Bold new styling, a more powerful engine, a completely reworked suspension and power-assisted steering make the latest Opel Corsa range the most sophisticated small car ever built in Delta Motor Corporation’s state-of-the-art factory in Struandale, Port Elizabeth.
Not only do the new models build on the success of the current Corsa range, but they also provide new levels of vehicle dynamics, safety, styling and product features for cars in this class.
"Based on the Corsa’s growing popularity, and in response to customer requirements with Delta’s on-going commitment to meet these expectations, we have undertaken to continually offer improvements to the products," said John Cuming, Delta’s Sales and Marketing Director.
Extensive engineering work has resulted in great advances in the areas of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), making the Corsa a small car with big-car qualities.
From the front, a new hood, front bumper and grill give the new Corsa a wider, more aggressive look. Rear tail light clusters have also been redesigned to complement the curvaceous bodywork.
The Corsa four-door sedan models now carry "Classic" badging to match the nomenclature of the new Opel Astra. In addition, all Opel Corsa Classic models are fitted with a stylish boot spoiler.
Fuel-injected 1,4 litre engines have replaced the 1,3 litres previously used. Maximum power has increased from 58 kW at 6 400 r/min to 65 kW at the same engine speed, while maximum torque is up from 105 Nm at 3 000 r/min to 112 Nm at 2 800 r/min.
Close-ratio gearboxes and revised final drive make the new Corsa a more relaxed car to drive at speed over long distances.
The power and torque of the 1,6 litre engine with fuel injection and 1,7 litre diesel powerplant remain unchanged, but they also benefit from significant engineering changes. This includes a new rear engine mounting, which has been developed by Opel in Germany to reduce the transfer of mechanical vibrations to the body.
Another major modification is a cast aluminium sump to form a structural element bolted between the engine and gearbox. A flexible stainless steel exhaust compensator further reduces vibration and significantly increases the life of the muffler.
The new Corsa suspension is the result of intensive tests conducted by a cross-functional team of Delta engineers, engineers from a shock absorber company, as well as independent automotive engineering consultants.
They used the high-speed and very tricky dynamic handling track at Gerotek outside Pretoria in search of the right combination of perfect roadholding and ride comfort, with special emphasis on sharp responses to drivers’ demands through the power-assisted steering. Rough, undulating roads in the Eastern Cape were used to evaluate ride characteristics.
In the new generation Opel Corsa, variable progressive rate rear springs have replaced the linear rate units, while the stabiliser bar gained 1 mm in diameter from 13 to 14 mm. In front, a 21 mm stabiliser bar is used instead of the 18 mm diameter in the previous range.
Front and rear shock absorbers have been specially re-valved and gas-filled to suit the new suspension settings. This means lower shock absorber resistance, but with increased rebound for sharper responses.
All of these changes have resulted in improved steering feel and handling, a fine ride and better directional stability. Ride comfort is significantly better, without sacrificing handling.
A special noise and vibration package was developed for the new generation Opel Corsa. This includes heat-fusible pads in the roof, rear quarter panels, doors and floor, as well as an added under-carpet insulator.
To counter wind noise at high speeds, an additional door seal has been added to 1,6 litre models in the new Opel Corsa range.
"Since its South African introduction in October 1996, we have continuously adapted and improved the Opel Corsa. These latest changes, however, makes it notably better than ever.
I believe the Opel Corsa is indeed the right car at the right time. The label `A Car for the New Generation’ fits well for its advanced technology, comfort and interior space normally found in much bigger and more expensive cars.
"The Corsa’s superiority in every major automotive aspect makes it the ideal choice for discerning buyers in this class"said John Cuming. "