While General Motors SA already has diesel versions of its Corsa saloon and pick-up derivatives available, it has added a 1,7-litre diesel engine to the popular hatchback range.While General Motors SA already has diesel versions of its Corsa saloon and pick-up derivatives available, it has added a 1,7-litre diesel engine to the popular hatchback range.
The five-door Corsa Hatch 1,7 DTi’s power is supplied by an advanced small diesel engine with electronic control. Direct fuel injection, monitored by the Electronic Diesel Control (EDC) unit, offers a 15 to 20 per cent improvement in fuel consumption over indirect injection engines.
The throttle is electronically controlled by a fly-by-wire system offering improved driveability and accelerator pedal sensation. The engine CPU also controls exhaust gas recirculation for improved emission control and the turbo boost pressure, which is limited to 0,9 bar.
Maximum power is 55 kW at 4 400 r/min, while maximum torque is 145 N.m available between 1 800 and 3 000 r/min. The car requires services at every 15 000 km without an intermediate oil change. Opel claims that this hatchback can achieve a fuel consumption of 4,7 litres per 100 km.
“The operating efficiencies and refinement offered by today’s modern small diesel engines make them a very attractive alternative, especially in the light of continued upward pressure on fuel prices,” said GMSA sales and marketing director Malcolm Gauld.
“The swing to diesel power in small vehicles, and the success of these vehicles in the market is nowhere more apparent than in our experience with our Corsa pick-up and the Corsa Classic 1,7 DTi.
“Based on this experience, and ongoing research that shows a growing trend towards diesel engined vehicles, GMSA has a programme to extend its representation in the diesel market in South Africa. General Motors, through its Opel and Isuzu divisions, has access to world leading diesel technology and it is this technology that we are making more accessible to South African buyers through a wider diesel powered passenger vehicle range. The latest product in this range is the Corsa Hatch 1,7 DTi with its Elegance specification level.”
Standard specification at Elegance level includes electric power steering, remote central locking, driver and passenger airbags, power windows, air conditioning, radio/CD player and a height adjustable driver’s seat.