Paris. The highlight under the Corsa E’s hood is the newly-developed three-cylinder, 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo, part of the brand’s major powertrain offensive. This ultra-modern pocket powerhouse is the only 1.0-liter three-cylinder production engine with a balance shaft, which enables it to set a new class benchmark for exceptionally low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics, as well as high driving comfort. The compact, all-aluminum 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo, which of course already meets Euro 6 emission standards, is available in two output configurations, giving 66 kW/90 hp or 85 kW/115 hp for prices starting at 14,480 euros (three-door) or 15,230 euros (five-door). Both shine with excellent responsiveness and strong low-end torque, pumping out 170 Nm from just 1,800 rpm. This is particularly evident during acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h, an exceptionally important speed range for overtaking, when this compact powerhouse belies its size by delivering strong power from low rpm. The Corsa with the 115 hp makes this transition in just 11.3 seconds. Opel’s powerful new, 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo fitted with Start/Stop technology as standard also boasts exemplary economy: the 90 hp three-door version consumes just 4.3 liters gasoline per 100 km in the combined cycle.

The new Corsa’s gasoline powertrain line-up is also extended with the introduction of a new 74 kW/100 hp 1.4-liter turbo engine with 200 Nm maximum torque, as well as further developed, Euro 6 compliant 1.2 and 1.4-liter naturally-aspirated units giving 51 kW/70 hp and 66 kW/90 hp. In addition, completely revised, more refined and now also Euro 6 compliant 1.3 CDTI engines with 55 kW/75 hp and 70 kW/95 hp expand the Corsa offer on the diesel side. New-generation turbo chargers ensure smooth driving and acceleration at low engine speeds with minimal noise generation. Both versions come with fuel-saving Start/Stop technology fitted as standard. At launch, the most frugal Corsa diesel version – with 70 kW/95 hp, 5-speed manual transmission and braking energy recuperation system – can reduce the three-door model‘s CO₂emissions down to 85 g/km and fuel consumption down to 3.2 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle. This earns it the German A+ energy efficiency label (according to Regulation [EC] No 715/2007).

But it is not just completely new and further developed engines that make driving the new Corsa even more fun and comfortable. The introduction of new transmissions also contributes to the enhanced driving experience and improvement in efficiency. Both versions of the 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo are mated to an all-new, compact six-speed manual gearbox. Highlights include greater efficiency, thanks to low friction design and a precise shift feel. Changing gears in the new Corsa is comfortable and smooth, as well as fast and precise. With the launch of the new Corsa, Opel also offers its newest-generation six-speed automatic transmission, as well as the completely new automated manual transmission Easytronic 3.0 giving enhanced, smoother responsiveness – the perfect way to affordably combine the comfort of an automatic with the efficiency of a manual. The new Easytronic 3.0 is available for just 575 euros more than the five-speed manual transmission, and in the 66 kW/90 hp Corsa 1.4 ecoFLEX, fuel consumption can be reduced down to 4.7 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle, equaling CO₂ emissions of 110 g/km. Start/Stop technology is always on board.

Top safety and best connectivity: IntelliLink and assistance systems

The Corsa’s high-quality cabin is also stylish, modern and trendsetting. The cleanly designed cockpit is organized around an eye-catching driver control center and the instrument panel fascia. The optionalIntelliLink infotainment system’s 7-inch color touchscreen is ideally located on the center stack between driver and front passenger. Opel’s award-winning infotainment system offers best connectivity opportunities, is compatible with Apple and Android devices and can be operated by voice command. Bluetooth and Siri Eyes Free can also be used. Several apps are available such as BringGo for navigation, as well as Stitcher and TuneIn for internet radio. Opel offers IntelliLink for Edition trim versions and above for just 300 euros.

The Corsa 5 introduces a host of driver assistance systems, many of which are unrivalled in its vehicle class. The bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights and cornering light impress with lower power consumption, longer service life and improved range, brightness and color intensity – a decisive plus for visibility and safety. Driving comfort is improved by the Advanced Park Assist that automatically steers during parking maneuvers. The Side Blind Spot Alert sensors have a range of three meters to the left and right of the vehicle, and also detect objects or other vehicles in the driver’s ‘blind spots’. Whenever another vehicle comes within range of the sensors, a warning LED illuminates in the relevant outside door mirror. The optional combined pack, comprising the up-level functionalities of Park Assist and Side Blind Spot Alert, is offered for just 580 euros.

Hill Start Assist comes as standard and maintains the brake function for about two seconds after the driver has taken his/her foot off the brake pedal. This prevents the Corsa from rolling back when starting on a slope or, for instance, when driving off from traffic lights or a parking spot on a hill. High-tech extras such as the optional Rearview Camera for 295 euros can also be integrated, and safety is increased thanks to new systems – such as the second-generation Opel Eye front camera with Road Sign Recognition, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, Following Distance Indication and Forward Collision Warning. To provide maximum safety, Forward Collision Warning uses an acoustic alert and a red, head-up warning that is projected into the windscreen as soon as the distance to the preceding vehicle car falls below the pre-set minimum distance. The standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System display warns the driver in the event of excessive pressure loss in one of the tires.

The new, speed-sensitive electric power steering features a new steering geometry and steering software calibration for more precise response and improved driving pleasure and comfort. A new standard feature that allows reduced steering effort at low speeds, the City mode is easily activated at the press of a button. The steering wheel, front seats and the ThermaTec windshield can all be heated to provide cozy warmth in the cabin and good visibility on cold days.