What's the news?
Following the earlier reveal of its first all-electric model, the new Opel Corsa range grows with the debut of diesel and petrol versions. It is the sixth generation of Corsa and the first for Opel following the company's takeover by the PSA Group that also includes Citroen, DS Automobiles and Peugeot.
The design of the new Corsa moves to a two-box shape. As with many of the latest superminis, the Corsa will now only be available as a five-door. Buyers will have a choice of different specifications to choose from, including a sporty looking GS Line version. Along with the visual improvements, the Corsa will feature some technology previously only seen in Opel's larger cars, such as adaptive IntelliLux LED matrix headlights, which will provide higher levels of illumination at night and can do so without dazzling other road users.
Opel has made extensive use of lighter materials to keep the Corsa's weight down. In its lightest form, it tips the scales at 980kg, providing positive knock-on effects for fuel consumption and emissions. The choice of engines available should help buyers to capitalise on the efficiency gains the car is claimed to provide. An entry-grade 1.2-litre petrol engine with 75hp kicks off the offering and, crucially for cost-sensitive buyers, helps to keep costs down thanks to CO2 emissions of just 93g/km.
What should be more fun to drive, and more popular with buyers, is the turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. The all-aluminium unit has a power output of 100hp that should be quite sufficient for the majority of drivers. Opel says that this version of the Corsa consumes 4.2 litres/100km, although that figure isn't under the more realistic WLTP cycle. CO2 emissions are between 121- and 137g/km according to WLTP. For the more powerful 130hp version of this engine, combined consumption is 4.5 litres/100km (NEDC) and emissions are 127- 144g/km (WLTP) depending on specifications.
Joining the petrol engines is a single 1.5-litre diesel producing 102hp and 250Nm of torque. Opel is quoting low CO2 emissions of 104- to 122g/km for this. It will feature a NOx absorber, AdBlue injection, SCR catalyst and a diesel particulate filter to help reduce tailpipe pollution. The range of transmission options will include five- and six-speed manuals and an eight-speed automatic.
Anything else?
The Opel Corsa is due to arrive in Irish showrooms before the end of 2019, while pricing and exact specifications are scheduled to be confirmed ahead of that time. Those holding out for the electric Corsa-e will have to wait slightly longer, as that isn't due to arrive until the first quarter of 2020.
In the meantime, you can get a flavour for what the next Corsa will be like to drive by reading our prototype review here.