The time of renewal has arrived for Opel’s most popular supermini, which, having undergone the necessary aesthetic renewal and electronic upgrade, is offered to the consumer in a range with gasoline engines known for their performance, while at the same time it is also available in a fully electric version with increased autonomy. Soon the new Opel Corsa will also be available in 48 V mild hybrid versions.
“The new Opel Corsa is here – more modern and more complete than ever” we read in OPEL’s press release and the truth is that the little best seller, which made its first public appearance two months ago, at the International Exhibition “Mobility” of Munich, is offered to the prospective buyer with a number of interesting improvements. To avoid misunderstandings, we must clarify that this is not a completely new generation, but a renewed model – and this renewal is evident in the photos you see. On the outside, therefore, we notice that the renewed Opel Corsa now wears the well-known new Opel Visor mask that we already see on the other models of the company, while inside there are now larger and more impressive multimedia screens that change the look of the cockpit and signal the upgrade that the model underwent in the field of digital technology.
And if we would like to dwell on other details of an aesthetic nature, we should mention the new pattern on the seat covers and the gear lever and the newly designed steering wheel, all elements that contribute to the creation of this atmosphere.
However, here, inside, the fully digital cockpit with the new infotainment system and 10-inch color touchscreen is sure to impress. As we read in the relevant update, “Qualcomm Technologies’ integrated Snapdragon Cockpit platform features upgraded graphics, multimedia and artificial intelligence (AI) features, offering a more complete and up-to-date content that constantly collects information from the environment and evolves.”
Note that the navigation system offers connected services, while natural speech recognition is also available with the command “Hey Opel” (we don’t know about the Greek language, of course) and over-the-air updates. Of course, the possibility of wirelessly connecting a compatible smartphone to the multimedia system is offered, via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as the possibility of wireless charging.
Under the front hood, the new Opel Corsa now offers a choice of drive systems that include pure battery electric versions, hybrid proposals, as well as highly efficient internal combustion engines with outputs from 55 kW/75 hp to 96 kW/130 hp.
While as in its original launch, in 2019, the German supermini is again available in a fully electric version, the Opel Corsa Electric – with the difference that it now offers a choice: prospective customers can choose between fully electric drive systems: a) one with the new 115 kW/156 hp electric motor and a range of up to 405 km and b) one with the proven 100 kW/136 hp option with an improved range, which now reaches up to 357 km (WLTP2).
The two electric Opel Corsa have the same top speed of 150 km/h (electronically limited), while for the 0-100 km/h, with the 156 hp engine, 8.1 seconds are enough (8.7” for the version of 100kW/136hp). Note that the battery of the new Corsa Electric can recover up to 80% of its capacity in less than 30 minutes at a 100 kW direct current (DC) fast charging station. While in addition to the built-in charger (AC) of 7.4 kW, a three-phase charger with a power of 11 kW is optionally available. Opel also offers the Universal charger, for connection to almost all types of domestic or industrial supplies, as well as public charging stations throughout the country.
In addition, the new Opel Corsa will be the first model from the German manufacturer to be offered with 48V mild hybrid technology. The system includes a lithium-ion battery and a 1.2-liter petrol engine with either 74 kW/100 hp or 100 kW/136 hp, mated to an electronically controlled dual-clutch transmission and an electric motor. Depending on driving conditions, the petrol engine and electric motor work together or separately to reduce energy consumption and optimize performance. Opel does not assure us that compared to corresponding, non-electrified versions, the new Corsa Hybrid can offer approximately 15% lower fuel consumption, as in urban areas, it is estimated that up to 50% of routes can be covered with zero emissions pollutants.
The small best seller is already in Opel showrooms throughout Greece, where interested customers can get to know it up close and drive it. The prices of the new Corsa start from €17,900 for the Edition 1.2 / 75hp version with manual transmission. The hybrid versions of the new Corsa are expected on the Greek market in the 1st quarter of 2024.
