What's the news?
It's here - this is the Opel Karl, the GM subsidiary's third small car offering and the second model named after a founding father of the company, following in the footsteps of the Adam. The Karl will slot beneath both Adam and Corsa as the entry point into the Opel range.
Exterior
There's more than a hint of Corsa about the Karl's bodywork, although we're impressed with how tidy it looks in the metal. There are some neat touches, like the twin swage lines on the side, the 'blade' sweep lower down the doors and the upturned lower airdam for a 'happier face', apparently, although the styling is necessarily safe overall. It's just 3.68 metres long, making it compact. Ten exterior colours and wheels ranging from 14- to 16 inches will be available.
Interior
The cabin of the Korean-built Karl is simplistically functional, if we're being kind. It's by no means bad, as there are some design flourishes (like the piano black centre console trim and sculpted door cards in the front) that make it appealing, while there's plenty of space for larger adults with the seats in the right configuration, a decent boot out the back and a general lack of exposed metal on show. But the dash top does feel basic, while there's an obvious 'to a budget' appearance to the switchgear and console controls.
However, GM officials say the interior lacks soft-touch goodness because this is a value car, with the cockpit said to be 'durable and hard-wearing'. It's certainly not offensive in there and will hold its own in the A-segment, although admittedly it will be outclassed by rivals like the Hyundai i10 and the Volkswagen Group's up!/Mii/Citigo trio. What it does do, as an Opel hallmark, is put up plenty of equipment for the price, including IntelliLink infotainment, ESP with traction control, ABS with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Hill Start Assist, City mode steering and the option of upmarket toys like Park Assist, cruise control, heated seats and steering wheel, fog lights and Lane Departure Warning.
Mechanicals
Just one engine confirmed for now, a 75hp 1.0-litre three-cylinder Ecotec petrol unit, as seen in the Adam Rocks Air and Corsa. A five-speed manual gearbox channels drive to the front wheels, while the Karl is capable of up to 99g/km and 66mpg (4.3 litres/100km), depending on trim. The chassis and steering are said to have been 'developed to provide exceptional safety and class-leading comfort'.
Anything else?
So we bet you're wondering how this fits into an Opel world populated by the Adam and Corsa? Well, it's pretty tight down there. The Karl is the entry level to Opel's small cars offering, with just the 1.0-litre engine. Corsa actually comes next, despite the fact it has always been a B-segment hatch, with more trims and engine variants to choose from, while the Adam is ostensibly an A-segment machine, with Opel claiming the stylish Adam - with its wealth of personalisation options - is now the bridge between the small cars and the Astra above. The Karl's 'exceptional build quality and packaging will appeal to buyers looking for value, simplicity and a high degree of functionality' according to Opel.