General Motors Europe has lifted the covers off its new Opel/Vauxhall Corsa which will make its world public debut at the British International Motor Show in London in July.
Go deeper with GlobalData
It’s an important new model which is destined to be a staple of entry level private buyers, driving schools, company and rental fleets across Europe and may also spawn updates of models based on older Corsa generations built in South America.
The new Corsa will mostly be sold as an Opel, and as a Vauxhall in the UK, and may possibly carry Chevrolet badges in some markets. But it will not appear as a Holden in Australia or New Zealand, as did previous Corsa generations, as those countries now source the Kalos model line from GM-Daewoo in Korea and rebadge that as their Barina.
The fourth generation of Opel’s popular model, which has sold more than 9.4 million units in Europe since 1982, will be available at dealerships across the continent in October 2006.
Like the latest Astra three-door, the new three-door Corsa has a slimline stretched silhouette and coupé-like roofline. It is 3,990mm long, 1,710mm wide and 1,490mm tall on a 2511 mm wheelbase with tracks of 1473mm and 1458mm respectively.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataOpel said that the interior is more spacious with a wider choice of colours and trims and “clever” new storage ideas.
The platform is new with optional electronic stability program (ESP) with enhanced understeering control (EUC), braking at all four wheels if required; ABS with cornering brake control (CBC) as standard; brake assist; and the Corsa is also first in class to have variable progressive sports power steering. A lowered ‘sports’ suspension and 17-inch wheels will be optional.
Launch engines are three petrol and two common-rail turbo-diesel engines with 1.0- to 1.4-litre displacement, and output from 60 to 90 hp; four-valve technology.
A new 125hp 1.7 CDTI with standard DPF (diesel particulate filter) will become available later and all the petrol engines have Opel’s fuel-saving Twinport technology.
DPF – a rare feature in the small displacement class – will also be available for the 1.3-litre diesel engines
New technology will include halogen adaptive forward lighting, an “innovative” infotainment programme, CD or DVD-ROM navigation systems, radio/CD-player with MP3, mobile telephone with voice control and Bluetooth connection, including networking for future mobile phone generations, and run flat tyres.
Other options will allow driver’s preferences to be stored, including new electronically-controlled personal settings, such as automatically selectable presets for the climate control and infotainment systems, and also extend to such items as an electrically heated steering wheel and panorama sun roof.
Graeme Roberts
