Revamped Opel Corsa Roars into the Middle East & Africa
The latest Opel Corsa is making its debut, boasting a more contemporary, tech-savvy, and diverse design. This best-selling small car recently took the stage at Munich's 2023 IAA Mobility event. It showcased its fresh look, highlighted by the distinctive Opel Vizor brand fascia upfront and a boldly positioned nameplate at the rear. Excitingly, the Opel Corsa is set to hit the Middle East & Africa markets starting in October 2023.
The driving experience is elevated with state-of-the-art technologies. An optional fully digital cockpit powered by the Qualcomm Technologies Snapdragon Cockpit Platform introduces an intuitive infotainment system featuring vibrant touchscreens, some reaching up to 10 inches in size. Building on its success, the Corsa now features an enhanced Intelli-Lux LED Matrix Light, comprising 14 LED elements for glare-free illumination.
Under the hood, the Corsa Electric offers more power, thanks to an upgraded motor and a new battery that extends its range to an impressive 405 kilometres in the WLTP cycle. Additionally, the Corsa is set to become Opel's first model with a 48-volt hybrid system.
Completing the line-up are highly efficient combustion engines, including a 75 HP (75kw) 1.2 gasoline engine with a manual 5-speed transmission, a 100 HP (73kw) 1.2 Turbo gasoline engine with a manual 6-speed transmission, a 130 HP (95kw) 1.2 Turbo gasoline engine with an automatic six or 8-speed transmission, and a 110 HP (80kw) 1.5 Diesel engine with a manual 6-speed transmission. With this range of powertrains, the new Corsa offers an unmatched selection to cater to diverse customer preferences.
The Corsa and Corsa Electric come generously equipped with various technologies and driver assistance systems, including forward collision alert, lane-keep assist, and drowsiness alert. Enhanced safety features such as a flank guard and a high-resolution panorama rearview camera are also available. The modern and stylish design of the new Corsa, featuring the Opel Vizor at the front and a prominently placed nameplate, further enhances its appeal.
For those seeking an electric, emissions-free driving experience, there are two all-electric options: one with 115 kW/156 hp and a range of up to 405 kilometres and the other with 100 kW/136 hp and an extended range of up to 357 kilometres (WLTP). Both Corsa Electric versions deliver enjoyable driving with 260 Newton meters of maximum torque from a standstill.
In addition to standard equipment, the electric versions feature a digital driver information centre, Multimedia Radio (compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), automatic climate control, a 7.4 kW onboard charger, regenerative braking, a heat pump, and 16-inch "Diamond Cut" light alloy wheels.
The Corsa's interior is designed to create a modern and comfortable atmosphere, with the standout feature being the optional fully digital cockpit with new infotainment options. Notably, wireless smartphones compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can now be seamlessly connected and charged wirelessly through the Multimedia system.
The arrival of the new Opel Corsa sounds delightful; however, let us see how it looks in the metal first.
Also worth a look: the Opel Corsa and the Opel Corsa: Germany's Favourite Small Car Goes Electric.
FAQ
Q: What does the new Opel Corsa cost in South Africa?
The revamped Opel Corsa starts from around R389,900 for the base 1.2-litre model, while the range-topping Corsa Electric will set you back approximately R649,900, making it a competitive option in the premium small car segment.
Q: Is the Opel Corsa Electric worth buying over petrol models?
The Corsa Electric delivers 405km range and costs about R260,000 more than the base petrol model, but you'll save roughly R2,500 monthly on fuel costs, making it worth considering if you drive over 15,000km annually.
Q: How reliable is the new Opel Corsa compared to other small cars?
The new Corsa benefits from Stellantis engineering and comes with a 5-year/120,000km warranty, putting it on par with rivals like the Polo and Clio for long-term reliability and peace of mind.
Q: What's the fuel consumption of the Opel Corsa 1.2 Turbo?
The 1.2 Turbo engine delivers approximately 5.8 litres per 100km in combined driving, which translates to roughly R1,400 monthly fuel costs for average South African driving patterns.
Q: Does the Opel Corsa have good safety features for South African roads?
Yes, the Corsa comes standard with forward collision alert, lane-keep assist, and optional features like flank guard and panorama rearview camera, earning it strong safety credentials for our challenging road conditions.
Should You Buy It?
The best premium small car under R400,000 in South Africa is the new Opel Corsa, and yes, you should seriously consider buying it. At R389,900 for the entry-level model, it undercuts the Volkswagen Polo Comfortline by R15,000 while offering superior tech features like the optional 10-inch touchscreen and Intelli-Lux LED Matrix lights. The 1.2 Turbo at R459,900 delivers excellent value with 73kW of power and a slick 6-speed manual, making it our pick of the range for most buyers. If you've got R649,900 to spend and do serious mileage, the Corsa Electric's 405km range makes it the smartest electric small car choice in SA right now. Skip it only if you need more boot space or prefer the sportier driving dynamics of a Ford Fiesta ST.
