Until now, the Corsa’s powerplant offering was something of a polar affair comprising a brace of naturally aspirated 1,4’s with modest outputs separate by a yawning chasm on the other side of which sat the hooliganly OPC.
Opel plans to bridge that gap by slotting a new 1,4 turbopetrol engine under the hood and beefing up the standard spec. I spent a weekend a 400 km with an example to see if these additions make a meaningful change.
Welcome shove
Having sampled the previous crop of rather ponderous 1,4s I have to say that the new engine is a palpable improvement. The new engine’s 88 kW/175 N.m outputs representing increases of 14 kW and 45 N.m over the non-turbo units, respectively, make themselves especially evident at motorway speeds where it responds crisply to throttle inputs, even pulling cleanly between 100 and 130 km/h in top gear, making overtaking less of a gamble.
Low-speed driving does nothing to dent this engine’s appeal, either. The gear ratios feel well spaced and there’s no lack of low-end urgency. Turbocharging also seems to have tamed the coarse engine note usually associated with GM’s family of Ecotec engines.
The start/stop, despite being one of the first buttons I prod before setting off, isn’t too obtrusive and the gearshift continues to exhibit that typical Opel paradox of managing to be both mechanical and rubbery in its action. Opel claims a combined fuel consumption of 5,5 litres/100 km, which is on par with that of the non-turbo models.
Dynamics
Although a budget-friendly B-segment hatchback is probably the last place you’ll go looking for thrills, the Opel Corsa 1,4 Turbo Enjoy is by no means a dynamic dullard. The steering has a pleasant feel that hits a sweet spot between light enough for town pottering and sufficiently weighted so as not to become wafty at higher speeds. There’s some body roll but it isn’t disconcerting and the ride is well damped and ably counters all but the nastier road scars.
Inside story
If there’s one area where the Corsa is really showing its age, it has to be up front. There’s no faulting the material quality, the plastics feel of a good standard and the mixed bag of roads I traverse between Cape Town, Hermanus and Caledon didn’t unearth any rattles. The facia is a bit of a dog’s dinner, though. The host of small, poorly labelled buttons scattered about the centre console are far from user friendly and combine with a brace of somewhat garish illuminated dials and circular airvents that just don’t mesh with the otherwise pleasant and understated surrounds.
Although rear legroom is pinched there is still a feeling of spaciousness aided by a windscreen that sits almost a metre away from the driver and ample side glazing with low sills. NVH is well suppressed and there’s ample seat and steering wheel adjustment to suit most frames but long distances will had me wishing for some additional lumbar support.
A little bit more kit
Engine and start/stop aside, the extras don’t constitute a quantum leap over the Essentia model. It includes body-coloured exterior bits, 16-inch wheels, ABS all round with brake assist and some subtle model-specific interior. Thankfully, the Essentia standard spec (electric front windows and mirrors, air-con, remote central locking with alarm, radio/CD/MP3/USB audio system with Bluetooth and steering wheel controls, ABS with EBD and brake assist, dual airbags among the number) is fairly generous. Windy windows out back are the omission that might irk some folks.
Same old face
Aesthetically, there’s not much to write home about. The Corsa is something of a ubiquitous sight on our roads, but taking in our test unit, which was yellower than a cowardly canary coated in custard, brings home the fact that metallic hues flatter what’s largely a tidy looking little car.
Conclusion
Although the performance on offer isn’t really befitting of the ‘Turbo’ decals taped to its tail, there’s an appreciable improvement in performance that makes this particular model a pleasant drive. While there’s something inherently charming about the Corsa, it isn’t ground breaking, nor does it bristle with much more spec than its peers, but with this car you get the impression of there being ‘just enough’ to make it a wholly pleasant proposition. Although its power and torque largely bests those of its rivals, it occupies a price point uncomfortably close to the solid, classy Polo 1,4 Comfortline and the more polished Fiesta 1,4 Trend. It’s the classic ‘nice guy’ scenario; he’s agreeable enough, capable enough and generally likeable but he’ll dissolve into the background when more alluring, imposing folk saunter into the room. And that’s a real shame.
Specifications
Model: Opel Corsa 1,4 Turbo Enjoy
Engine: 1,4-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol
Power: 88 kW at 4 800 r/min
Torque: 175 N.m at 1 750 r/min
0-100 km/h: 10,3 seconds
Fuel consumption: 5,5 l/100 km
CO2: 129 g/km
Top speed: 196 km/h
Price: from R195 400
Service plan: 3 year/60 000 km