The brand new Opel Corsa range is to be launched in South Africa towards the end of 2002. CARtoday.com takes a sneak peek at what we can expect.
The brand new Opel Corsa range is to be launched in South Africa towards the end of 2002. We take a sneek peak at what we can expect.
As CARtoday.com predicted early this year, South African Corsas will most probably be a combination of Brazilian styling and European engines. The rumours were started by these pictures, sent to us from Brazil by Eduardo de Cerqueira M da Costa.
The Brazilian restyling job (performed on the all-new European model) has given the Corsa a chunkier, Astra-like look. A Classic model will again be part of the model mix and the current Lite is likely to continue.
Although the exact engine line-up is not clear at this stage, the inclusion of the 1,4-litre 16v Ecotec engine seems a dead cert. With a maximum power output of 66 kW, the 1,4-litre Corsa should top 180 km/h, accelerate to 100 km/h in about 11,5 seconds and sip fuel at the rate of 7,2 litres per 100 km.
In Europe, the (Euro-styled) Corsa can also be had with an entry-level one-litre 12v ECOTEC engine, which reaches 100km/h in only 17 seconds, while needing only 5,6 litres of fuel for 100km of travel. It offers 43 kW power and a top speed of 155 km/h.
Other derivatives include a 55 kW, 1,2-litre 16v derivative that sprints to 100 km/h in 13 seconds, and goes on to a top speed of 170 km/h. Fuel economy is excellent, with the little Corsa using just 6,3 litres per 100 km.
The current top model on sale in Europe is powered by a 92 kW 1,8-litre Ecotec engine. Top speed is 202 km/h and the 0-100 km/h blitz is completed in nine seconds. It uses 7,9 litres per 100 km.
Two diesel models are on offer in Europe, a 1,7 Di and a 1,7 DTi 16v.
The 1,7DTi Turbodiesel – fitted with Intercooler – boasts a maximum torque figure of 165 N.m and a 55 kW power output – seven kW higher than the Di. It has a top speed of 170km/h.
The Di has a top speed of 162km/h, through a power output of 48 kW and a torque of 130 N.m.
Take a look at the pictures and tell us what you think.
Meanwhile, In Europe Opel has added a new model to its low-consumption “Eco” line-up. The new Corsa Eco consumes only 4,9 liters of petrol per 100 kilometres (MVEG combined cycle) and sets new standards for low CO2 emissions, at only 118 grams per kilometre.
“Like the Astra Eco 4, this new version of the Corsa illustrates Opel’s policy of making advanced technologies available to as many customers as possible at an acceptable price,” Technical Director Hans Demant said. The Corsa Eco sells in Germany for the same list price as the Corsa 1.0 Easytronic: 11 250 Euro (recommended retail price including German value added tax), which equates to roughly R110 000.
There are two- and four-door body styles and air conditioning is available.
The Corsa Eco has its origins in economy-car studies, like the 1995 Corsa 3 and the G90 that was exhibited in 1999, which were built in order to demonstrate what was technically feasible, explains Martin Holzhofer. “But because it is a production car we avoided the use of exotic materials which would have only forced up the price. As a result, as many of our customers as possible can reap the benefits of intelligent fuel-saving technologies – and in the long run this is surely the best way to protect the environment.”
Opel says at this stage there are no plans to bring the Eco to South Africa.