Not too long ago, we reported that Opel had plans to launch a GSi-badged Corsa. And now the news has been confirmed, with the German automaker finally taking the wraps off its revived warm hatch.
Now owned by the PSA Group, Opel earlier this year confirmed that its sixth-generation Corsa hatchback would go into production in Zaragoza in 2019, so this warmed-up GSi model comes as something of a swansong for the outgoing generation. The GSi badge was, of course, last year revived for use on the Insignia.
Described as a “precise sports machine that becomes a cornering virtuoso thanks to its sports chassis fine-tuned on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring”, the new Corsa GSi will come in three-door configuration only. Opel says it borrows its sport chassis from the Corsa OPC, while the brakes feature red calipers.
Strangely, however, Opel has not mentioned what’s under the bonnet of its new Corsa GSi. Earlier reports, of course, speculated that the warm hatch would employ the brand’s 1,4-litre turbocharged four-pot, although it’s not yet known whether this engine will gain any more oomph than the 110 kW/220 N.m version currently doing duty in the Corsa Sport.
Still, the requisite styling cues are present and correct, from the gaping air intakes, cheeky rear spoiler, chunky side-sills and side-mirror caps in a carbon-look finish to the optional 18-inch light alloy wheels. Inside, the Corsa GSi can be specified with optional Recaro performance seats to match the standard sports steering wheel, leather gearshifter and aluminium sport pedals.
“We are continuing our long GSi tradition with the new Corsa GSi. There was already an especially sporty variant of the very first Corsa, which is a sought-after classic-to-be. Our latest athlete will set new standards in the segment with its OPC sports chassis,” said Peter Küspert, Opel managing director for sales and marketing.
Opel South Africa, which has been under new distributors from the start of 2018, has yet to indicate whether the revived Corsa GSi is destined for local shores…
