September 2008


Opel Corsa: Benchmark in its Class

  • Two separate models with distinctly different designs
  • 1.3 CDTI with 75 hp and 1.0 TWINPORT awarded ecoFLEX seal
  • 192 hp Corsa OPC and 150 hp Corsa GSi are top duo



Rüsselsheim. The Corsa boasts an exciting design, sporty contours, sophisticated chassis and a high-quality interior with feel-good ambience. It also features equipment exceptional for this class, such as curve and cornering light, a heated steering wheel, as well as the integrated bicycle carrier system “Flex-Fix”, which made its premiere in a production car with the Corsa. So it is no surprise that it was the top-selling car in its class in Germany in 2007. The bestseller is available in two distinctly different variants: the coupé-like three-door and family-friendly five-door models. The Corsa model line also boasts an attractive engine range and large selection of equipment. The dynamic top-of-the-line model is the Corsa OPC with a maximum speed of 225 km/h.

New in model year 2009

Until now, the 1.3 CDTI with 55 kW/75 hp was the only model in the Corsa range that carried the ecoFLEX badge, Opel’s seal for engines with particularly low fuel consumption and emissions. In the new model year, the 1.0 TWINPORT with 44 kW/60 hp joins the ecoFLEX family, underlining the fact that gasoline engines with Opel’s TWINPORT technology are exceptionally economical and low emission. All Corsa models from the entry-level version now feature pockets on the front seat backs (except OPC). The Corsa Cosmo boasts chrome door sills with “Opel” engraved in them. The rear windows in the Corsa Sport, GSi and OPC (optional with Cosmo) are dark tinted, as are the tail lights on the Sport and GSi variants. The list of optional extras for the Corsa Edition and INNOVATION has been expanded with 16-inch alloy wheels in 7-spoke trapezoidal design. The Corsa OPC and Corsa with OPC Line Package 2 can be ordered in trendy Casablanca white exterior lacquer.

Design and packaging

The three-door Corsa’s body is stretched tautly over its technology and has a coupé-like roof line. In the five-door model, the longer roof line and large windows spotlight the additional headroom and better visibility for rear passengers. Thanks to the long wheelbase and wide track, both Corsa versions offer plenty of room. Storage volume in the luggage compartment is 285 liters. If the rear seat back is folded down, transport capacity increases up to 700 liters, and to 1100 liters if the car is loaded to the roof.

The stylish interior features high-quality materials, and the turn buttons for climate control, radio and lighting are backlit. Piano-lacquer finish look on the center console, air vent rings and steering wheel spokes gives the Corsa a much higher class look and feel than is normally found in this vehicle class.

Passive safety

The consumer protection organization Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) awarded the Corsa five stars for passenger safety, as well as an excellent three stars for both child passenger and pedestrian protection. These ratings were achieved thanks to the torsionally rigid passenger cell with computer-calculated deformation zones and the ultra-high-strength steel sections in the doors. Restraint systems specifically adjusted to this setup include two-stage front airbags (front passenger airbag can be deactivated), side airbags in front (integrated into the seats in OPC variant), as well as the patented Pedal Release System (PRS), which protects the driver’s feet from serious injury. Front and rear head curtain airbags as well as active head restraints in front are standard in all versions above the Edition model. The ISOFIX system ensures optimal anchorage of child seats, while a visual and acoustic warning signal reminds drivers to fasten seat belts. The rapidly blinking brake light when ABS is activated helps prevent rear-end collisions.

Equipment and extras

Opel offers the Corsa in five equipment lines, plus the sporty GSi and OPC variants. Highlights include:
Corsa – Central locking, power exterior mirrors, height and reach-adjustable steering wheel, speed-dependent power steering, front and side airbags for driver and front passenger, fold-down rear seat back, height-adjustable driver’s seat, tinted heat-absorbing glazing, door-to-door lighting
Corsa Edition (in addition to Corsa) – Air conditioning, stereo CD-Radio CD 30, power windows in front, radio remote control central locking, head curtain airbags all around, active head restraints (front), split fold-down rear seat back, double luggage compartment floor
Corsa INNOVATION (in addition to Corsa Edition) – Halogen curve and cornering light, cruise control, on-board computer, stereo CD-Radio CD 30 MP3 with steering wheel remote control and input for external audio devices (Aux-in), 16-inch alloy wheels
Corsa Sport (in addition to Corsa Edition) – Sport chassis, sport seats in front, leather sport steering wheel, instruments in sport design, tinted rear windows and lights, Lighting package (illuminated glove compartment, backlit switches and displays, reading lamps), ESPPlus (for 1.7 CDTI), fog lamps, stereo CD-Radio CD 30 MP3 with steering wheel remote control and Aux-in, heated exterior mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels
Corsa Cosmo (in addition to Corsa Edition) – Leather steering wheel, Lighting package, ESPPlus (for 1.7 CDTI), fog lamps, stereo CD-Radio CD 30 MP3 with Aux-in and steering wheel remote controls, instruments in sport design, heated exterior mirrors, morrocana/fabric upholstery, chrome door sills with “Opel” engraving, 16-inch alloy wheels
Corsa GSi (in addition to Corsa Sport) – ESPPlus (can be switched off), OPC Line Package 1 (front and roof spoiler, rear apron lip, side sills, chrome tailpipe), black sport seats with red side supports, black/red sport leather steering wheel, red safety belts, aluminum sport pedals, 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 tires
Corsa OPC (in addition to Corsa Sport) − Front and rear aprons in OPC design, roof spoiler, dark contrasting diffuser, centrally located triangular tailpipe, specially designed exterior mirrors, ESPPlus (can be switched off), special sport chassis, 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 tires, flat-bottomed leather steering wheel, aluminum sport pedals, Recaro seats with integrated head restraints and side airbags

Thanks to a wide selection of options, every Corsa can be customized to meet each owner’s specific needs. Individual extras include an electrically operated panorama sunroof and the integrated rear carrier system “Flex-Fix”, which stows away into the rear bumper, can be easily pulled out when needed and carries up to two bicycles. For additional comfort and safety, park pilot, run-flat tires and a mobile telephone console with Bluetooth interface and voice control are available. For top on-board infotainment, the Corsa can be ordered with an MP3-compatible stereo CD-Radio with Aux-in and DVD-supported navigation system.

Chassis and active safety

The fourth-generation Corsa is distinguished by excellent driving dynamics, thanks to its torsionally rigid body, front subframe and torsion-beam rear axle. The GSi and OPC variants have the same setup, but with a stronger rear axle profile and modified spring/dampener tuning. The newest-generation ABS and ESPPlus systems draw upon internally ventilated front disk brakes and boast further functions, such as brake assist, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), and brake control, which are activated when needed. All diesel-powered Corsas, as well as the 1.4 automatic and 1.6 turbo variants, feature variable power steering that makes maneuvering even easier. The Corsa Sport, GSi and OPC offer steering with a variable progressive feedback curve. Combined with the agile chassis layout, it conveys a pronounced sports car-like feel.

Engines and transmissions

The Corsa’s engine line-up comprises five gasoline engines and three common-rail turbo-diesels − all with four-valve technology − with outputs ranging from 60 to almost 200 hp. The top-of-the-line unit is the 1.6-liter turbo with 110 kW/150 hp for the GSi and 141 kW/192 hp for the OPC. The 192 hp variant accelerates the Corsa OPC from zero to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. The most powerful diesel engine is the 1.7 CDTI with 92 kW/125 hp and a top speed of 195 km/h. Corsa variants with the 1.7 CDTI engine come with ESP as standard. Low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are also trademarks of modern Opel diesels: the 55 kW/75 hp 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX with long axle-drive ratio and five-speed manual gearbox requires just 4.5 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers, and emits just 119 g/km CO2. A diesel particulate filter is fitted as standard on all diesel variants. Innovative TWINPORT technology for gasoline engines also ensures high fuel efficiency. The Corsa 1.0 TWINPORT ecoFLEX, for example, needs only 5.6 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. In addition to the five and six-speed transmissions, as well as the automated Easytronic manual gearbox for the gasoline-powered Corsa 1.2 and more powerful 1.3 CDTI, a four-speed automatic transmission is also available for the Corsa 1.4.

Quality and economic efficiency

The Corsa meets the highest standards in quality, reliability and service life. Its repair-friendly design allows for extremely favorable insurance premiums, while the long service intervals and reduced scope of required maintenance help minimize operating costs. Thanks to extensive car body galvanization, which Opel backs up with a 12-year anti-perforation warranty, the Corsa promises excellent value retention. A further customer benefit is Opel’s two-year new-car manufacturer's warranty for the Corsa that goes far beyond the mandatory guarantee.

Opel Corsa: Facts and figures

Timeline

  • July 2006: Production begins in Eisenach and Zaragoza/Spain
  • July 18, 2006: Start of sales in Europe
  • July 20, 2006: World premiere of the fourth-generation at the British International Motor Show
  • August 2006: Corsa awarded five stars for passenger protection in Euro NCAP crash tests
  • October 2006: Available at dealerships in Germany
  • March 2007: World premiere of Corsa OPC at Geneva Motor Show
  • June 2007: GSi premiere at Barcelona Motor Show
  • September 2007: Premiere of 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX at IAA in Frankfurt
  • December 2007: 500,000th Corsa registered in Europe
  • End 2007: Corsa is top-selling car in its class in Germany
  • January 2008: 10 millionth car celebration in Eisenach
  • February 2008: Introduction of INNOVATION equipment line
  • August 2008: Introduction of 1.0 TWINPORT ecoFLEX
  • August 2008: New special model “Limited Edition”


Highlights

  • First production car with integrated rear carrier system Flex-Fix
  • First vehicle in its class with optional halogen curve and cornering light, active head restraints and heated steering wheel
  • Sport variant is first vehicle in its segment with variable progressive power steering
  • October 2006: Comparison test victories in “Auto Zeitung” and “auto motor und sport”
  • November 2006: Automotive journalists elect Corsa “Topauto 2007”
  • December 2006: Eastern and Central European journalists vote Corsa “Autobest 2007”
  • Late 2006/Early 2007: Corsa voted “Car of the year” in Belgium, Denmark, United Kingdom, Croatia, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia
  • January 2007: Named best new supermini model by “ADAC motorwelt”
  • April 2007: Voted best supermini by “Autoflotte” automotive magazine
  • May 2008: Comparison test victory in “AUTOStraßenverkehr”
  • Most popular equipment variant in Germany in first half 2008: CATCH ME
  • Most popular engine in Germany in first half 2008: 1.2 TWINPORT
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