In March 2018, Opel confirmed plans to launch a new Corsa GSi, releasing a pair of images but not very much technical detail. Now, however, the Rüsselsheim-based brand has revealed a little more about its warmed-up hatchback.
Opel says the new Corsa GSi will be powered by a turbocharged 1,4-litre four-cylinder engine, directing 110 kW and 220 N.m to the front axle via a six-speed manual gearbox (so, the same configuration and output as the powertrain employed by the Corsa Sport already offered in South Africa, and by the Corsa S in Germany).
The Corsa GSi boasts the sport chassis from the OPC version, while the brakes feature the obligatory red callipers. A set of 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/40 R18 rubber will be optional.
While Opel describes the Corsa GSi as a “hot hatchback” (curiously, it even included the quotation marks in its press material), it’s not going to trouble traditional B-segment blasters such as the Ford Fiesta ST and Volkswagen Polo GTI, hitting 100 km/h from standstill in a relatively leisurely 8,9 seconds. That said, according to a recent report, the high-performance OPC moniker is tipped to survive, so we’re hoping a next-generation version of the Corsa wearing this badge is still on the cards.
Anyway, back to the Corsa GSi. Opel says it will sip at around 6,3 L/100 km, and top out at 207 km/h. The brand says its engineers “specifically optimised” the responsiveness of the engine “for great driving fun on winding country roads”. Furthermore, Opel promises that the turbocharged engine and its “short-ratio” gearbox will deliver “outstanding punch in second and third gears”.
