The new Opel Corsa made its debut earlier today. This is the sixth generation of Opel’s small hatchback to be launched worldwide. The new model will reportedly be introduced into the SA market late in 2020.

Larger and lightweight

The new Opel Corsa has grown fractionally over its predecessor. More importantly, it has lost a great deal of mass, up to 10 per cent, depending on the specification. The lightest version tips the scales at less than 1 000 kg; excluding driver, the five-door weighs only 980kg.

Engineers attacked every aspect of the newcomer looking for mass-savings. Opel has constructed a body-in-white that is around 40 kg lighter. Compact three-cylinder engines weigh around 15 kg less than the four-cylinder units of the previous generation. Adopting an aluminium bonnet also saves 2,4 kg in. A new seat structure saves another 10 kg.

Peugeot partner

Opel was bought by the Peugeot/Citroen Group a few years ago. As a result, the engines (and interior) in the new Opel Corsa range mirror those of its stablemates. You can see and read about the Peugeot 208 at this link.

The range is kicked off with a petrol-fed 1,2-litre three-cylinder motor of varying outputs. The entry-level version is powered by a naturally aspirated 55 kW engine; when fitted with a turbocharger this engine can be tuned to deliver 74 kw/205 N.m or 96 kW/230N.m. In both instances at least 95 per cent of maximum torque is developed between 1 500 and 3 500 r/min.

The 55 kW entry-level engine is fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox as standard. If you opt for the 74 kW powerplant buyers can choose from a six-speed manual or a smooth eight-speed automatic. The latter offers drivers the option to shift gears via paddles the on the steering wheel. The top-of-the-line, 96 kW 1,2-litre engine is mated solely with the eight-speed automatic transmission.

Those three petrol engines are joined by a 1,5-litre diesel with 75 kW and maximum torque of 250 N.m. This oil-burning unit is said to have a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 3,3-3,2 L/100km. There will also be an electrified version of the new Opel Corsa, referred to as the Corsa E. We don’t expect this model to be introduced to the SA market.