There’s always a spot of wariness when a motor manufacturer releases a new variant with a ‘Sport’ badge tacked to its tail, especially when it proves to be the Corsa 1,4T Sport; the firms current halo model and stop-gap between its workaday staples and the hooligan OPC.
But Opel has claimed that there’s more than just a badge and a bump up in spec at play here, citing extensive chassis and suspension reworkings and a tuned version of its widely applied 1,4-litre turbopetrol as the most . We took a drive through some of the most engaging passes in the Outeniqua/Oudschoorn region to see what the new apex Corsa is all about.
Subtly sporty
Opel was never going to let the Sport steal any of the OPC’s aesthetic thunder and, consequently, the cosmetic treatments have been somewhat low-key. Externally, the OPC_Line styling kit comprises extended sills and bumpers, a more pronounced exhaust finisher and carbon-fibre-effect coatings for the wing mirrors and central grille louvre. The Sport rolls on a set of 17-inch anthracite-shaded alloy wheels shod with 215/45 R17 rubber.
OPC-derived touches, including a flat-bottomed sports steering wheel, OPC gearknob and handbrake, and metal pedal boots are among the highlights of an otherwise familiar, solidly built Corsa cabin.
Beneath the skin
While the cosmetic alterations are subtle, Opel caims to have applied a raft of changes to both drive- and powertrain setups. The 1,4-litre turbopetrol has been lifted from the likes of the Astra and Mokka, where it develops 103 kW/200 N.m, and given a bump up to 110 kW and 220 N.m.
Revisions have also been made to the front suspension, with a lower ride height, stiffer front spring rates geared more towards reining in body roll and improving understeer behaviour.
But do these changes befit the Sport monicker?
On the road
Scything along the likes of Outeniqua and Robinson Passes, the Sport proved a fairly nimble and likeable little thing.
The engine spools up briskly, getting you into the meat of that 3 000 r/min turbo sweet spot in no time, and feels torquey enough to prove reasonably entertaining. It’s just a shame that, like most small turbo engines, any semblance of sporty exhaust drub is slurped away by the blower, making the car sound rather ordinary; even when driven in anger.
Although the gearshift still exhibits a slightly rubbery feel that isn’t conducive to rushed changes that seems to be an Opel calling card, it’s still pleasantly short and precise in its action.
Like the standard car the Sport still feels a little bit lofty in its stance and there is noticeable, but not unnerving, body lean under hard cornering. The steering, although possessed of reasonable weight, is not that communicative. Combined with driver aids (traction control, stability control) that are called on with only mild provocation, it fits in with the car’s fairly entertaining but ultimately forgiving proviso.
Most of the roads on which we drove were of the typically unbroken but slightly rippled topography encountered in the southern Cape, and didn’t overly challenge the springs. That said, the ride proved reasonably supple on less forgiving sections, although coarse surfaces did kick up some noticeable tyre roar into the otherwise quiet and solidly constructed cabin.
Kit bag
Given its near-R260 000 asking price and (present) halo placement in the new Corsa lineup, the Sport’s standard specification is pretty generous. Among the niceties are; (deep breath) auto lights and wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror, LED daytime running lights, electric windows and mirrors, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone navigation and app integration, air-conditioning, reverse camera with park assist, cruise control, bi Xenon headlamps with cornering control.
A R5 000 option pack adds blind-side alert and automated parking assist.
Verdict
Those expecting an OPC-lite experience will be all too aware that a yawning gap is present between this car and its heavyweight-hitting brother. But approach the Sport for what it is – a warmed-up version of an already capable B-segment hatch – and there’s lots to like. The cosmetic treatments may be a tad too subtle for some, but the Sport manages to add a touch of zest to the Corsa lineup before the new OPC’s arrival here before year-end.
